Professional Experience
Mr. Laska's practice focuses on all aspects of general business and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. He has experience in a wide range of areas such as contractual disputes, labor and employment, corporate dissolutions, banking, intellectual property, unfair competition, class actions, international arbitrations and appeals. Mr. Laska also specializes in defending life and health insurance companies in "bad faith" and ERISA litigation.
In addition, Mr. Laska is actively involved in pro bono matters, including serving as pro bono counsel to Little Kids Rock, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and revitalizing music education in public schools. Mr. Laska sits on Little Kids Rock's national board of directors and serves as its Secretary.
Before joining Manatt, Mr. Laska served as Legal Extern for the Directors Guild of America, Inc. in Los Angeles. He also served as Legal Intern for the National Broadcasting Company, Inc. in Washington D.C.
Memberships & Activities
Admitted to practice in California
Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and all U.S. District Courts in California
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Member, Association of Business Trial Lawyers
Member, Defense Research Institute's Life, Health, Disability and ERISA Committee
Volunteer, Constitutional Rights Foundation Annual Mock Trial Competition 2005-2011
Honors & Awards
State Bar of California's Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services 2010.
Voted a Southern California "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine 2005-2011.
Publications
Author, "Impressions on Being Sworn in to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar," DRI Today, April 6, 2011.
Author, "3.8-To-1 Ratio Of Punitive-To-Compensatory Damages Against Insurer Is Appropriate," DRI Today, December 6, 2010.
Author, "U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies That A Corporation's 'Principal Place Of Business' Is Its 'Nerve Center,'" DRI Life, Health and Disability News, February 26, 2010.
Author, "The Genuine Dispute Doctrine Is Alive and Well in California," DRI Life, Health and Disability News, Winter 2009.
Author, "California Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Genuine Dispute Doctrine," DRI Life, Health and Disability News, Spring 2008.
Author, "Scott Peterson's Conviction Bars Entitlement to Death Benefits Despite Pending Appeal," DRI Life, Health and Disability News, Fall 2007.
Author, "Court Upholds Termination of Long-Term Disability Benefits Despite Administrator's Conflict," DRI ERISA Report, October 17, 2007.
Author, "California District Court Upholds Termination of Long-Term Disability Benefits Despite Plan Administrator's Conflict of Interest," ICA News, Spring 2007.
Author, "Assignees of Insurance Bad Faith Claims May Recover Attorneys' Fees," DRI Life, Health and Disability News, Fall 2006.
Author, "Jury's Award of Punitive Damages Based on Extraterritorial Conduct is Unconstitutional," DRI Life, Health and Disability News, Spring 2003.