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Expertise - Best Employment Lawyers in Santa Clara 2022
Picture of Brian Barnhorst

Brian Barnhorst

Senior Litigation Attorney
bbarnhorst@sacattorneys.com
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Phone: (408) 436-0789

1754 Technology Dr #122
San Jose, California 95110

Brian Barnhorst brings SAC Attorneys LLP more than 30 years of civil practice experience and heads up the firm’s fast growing litigation department. Previously he has worked for some of the most highly regarded firms in California. His practice has largely focused on the prosecution or defense of commercial disputes involving real estate, employment, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations — actions for breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and interference with contract/prospective advantage, as well as collection actions and the enforcement of judgments. Many cases have necessarily involved, either directly or indirectly, insurance and insurance coverage. Mr. Barnhorst had an instrumental role on a 20-person defense team representing the co-defendant of PG&E in the toxic tort case that spawned the movie Erin Brockovich; in addition to being intimately involved in the substance of the litigation, he acted as liaison to the approximately 40 insurance companies on the risk. His work on that case led to his involvement in several other environmental claims. Mr. Barnhorst has also represented individuals as well as a wide variety of small and medium-sized businesses, including investment bankers, business brokers, wineries, real estate developers, contractors and subcontractors, and investors. Mr. Barnhorst has arbitrated and tried multiple matters to judgment, and has also substantial appellate experience.

Mr. Barnhorst is married to Andrea Harrison, MS, RD, CDE. Together, they have five adult children. Mr. Barnhorst enjoys hiking, golf, wine, classical music, and his hometown San Diego Padres.

Education

J.D., University of San Diego School of Law , 1987

B.A., Indiana University, Bloomington, 1980

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice California, 1987
Professional & Bar Association Memberships

Association of Business Trial Lawyers

California
Member Since: 1987

Past Employment Positions
  • Lorenz Alhadeff Lundin & Oggel
  • Duckor Spradling Metzger & Wynne
  • Chapin Shea McNitt & Carter
  • Mazzarella Caldarelli
Languages
  • English
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mr. Cai Is a Diligent Attorney. My sister and I were defendants in a civil litigation case. We hired James Cai and his law firm, SAC Attorneys LLP. Mr. Cai is a diligent attorney and responded to our questions in a timely fashion. He and his staff were very helpful in keeping us informed of the proceedings of the case and in explaining each step. Mr. Cai is also very conscientious of fees and costs, and avoided unnecessary charges. The results of the Summary Adjudication sided with us. The Court Trial resulted in the “Final Statement of Decision” and “Judgment after Court Trial” overwhelmingly siding with us. Cynthia F.
★★★★★
I Am Truly Impressed. After spending a significant amount of time, money and efforts with my previous counsel at a larger law firm without getting meaningful results, I transferred my employment matter to SAC Attorneys LLP. The attorneys there were able to understand the complex situations of my case and put together an aggressive litigation strategy. We were able to file a compelling complaint within a week and forced the opposing party, which was represented by one of the largest law firms in California, to make a substantial settlement offer shortly thereafter. I am truly impressed by the no nonsense and results oriented approach by SAC Attorneys LLP attorneys. A job well done! X. Gao
★★★★★
They Took Time to Understand Our Technology. I am the founder of a bioinformatics start-up in the Silicon Valley and chose SAC Attorneys LLP as our corporate counsels. Their attorneys have great experience with high tech start-ups and were able to offer a highly competitive service plan while not sacrificing a bit of their quality of services. They took time to understand our technology and provided value added services by introducing investors and job candidates to us. We regard our attorneys at SAC Attorneys LLP not only as our legal advisors but also our venture partners. Dr. Pete S.