Craig Harbaugh
Senior Counsel
T: 949.476.8700
F: 949.476.0900
charbaugh@kelleranderle.com
PRACTICE AREAS
Trials
Commercial Litigation
Intellectual Property
While Collar Criminal Defense
Legal Malpractice
EDUCATION
University of Southern California Gould School of Law, J.D.; Top 25%, Mason C. Brown Award
Xavier University, B.S., Business Administration, magna cum laude
Craig Harbaugh is a first chair trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience. Craig started his career in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp where he prosecuted and defended soldiers in courts-martial and military appellate proceedings. Craig then worked for almost twenty years as a Deputy Federal Defender handling federal trials in the United States Central District of California and litigating appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, including an en banc proceeding.
Craig’s transition to civil litigation has been seamless. His superior trial skills have benefited clients on all types of cases. In 2024, Craig was an integral member of the trial team that won one of the largest Lanham Act false advertising verdicts in history, in Guardant Health Inc. v. Natera Inc. The jury trial verdict was a complete sweep for Guardant Health: $75 million for corrective advertising, $42 million for disgorgement of profits and $175.5 million in punitive damages. The trial was held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals recognized this win as a Top Verdict in 2024.
Currently, Craig is lead trial counsel defending AIG against a bad faith claim in the Central District of California. He is also defending Michael Jackson’s estate against two lawsuits alleging approximately $200 million in damages.
In addition to being a highly regarded trial attorney, Craig is also a sought-after legal contributor. He regularly trains attorneys on all aspects of trial with a particular focus on expert testimony at local and national seminars.
The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, “Top Verdicts” (2024)
In 2024, Craig was an integral member of the trial team that won one of the largest Lanham Act false advertising verdicts in history, in Guardant Health Inc. v. Natera Inc. The jury trial verdict was a complete sweep for Guardant Health: $75 million for corrective advertising, $42 million for disgorgement of profits and $175.5 million in punitive damages. The trial was held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals recognized this win as a Top Verdict in 2024.
Representing MJJ Productions and Ventures (Michael Jackson) against two accusers alleging $200 million in damages in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Defending AIG against a bad faith claim in the Central District of California.
Served as lead counsel litigating competency proceedings on behalf of high-profile attorney accused of defrauding clients.
Tried an eight-week murder-bombing trial which resulted in a hung jury.
Won a massive fraud scheme with a directed verdict.
Won an acquittal in a sexual assault trial.
Successfully defended a multimillion-dollar securities fraud case.
Won dismissal of four separate drug trafficking cases after successfully challenging pretextual stops of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Negotiated probationary sentence for fraud client after defeating a motion to quash brought by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Secured dismissal of two cyberstalking matters through aggressive pretrial litigation.
Secured withdrawal of extradition request after litigating case through appeal.
Won an acquittal in sexual abuse case involving three minor accusers.
Craig Harbaugh
Senior Counsel
EDUCATION
University of Southern California Gould School of Law, J.D.; Top 25%, Mason C. Brown Award
Xavier University, B.S., Business Administration, magna cum laude
EXPERIENCE
Craig Harbaugh is a first chair trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience. Craig started his career in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corp where he prosecuted and defended soldiers in courts-martial and military appellate proceedings. Craig then worked for almost twenty years as a Deputy Federal Defender handling federal trials in the United States Central District of California and litigating appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, including an en banc proceeding.
Craig’s transition to civil litigation has been seamless. His superior trial skills have benefited clients on all types of cases. In 2024, Craig was an integral member of the trial team that won one of the largest Lanham Act false advertising verdicts in history, in Guardant Health Inc. v. Natera Inc. The jury trial verdict was a complete sweep for Guardant Health: $75 million for corrective advertising, $42 million for disgorgement of profits and $175.5 million in punitive damages. The trial was held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals recognized this win as a Top Verdict in 2024.
Currently, Craig is lead trial counsel defending AIG against a bad faith claim in the Central District of California. He is also defending Michael Jackson’s estate against two lawsuits alleging approximately $200 million in damages.
In addition to being a highly regarded trial attorney, Craig is also a sought-after legal contributor. He regularly trains attorneys on all aspects of trial with a particular focus on expert testimony at local and national seminars.
