About Dave Sugden
Dave Sugden is a business trial lawyer. Mr. Sugden, who was recognized in 2020-2023 as one of the “Top 50 Super Lawyers in Orange County,” and previously recognized by California’s Daily Journal as one of “California’s 20 Top Attorneys Under 40,” has represented business entities both as a plaintiff and defendant throughout the country.
**VERDICT ALERT**
Defense Verdicts
Complete Defense Judgment In November 2025, following a three-week jury trial in Beverly Hills Superior Court, a unanimous jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client, the late Gary Winnick, a complete defense verdict in an alleged partnership dispute. The plaintiff advanced a damages model exceeding $100 million; however, Mr. Sugden’s successful motions in limine excluded the anticipated expert testimony, reducing potential exposure to the mid-seven figures. The jury returned a 12-0 verdict in less than two hours.
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Complete Defense Judgment In February 2025, an Orange County jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client, loanDepot, a complete defense verdict following a three-week jury trial involving claims of sexual harassment and constructive discharge. The plaintiff’s pre-trial demand was in the mid-eight figures and the case was featured in The New York Times. The jury returned a unanimous verdict within hours of closing arguments.
Plaintiff Verdicts
$8,685,192 Verdict
In June 2025, following a three-month jury trial, a jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client $8,685,192 in a case involving sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation. The jury found both a tenured university professor and the Regents of the University of California liable and awarded substantial economic and noneconomic damages.
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$6,700,000 Verdict
In May 2024, an Orange County jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client $6,700,000 following a two-week jury trial for fraud and breach of contract. The case arose from a defendant’s deceptive conduct involving an online real estate auction that prevented a legitimate sale.
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$9,000,000 Verdict
In September 2022, a Los Angeles jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s clients $9,000,000 in a breach of contract case wherein the defendants failed to pay for goods delivered. The defendants alleged the goods were defective and non-conforming. Mr. Sugden’s clients prevailed on all claims and successfully defended all claims alleged in the defendants’ cross-complaint.
Notable Jury Verdicts
Defense Verdicts
Complete Defense Judgment
A unanimous jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client a complete defense verdict in federal district court in Los Angeles. The plaintiff alleged violations of the Federal Medical Leave Act and asked the jury to award him several million dollars plus punitive damages. Mr. Sugden was retained less than two months before trial.
Complete Defense Judgment
A unanimous jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client a complete defense verdict in favor of a prestigious university following a three-week jury trial in Los Angeles Superior Court. The plaintiff alleged sexual harassment and discrimination and asked the jury to award her more than $3 million in damages.
Complete Defense Judgment
A unanimous jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client, a prominent clothing retailer, a complete defense verdict in Orange County Superior Court. The plaintiff alleged sexual harassment and discrimination and requested several million dollars in damages.
Complete Defense Judgment
A jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client – a leading oil company – a complete defense verdict in a toxic tort case following a five week trial. The plaintiff asked the jury to award him more than $8 million in damages.
$47,400,000 Verdict
A unanimous jury ordered a corporate defendant to pay Mr. Sugden’s corporate client $47.4 million following a three-week jury trial in federal court for trade secret misappropriation and copyright infringement.
$9,000,000 Verdict
In September 2022, a Los Angeles jury awarded Mr. Sugden's clients $9,000,000 in a breach of contract case wherein Mr. Sugden's client alleged that the defendants (and cross-complainants) failed to pay for goods delivered. The defendants and cross-complainants alleged the goods were defective and non-conforming. Mr. Sugden's clients prevailed on all claims and successfully defended all claims alleged in defendants' cross complaint.
$2,230,000 Judgment
A jury awarded Mr. Sugden’s client a multi-million dollar verdict and judgment following a three-week jury trial in the Superior Court of California, Orange County for trade secret misappropriation.
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