Community Association Law: Counsel and representation of common interest developments, including enforcement of CC&Rs, association governance matters, construction defect litigation, soil subsidence, water intrusion, and related insurance claims.
Real Estate Litigation and Disputes: Complex business and real estate disputes, including construction defect claims, landslide and geotechnical liability issues, title insurance disputes, real estate broker and seller liability disputes involving fraud and nondisclosure, breaches of sales contracts, escrow negligence, commercial landlord-tenant issues, quiet title actions including lien and encumbrance priority conflicts, deed reformation, boundary-lines, easements, neighbor disputes, board of director disputes, partnership dissolutions, various collection matters (including judicial foreclosure and other remedies under deeds of trust), bankruptcy adversarial proceedings, bank levies, initiating foreclosures and attachments, and other commercial litigation in state and federal courts.
Mediation, Arbitration, and Trial Practice: Skilled in all phases of dispute resolution from pre-litigation negotiations and mediations to arbitrations and trials, with a record of favorable outcomes.
Doug brings more than 20 years of legal experience to the Hughes Gill team. He has significant litigation and arbitration experience, having handled a wide array of complex cases for both plaintiffs and defendants. Doug has represented a broad range of clients – from homeowner associations, property owners, and managers to developers, corporations, and insurers, in high-stakes real estate and civil disputes. His work spans cases involving real estate contracts, construction defects, landlord-tenant conflicts, title issues, and corporate business disputes, among others.
In the courtroom, Doug is an experienced trial attorney in both state and federal courts. He has handled numerous cases from inception through verdicts, including obtaining decisions through summary judgment and dismissals in complex matters through dispositive motions. He is adept at strategic case handling, mastering pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trials – which have led to successful results for his clients.
Doug is also well-versed in alternative dispute resolution, frequently leveraging mediation to achieve efficient, favorable settlements when appropriate. This combination of litigation savvy and negotiation skill ensures that his clients’ interests are vigorously advocated and protected at every stage.
Doug is known for crafting legal strategies tailored to the unique complexities of each matter, whether it is an association enforcement action or a multi-party real estate lawsuit. While he strives to resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation, he does not hesitate to take a case to trial when it serves the client’s best interests. His commitment to thorough preparation and strategic execution has translated into numerous positive outcomes, including favorable settlements and court victories in challenging cases.
In addition to his legal expertise, Doug is approachable and responsive, providing clear communication in an accessible manner. He can explain complex legal issues in plain language so that clients can make informed decisions. This personable approach helps clients feel comfortable and confident through the legal process. Doug’s dedication to client service and his collaborative, problem-solving attitude reflect the Hughes Gill ethos of providing top-tier representation with a human touch.
