Chase A. Scolnick

Partner

T: 949.476.8700
F: 949.476.0900
cscolnick@kelleranderle.com

vCard
Linkedin

PRACTICE AREAS
Trials
Commercial Litigation
Securities
Insurance Recovery/Bad Faith
White Collar Criminal Defense
Legal Malpractice

EDUCATION
University of San Diego School of Law, J.D.; Mock Trial Competition Winner, Honors Moot Court Finalist

Central Michigan University, B.A., Spanish, cum laude

University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Coursework in International Human Rights

State Bar of California

State Bar of New York

District of Columbia Bar (inactive)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; United States District Courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California; and Southern and Eastern Districts of New York

Co-Chair of Lawyer Representatives from the Central District of California to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference (2023-2025)

Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representative (2018-2023)

Orange County Bar Association

Federal Bar Association, Board of Directors, Orange County Chapter (2018-2024)

Federal Bar Association, Secretary, Orange County Chapter (2021-2022)

Federal Bar Association, Treasurer, Orange County Chapter (2022-2023)

Federal Bar Association, President Elect, Orange County Chapter (2023-2024)

Association of Business Trial Lawyers

Trial Law Institute

Diversity Law Institute

Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, “Inside the Federal Criminal Justice System: a Discussion with the Bench and Bar,” panel moderator (2023)

William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court, “Anthony Rapp v. Kevin Spacey: A Back-to-Basics Success Story in a High Stakes, High Profile Media Jury Trial in a Federal Court in Manhattan,” presenter (2023)

Litigation Counsel of America Annual Conference, “Saving Spacey in the S.D.N.Y.,” presenter (2023)

Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, “Inside the Federal Criminal Justice System: A Discussion with Orange County Leaders in Federal Prosecution and Defense,” panel moderator (2022)

Federal Bar Association, Orange County, Los Angeles and Inland Empire Chapters, “Federal Criminal Practice in the Covid-19 Era: A Discussion Regarding the Pandemic’s Impact on Criminal Procedure in the Central District of California,” panel moderator (2020)

Riverside County Bar Association – Civil Litigation Section, “Making Complex Litigation Simple for Trial” (2020)

27th Annual National Seminar on Federal Sentencing,  “Sentencing Strategies Under the Amended Guidelines” (2018)

Federal Criminal Justice Act Seminar, Federal District of Indiana, “Strategically using the Federal Rules of Evidence to Admit Exculpatory Evidence” (2017)

National Senior Federal Defender Conference, “Using Federal Rule of Evidence 803(3) as the Cornerstone of Your Trial Practice” (2017)

Federal Defenders of San Diego, “Practical Tips for Closing Arguments in Jury Trials,” presented to new attorneys (2016)

Southern District of California, “Effective Evidentiary Hearing Litigation Strategies” (2016)

National Senior Federal Defender Seminar, “Sentencing Strategies in Synthetic Drug Cases” (2015)

Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, “Defending Non-citizen Clients Charged in Federal Court” (2012)

Central District of California, “Advanced Techniques in Cross-Examination” (2010)

Loyola Law School, guest lecturer for advanced trial advocacy class (2008-2010)

Southern District of California, “Effective Voir Dire in Criminal Cases,” (2006)

Southern District of California, “Defending Federal Border Crime Charges,” (2005)

Demonstrative Evidence: Tell and Show,” Jennifer Keller and Chase Scolnick, (Litigation Journal, American Bar Association, Spring 2021)
November 17, 2022 – Successful defense of Kevin Spacey was a case study in trial preparation – Daily Journal

October 20, 2022 – Closing Arguments – Kevin Spacey – Anthony Rapp Trial – Ana Chevalier

October 17, 2022 – Kevin Spacey testifies in his defense in civil trial – CNN

September 27, 2022 – Kevin Spacey Seeks to Limit Testimony of Expert Witness From Ghislaine Maxwell Case

October 2, 2021 – CNN “Bill Gross is in trouble for tormenting his neighbors with loud music — again”

October 1, 2021 – Business Insider “Billionaire Bill Gross found guilty of contempt in a harassment case with his neighbors involving a $1 million sculpture and the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ theme song”

October 1, 2021 – Bloomberg Wealth ” Bill Gross Found in Contempt of Court, Gets Suspended Jail Time

July 20, 2021 – Law 360 “Ericsson, TCL Settle Wireless Tech Patent Licensing Battle”

May 14, 2021 – New York Times “A Kevin Spacey Accuser Tried to Sue Anonymously. A Judge Said No.”

March 27, 2019 – Daily Journal CLAY Award profile – “Writing the legal blueprint for cities as it relates to sober-living homes”

September 5, 2015 – New York Daily News “Woman’s conviction for smuggling cocaine in luggage at JFK overturned”

March 27, 2015 – Fox News “Feds want case dropped against Afghan in Calif.”

August 20, 2013 – Brooklyn Eagle “Brooklyn federal judge finds stop-and-frisk of parolee illegal”

December 5, 2010 -Washington Post “Tension grows between Calif. Muslims, FBI after informant infiltrates mosque”

October 1, 2010 – LA Times “Federal prosecutors seek dismissal of perjury and fraud charges against Tustin man”

Spanish

“Chase is an exceptional strategist, communicator and trial lawyer. He is an aggressive, tough-as-nails litigator and advocate.”

- Mark Towfiq, President & CEO, TFT Holdings

“Brilliant lawyer and exceptional advocate in all settings. Hard-driving, strategic, aggressive and an outstanding communicator.”

- Richard Grad, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Litigation, MGA Entertainment

“Chase is an aggressive and brilliant trial lawyer. His ability to see different perspectives, give valuable advice and prepare his clients for what the experience will be like in court – is very helpful. I appreciated and was grateful for his focus and reading a room with such clarity.

But he is also a strong team member, studies cases with total dedication and somehow manages to never lose his sense of humor. He is not just an advocate, but he also extends himself as a friend.”

- Kevin Spacey

Chase Scolnick specializes in complex civil and criminal litigation. Having tried as lead counsel approximately fifty federal jury trials, Chase is among the most seasoned young trial attorneys in the United States.  He has also been one of the most successful.  In separate years, Chase led three of the nation’s largest federal districts in both defense trials and wins.  In 2017, Chase was the only defense attorney in the United States to receive the Federal Bar Association’s “Federal Younger Lawyer Award”—a prestigious national honor reserved for rising courtroom stars. Chase was also honored with a “2019 California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year [CLAY]” award for his role as co-lead counsel in Yellowstone Women’s First Sep House, Inc., et al. v. City of Costa Mesa.  Chase is a Fellow of the invitation-only Litigation Counsel of America. He is also listed in The Law Dragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, among the most prestigious international legal directories. Since 2020, Chase has listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for White Collar Criminal Defense and in 2021 for Qui Tam Law.  He was selected by Super Lawyers® as a Top-Rated Civil Litigation Attorney in 2020 and 2021. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals ranked Chase as a “Top 100 Lawyer in California” in 2023.

Chase made a seamless transition to civil litigation, where his superb trial skills have benefited clients on all types of cases. Chase has secured more than $100 million for his plaintiff clients.  He has also successfully defended corporations and individuals against serious allegations in high-stakes cases.  Chase has represented Fortune 500 companies, ultra-high net worth individuals, and well-known public figures.

More

Chase A. Scolnick

PARTNER

EDUCATION

University of San Diego School of Law, J.D.; Mock Trial Competition Winner, Honors Moot Court Finalist

Central Michigan University, B.A., Spanish, cum laude

University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Coursework in International Human Rights

EXPERIENCE

Chase Scolnick specializes in complex civil and criminal litigation. Having tried as lead counsel approximately fifty federal jury trials, Chase is among the most seasoned young trial attorneys in the United States.  He has also been one of the most successful.  In separate years, Chase led three of the nation’s largest federal districts in both defense trials and wins.  In 2017, Chase was the only defense attorney in the United States to receive the Federal Bar Association’s “Federal Younger Lawyer Award”—a prestigious national honor reserved for rising courtroom stars. Chase was also honored with a “2019 California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year [CLAY]” award for his role as co-lead counsel in Yellowstone Women’s First Sep House, Inc., et al. v. City of Costa Mesa.  Chase is a Fellow of the invitation-only Litigation Counsel of America. He is also listed in The Law Dragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, among the most prestigious international legal directories. Since 2020, Chase has listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for White Collar Criminal Defense and in 2021 for Qui Tam Law.  He was selected by Super Lawyers® as a Top-Rated Civil Litigation Attorney in 2020 and 2021. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals ranked Chase as a “Top 100 Lawyer in California” in 2023.

More

“Chase is an exceptional strategist, communicator and trial lawyer. He is an aggressive, tough-as-nails litigator and advocate.”

- Mark Towfiq, President & CEO, TFT Holdings
“Brilliant lawyer and exceptional advocate in all settings. Hard-driving, strategic, aggressive and an outstanding communicator.”
- Richard Grad, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Litigation, MGA Entertainment

“Chase is an aggressive and brilliant trial lawyer. His ability to see different perspectives, give valuable advice and prepare his clients for what the experience will be like in court – is very helpful. I appreciated and was grateful for his focus and reading a room with such clarity.

But he is also a strong team member, studies cases with total dedication and somehow manages to never lose his sense of humor. He is not just an advocate, but he also extends himself as a friend.”

- Kevin Spacey

Trials
Commercial Litigation
Securities
Insurance Recovery/Bad Faith
White Collar Criminal Defense
Legal Malpractice

The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, “The Top 100 Lawyers in California” (2023)

Litigation Counsel of America (by invitation only, limited to top ½ of 1 percent of lawyers nationally)

Barrister, Order of Juris (comprised of LCA Fellows who have tried to verdict at least fifty jury and/or bench trials)

Benchmark Litigation, Litigation Star (2024)

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2022-2024)

The Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023-2024)

California Lawyer Magazine CLAY Award (California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year), Municipal Law (2019)

The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, “Top Defense Verdicts” (2018, 2013)

The Best Lawyers in America®, S. Naifeh & G. Smith (2020-2024 eds.); Commercial Litigation, Qui Tam Law and White Collar Criminal Defense

Los Angeles Magazine, Southern California Super Lawyers for  Civil Litigation-Defense and White Collar Criminal Defense, (2020-2024)

The Los Angeles Daily Journal, “Top Plaintiff Settlements” (2019)

Federal Bar Association, Younger Federal Lawyer Award (2017)

In 2023, Chase was co-lead counsel on defending MGA Entertainment in a trademark and intellectual property jury trial involving its highest grossing doll line. MGA’s LOL dolls gross over $5 billion dollars annually and is MGA’s most popular product. MGA sued OMG GIRLZ for declaratory relief and a finding that it is not infringing on OMG’s mark. OMG filed a counter-claim against MGA and its founder for $100 million alleging violation of the Lanham Act. The jury returned a complete verdict in favor of MGA in less than two hours. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals recognized this win as a Top Defense Verdict in 2023.

In 2022, Chase was co-lead trial counsel on the successful defense of Oscar-winning Kevin Spacey in a sexual battery civil jury trial in the Southern District of New York. After five years of intense litigation, he and Jennifer Keller convinced the jury that Mr. Spacey was not liable and Mr. Rapp should not be given a penny of the $40 million dollars he was seeking. The jury deliberated only thirty minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict. The trial was covered by the global media.

In 2021, lead counsel on winning two court trials against billionaire bond king Bill Gross, securing a restraining order in the first trial for harassing his neighbor by blasting loops of the theme song from Gilligan’s Island, and later convicting Mr. Gross of contempt for defying court orders. Mr. Gross was sentenced to jail after the conviction.

In 2018, Chase was co-lead counsel on a jury trial resulting in defense verdict for the City of Costa Mesa in a legal challenge brought by a network of sober living homes. Awarded Clay Award (California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year).

Defending Michal Jackson’s estate and production company, MJJ Productions Inc., against two plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege that Michael sexually abused them when they were minors and are seeking over $100 million in damages.

Successfully represented CashCall Inc. in legal malpractice lawsuit brought against Katten Muchin. Damages exceeded $850 million. A confidential settlement was reached on eve of trial.

Representing Guardant Health Inc. as plaintiff against Natera, Inc. in a false light, and intellectual property case. Guardant commercially launched Reveal in February 2021. Reveal provides cancer results without a tumor sample, making it simpler, faster, and available to patients who don’t have tumor tissue. Natera’s similar cancer detection test is inferior including its tissue dependent. Because of the threat Reveal posed, Natera spread false information about Reveal. We are seeking $100 million in damages.

Represented telecom company Ericsson in FRAND dispute with smartphone maker TCL.

Successfully defended SNAP, Inc. against a lawsuit brought by the parents of the decedent. The plaintiff alleged their son was killed in a car accident while using SNAP’s speed filter.

Represented a co-founder of a company that sells designer women’s plus size clothing, in her lawsuit alleging tortious interference against the Silicon Valley investor that forced her out. A favorable settlement was reached for our client.

Successfully represented tech billionaire Henry Nicholas (Broadcom co-founder) in tax case against the United States, which had disallowed his deductions for distressed Chinese debt. Eve of trial settlement allowed an approximately $40 million deduction. This was the first time such a deduction has been permitted by the Government.

Successfully defended Tony, Emmy and two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey on civil litigation in the Central District of California.

Represented I-Hsin Chen, a shipping container warehouse magnate, who was indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the “Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal.

Defending Microsoft Corporation in twelve patent cases.

Secured jury acquittal for client charged with committing financial fraud against the federal government.

Representing school district in federal grand jury investigation.

Secured jury acquittal for client accused of criminal counterfeit and importation offenses.

Defended hedge fund manager during FINRA, SEC, and federal criminal investigations alleging insider trading and financial market manipulation.

Obtained one of the nation’s only dismissals of terrorism-related charges in high-publicity federal prosecution.

Secured jury acquittal in federal firearms trial.

Obtained noncustodial disposition for former partner of large international law firm in federal tax fraud prosecution.

Defended professor from prominent university against allegations of fraud and embezzlement.

Managed comprehensive international investigation, and conducted proceedings in foreign court, in federal fraud prosecution.

Defended owner of healthcare company against allegations of fraud.

Obtained jury acquittal for federal official charged with criminal misconduct.

Defended a Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Marines in federal fraud prosecution.

Obtained jury acquittal in federal drug prosecution in which client faced a potential life sentence.

Defended international entrepreneur against tax fraud allegations.

Represented business owner accused of violating federal currency regulations.

Obtained acquittal for client charged with theft from financial institution.

Obtained acquittal for client charged with large-scale narcotics offenses.

State Bar of California

State Bar of New York

District of Columbia Bar (inactive)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; United States District Courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California; and Southern and Eastern Districts of New York

Co-Chair of Lawyer Representatives from the Central District of California to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference (2023-2025)

Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representative (2018-2023)

Orange County Bar Association

Federal Bar Association, Board of Directors, Orange County Chapter (2018-2024)

Federal Bar Association, Secretary, Orange County Chapter (2021-2022)

Federal Bar Association, Treasurer, Orange County Chapter (2022-2023)

Federal Bar Association, President Elect, Orange County Chapter (2023-2024)

Association of Business Trial Lawyers

Trial Law Institute

Diversity Law Institute

Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, “Inside the Federal Criminal Justice System: a Discussion with the Bench and Bar,” panel moderator (2023)

William P. Gray Legion Lex Inn of Court, “Anthony Rapp v. Kevin Spacey: A Back-to-Basics Success Story in a High Stakes, High Profile Media Jury Trial in a Federal Court in Manhattan,” presenter (2023)

Litigation Counsel of America Annual Conference, “Saving Spacey in the S.D.N.Y.,” presenter (2023)

Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, “Inside the Federal Criminal Justice System: A Discussion with Orange County Leaders in Federal Prosecution and Defense,” panel moderator (2022)

Federal Bar Association, Orange County, Los Angeles and Inland Empire Chapters, “Federal Criminal Practice in the Covid-19 Era: A Discussion Regarding the Pandemic’s Impact on Criminal Procedure in the Central District of California,” panel moderator (2020)

Riverside County Bar Association – Civil Litigation Section, “Making Complex Litigation Simple for Trial” (2020)

27th Annual National Seminar on Federal Sentencing,  “Sentencing Strategies Under the Amended Guidelines” (2018)

Federal Criminal Justice Act Seminar, Federal District of Indiana, “Strategically using the Federal Rules of Evidence to Admit Exculpatory Evidence” (2017)

National Senior Federal Defender Conference, “Using Federal Rule of Evidence 803(3) as the Cornerstone of Your Trial Practice” (2017)

Federal Defenders of San Diego, “Practical Tips for Closing Arguments in Jury Trials,” presented to new attorneys (2016)

Southern District of California, “Effective Evidentiary Hearing Litigation Strategies” (2016)

National Senior Federal Defender Seminar, “Sentencing Strategies in Synthetic Drug Cases” (2015)

Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, “Defending Non-citizen Clients Charged in Federal Court” (2012)

Central District of California, “Advanced Techniques in Cross-Examination” (2010)

Loyola Law School, guest lecturer for advanced trial advocacy class (2008-2010)

Southern District of California, “Effective Voir Dire in Criminal Cases,” (2006)

Southern District of California, “Defending Federal Border Crime Charges,” (2005)

Demonstrative Evidence: Tell and Show,” Jennifer Keller and Chase Scolnick, (Litigation Journal, American Bar Association, Spring 2021)
November 17, 2022 – Successful defense of Kevin Spacey was a case study in trial preparation – Daily Journal

October 20, 2022 – Closing Arguments – Kevin Spacey – Anthony Rapp Trial – Ana Chevalier

October 17, 2022 – Kevin Spacey testifies in his defense in civil trial – CNN

September 27, 2022 – Kevin Spacey Seeks to Limit Testimony of Expert Witness From Ghislaine Maxwell Case

October 2, 2021 – CNN “Bill Gross is in trouble for tormenting his neighbors with loud music — again”

October 1, 2021 – Business Insider “Billionaire Bill Gross found guilty of contempt in a harassment case with his neighbors involving a $1 million sculpture and the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ theme song”

October 1, 2021 – Bloomberg Wealth ” Bill Gross Found in Contempt of Court, Gets Suspended Jail Time

July 20, 2021 – Law 360 “Ericsson, TCL Settle Wireless Tech Patent Licensing Battle”

May 14, 2021 – New York Times “A Kevin Spacey Accuser Tried to Sue Anonymously. A Judge Said No.”

March 27, 2019 – Daily Journal CLAY Award profile – “Writing the legal blueprint for cities as it relates to sober-living homes”

September 5, 2015 – New York Daily News “Woman’s conviction for smuggling cocaine in luggage at JFK overturned”

March 27, 2015 – Fox News “Feds want case dropped against Afghan in Calif.”

August 20, 2013 – Brooklyn Eagle “Brooklyn federal judge finds stop-and-frisk of parolee illegal”

December 5, 2010 -Washington Post “Tension grows between Calif. Muslims, FBI after informant infiltrates mosque”

October 1, 2010 – LA Times “Federal prosecutors seek dismissal of perjury and fraud charges against Tustin man”

Spanish