Joseph W. Cotchett

As stated by the National Law Journal, Joseph W. Cotchett is considered by plaintiffs and defense attorneys alike to be one of the foremost trial lawyers in the country. He has been named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the nation for the past 20 years. In recent years, he has been in the Top 3 for best attorneys in Northern California. For several years, he has been named by Super Lawyers to be the number ONE lawyer in Northern California. Since its inception, The Daily Journal has named him to be one of the Top 100 in California for the past many years. In 2019, he was named Consumer Attorney of the Year for his 20-year fight against lead paint manufacturers for poisoning California’s most vulnerable children and communities. The California Labor Federation honored Cotchett with its “Top Slugger for Workers” award in 2019, recognizing his decades of fighting for the underdog. In 2020, Cotchett was named one of the Top 100 Lawyer and the Top 30 Plaintiff Lawyers in California.

As reported in the San Francisco / Los Angeles Daily Journal, Cotchett is “considered one of the best trial strategists in the state,” building a career out of representing the underdog against powerful interests. He is a fearless litigator--once trying two cases at the same time (one in the morning and one in the afternoon)--and winning them both in San Diego Superior Court in 1984. His clients range from corporate giants to groups like Consumers Union – but the issue must be correct for Cotchett. The San Francisco Chronicle rated him as one of the best in California, saying, “The Burlingame attorney has had a star career that’s not only talked about in legal circles but has made headlines around the country. Known mostly as a plaintiffs’ lawyer, many of his cases are filed on behalf of fraud victims and have a widows-and-orphan flavor to them.”

Cotchett consistently has been named one of the most influential lawyers in California, and has been named by the legal press as one of the top 10 trial attorneys in California and has been listed in every edition of Best Lawyers in America since its inception.

During his 50-plus year legal career, Cotchett has tried more than 100 cases to verdict, and settled hundreds more, winning numerous jury verdicts, ranging from multi-million dollar fraud, antitrust and securities jury verdicts to several defense verdicts in complex civil cases. He successfully negotiated a multi-million-dollar settlement in a qui tam suit on behalf of the University of California and hundreds of millions of dollars in antitrust, securities, major fraud cases, and mass torts.

In recent years, Cotchett and his firm have taken on the Trump Administration, representing the City of Richmond in the Sanctuary City litigation and filed separate suits representing the City of San Jose in challenging the Trump Administrators' position on the DACA issues (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) pending in the U.S. District Court in Northern California.

VARIOUS CASES

In the 1980s, Cotchett won mammoth judgments and settlements for investors in white-collar fraud cases, with jury verdicts of more than $200 million arising out of the collapse of the Technical Equities Corp. in San Jose. He is known nationally as the lead trial lawyer for 23,000 plaintiffs in the Lincoln Savings & Loan Association/American Continental Corp. case in 1990 involving Charles Keating, his lawyers and accountants in Tucson, Arizona. He won one of the then largest jury verdicts in US history, $3.3 billion. He obtained and returned to senior citizens nearly $400 million in settlements from lawyers, accountants and professionals caught in the scandal of the fraud.

Cotchett has represented both the National Football League and teams since the early 1980s in various legal actions. As trial counsel for E. & J. Gallo Winery, he won a celebrated defense jury verdict in a trade dress infringement case involving wine labels and bottles produced by Gallo. The firm regularly represents Gallo in numerous matters.

In the 1990s, Cotchett's cases included major fraud, mass torts and environmental cases. He obtained a settlement for $25 million in relation to a qui tam suit involving the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, and a $96 million settlement from three defendants in a major antitrust action against the world’s largest producers of citric acid. He served as lead counsel representing writers, actors and directors in the class-action suit challenging the use of net-profits contracts in the movie industry and was named co-lead counsel for the bondholders in the bankruptcy of Orange County, California.

In the 2000s, Cotchett served as chief trial counsel for Consumers Union, successfully defending the watchdog consumer group in a product disparagement and defamation suit in Federal Court in Los Angeles. Isuzu Motors of Japan had sued Consumers Union for disparagement to the 1995-96 Trooper, claiming millions in damages. Following an eight-week trial, a jury ruled in favor of Consumers Union. Trial Lawyers for Public Justice honored Cotchett as Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2000 in honor of his “outstanding contribution to the public interest” through his work for Consumers Union. Also, in 2000, Consumer Attorneys of California gave Cotchett its “Presidential Award of Merit.” In 2004, he was the lead trial counsel in a product defamation case against Consumers Union. The jury ruled for Consumer Union in what was considered a major victory for a free press and the First Amendment.

Cotchett successfully represented the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court and the individual Justices along with the Judicial Council, in litigation brought against them by the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers. The two Wall Street forces had filed suit against the Judicial Council challenging the State of California on establishing guidelines for arbitrators who hear complaints from investors in the state.

In recent years, Cotchett has taken on major corporate entities and Wall Street for financial fraud. He and the firm are involved in litigation resulting from nearly every major corporate scandal including Enron, Worldcom, Global Crossing, Homestore.com, Qwest, Montana Power Company, Lehman, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and numerous others on behalf of private investors and public pensions. The firm has represented the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, California State Teachers’ Retirement System, and the University of California Board of Regents, along with numerous political subdivisions of the state, such as counties, cities, and districts.

EDUCATION

Cotchett received his B.S. in Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo in June 1960, being named an Outstanding Graduate, and his J.D. from Hastings College of Law at the University of California in June 1964. In June 2002, Cotchett received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Cal Poly and The California State University Board of Trustees. In May 2006, Cotchett received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Notre Dame de Namur University. In May 2011, Cotchett received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of San Francisco. In each case, he was the graduation speaker honored by the Universities.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Cotchett has been an active member of national, state, and local bar associations, including the California, New York, and District of Columbia bars.

Cotchett is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of The International Society of Barristers, an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a Fellow and former board member of The International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

A Master of the American Inns of Court, Cotchett serves on various advisory boards for professional organizations. He served on the Advisory Board of the Witkin Institute, the mission of which is to further B.E. Witkin's commitment to advancing the understanding of California law and improving the administration of justice.

BOOKS AND WRITINGS

Cotchett is the author of numerous articles and a contributing author to numerous magazines. His books include California Products Liability Actions, Matthew Bender; California Courtroom Evidence, LexisNexis; Federal Courtroom Evidence, LexisNexis; Persuasive Opening Statements and Closing Arguments, California Continuing Education of the Bar (1988); The Ethics Gap, Parker & Son Publications (1991); California Courtroom Evidence Foundations, Parker Publications (1993); and numerous law review articles.

Cotchett is a prolific author of op-ed pieces and articles on public policy, environmental issues and public integrity. He co-authored and published the book The Coast Time Forgot, a historic guide to the San Mateo County coast. His most recent book The People vs. Greed, Pattons Press (2017) is available on Amazon.

JUDICIAL ADVISORY

Cotchett formally served on various Federal Judicial Advisory Committees that reviewed federal judicial nominations in California for Presidents Obama and Clinton. The committee was authorized by California's two Democratic senators, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. Cotchett served as Chair of the Boxer Committee for the Central District of California (Los Angeles). Cotchett also served on a Judicial Advisory Committee to Governor Jerry Brown on state judicial appointments in Northern California during his tenure.

TEACHING

Cotchett has lectured at numerous law schools including Harvard Law School, the University of Southern California Law School, Georgetown Law Center, Stanford Law School, U.C. Berkeley Law School, University of Santa Clara Law, and his alma mater U.C. Hastings. His subjects include complex cases, evidence, trial practice and professional ethics. He also is a keynote public speaker and lecturer on contemporary subjects of law at numerous schools around the country.

PROFESSIONAL COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

Cotchett has been honored by the State Bar of California by serving on the Board of Governors from 1972 to 1975. Cotchett served on the California Judicial Council from 1976 to 1980; the Board of Directors, Hastings College of Law, University of California from 1981-1993; California Commission on Judicial Performance (1978-1982); California Commission on the Future of the Courts; the California Select Committee on Judicial Retirement, and the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care--the latter three appointments by the Chief Justice of California.

CIVIC WORK

Cotchett's civic work includes past memberships on the board of directors of the San Mateo County Heart Association; San Mateo Boys & Girls Club (Past President); Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults (PARCA); Bay Meadows Foundation; Disability Rights Advocates; and numerous Bay Area organizations. He formerly served as a member of the board and President of Public Citizen in Washington, D.C. and served on the board of Earth Justice.

In 1996, Cotchett was awarded the Anti-Defamation League’s Distinguished Jurisprudence Award. The award was established to recognize individuals in the legal community who have exhibited humanitarian concerns, and whose everyday actions exemplify the principles on which the Anti-Defamation League was founded.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

In 1999, Cotchett was inducted by the State Bar of California to the California Litigation Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame. This award is given to professionals who have excelled as trial lawyers and whose careers exemplify the highest values and professional attainment.

In 2011, Cotchett was inducted into the prestigious American Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame for his work nationwide in civil rights, and litigation on behalf of the under-privileged.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

The University of California Hastings College of Law opened the Cotchett Center for Advocacy, recognizing Cotchett as an outstanding graduate. Chief Justice Ronald M. George of the California Supreme Court and Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy of the U.S. Supreme Court honored Cotchett at the Founder's Day dedication of the center. In 2006, Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California dedicated the Joseph W. Cotchett Business Lab for students.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

In 2000, Cotchett was named to the California State Parks Commission by Governor Gray Davis. The commission set forth general policies for the guidance of the Parks Department in the administration, protection, and development of the 260 state parks in the system. He served as Chairperson in 2002-2003.

In 2003, Cotchett was honored by Disability Rights Advocates for his nearly 40 years of civil rights work. At a San Francisco dinner attended by lawyers, judges, and community leaders, Cotchett was described in the award as follows:

Joe Cotchett has been a champion for justice since his college days. As an engineering student in North Carolina, Joe challenged segregation by drinking from segregated water fountains and riding in the back of buses. Later, as a student at Cal Poly, in 1958, Joe successfully established the first integrated fraternity, which prompted the other fraternities on campus to follow suit.

Joe's legal career has involved representing the underdog and doing extensive pro bono work. His civil rights commitment has been leveraged over and over by his financial support of legal fellowships. He has given a ‘kick-start’ to the public interest careers of the new law graduates at Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Public Citizen, Southern Poverty Law Center and Disability Rights Advocates. Through these fellowships, Joe has helped to ensure social change through law. Joe guided DRA as a board and litigation committee member from its infancy years into the defender of disability rights it has become today.

In 2005, following a distinguished history of community and civic involvement, Cotchett endowed a $7 million fund to support science and mathematics teacher education at California State Polytechnic University to serve inner city and rural minority children. To honor Cotchett, the university renamed its landmark Clock Tower building the “Cotchett Education Building.” The gift supports science and mathematics teacher education initiatives at Cal Poly through the University Center of Teacher Education and the College of Science and Mathematics.

In 2011, Cotchett received the Distinguished Service Award from the Judicial Council of California for years of service to the Judiciary and Courts in California.

In 2011, Cotchett was named the Antitrust Lawyer of the Year by the Golden StateAntitrust Institute as an outstanding lawyer over the years in the field of antitrust competition.

In 2011, Cotchett was honored by the California League of Conservation Voters with the Environmental Leadership Award for his years of work on behalf of the environmental committee and the work on state parks.

In 2012, Cotchett was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Consumer Watchdog of California for his years of service in representing consumers across the country.

In 2019, the California Labor Federation awarded Cotchett with the Top Slugger for Workers Award in Sacramento for his many years of service representing working union people for better wages and work conditions.

In 2019, Green Foothills awarded Cotchett with its Nature’s Inspiration Award “for his lifetime of servitude for justice and dedication to preserving the San Mateo coastline.”

In 2020, following years of support for his alma mater, the University of California, Hastings College of Law, Cotchett endowed a multi-million fund to update the school’s buildings in San Francisco to assist students. Hastings honored Cotchett by naming the new campus building, U.C. Hastings – COTCHETT LAW CENTER.

COTCHETT FOUNDATION

Cotchett and his family members are active in numerous Bay Area and National charitable organizations involving animals, children, women, and minorities. They established The Joseph W. Cotchett Foundation that aids groups in need of monetary assistance and especially animal rights, environmental groups, and non-profit organizations.

Representative Matters

Rakuten Affiliate Commission Theft Litigation

NZXT Computer Rental Fraud Litigation

Apple AI False Advertising Litigation

CPM is Investigating Logitech for Price Increases Related to Unlawful Tariffs

Honors & Recognitions

2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers

Selected as a Senior Statesperson by Chambers USA, 2026

Selected to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, 2026

2017-2026 Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyers List - Named Number One Lawyer out of over 60,000 rated by peers

Selected Among the Top 10 Northern California Super Lawyers, 2026

Selected Among the Top 5 Business Litigation Attorneys by Super Lawyers, 2026

Named to Top 100 Lawyers in California list by California Daily Journal (2003 - 2020)

CAOC Attorney of the Year (2019)

CA Labor Federation Top Slugger for Workers (2019)

Green Foothills Nature's Inspiration Award (2019)

2019 Northern California America's Top 100 Bet-The-Company Litigators

2017 Recipient of the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee

2011 Distinguished Service Award from Judicial Council of California

Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list

2010 Antitrust Lawyer of the Year by the Antitrust and Unfair Competition Law Section of the State Bar of California

Honored with first Diversity Award by the San Mateo County Bar Association Diversity Committee (2011)

Frances Bohannon Nelson Legacy Award (2011)

Named to Super Lawyers Top 10 list since its launch for Northern California

Honored by the California League of Conservation Voters with the Environmental Leadership Award (2011)

Honored by Consumer Watchdog with The Phillip Burton Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)

Received Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of San Francisco (2011)

Received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Notre Dame de Namur University (2006)

Received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and the trustees of the California State University (2002)

California State Polytechnic University renamed its landmark Clock Tower building the “Cotchett Education Building.”

Named to the American Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame (2011)

Received Father Alfred Boeddeker Award from St. Anthony Foundation (2010)

Honored with Community Spirit Award (2010)

Received the prestigious Consumer Advocate Award (2007)

2000 Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice

Received the Presidential Award of Merit from the Consumer Attorneys of California (2000)

University of California, Hastings College of the Law opened the Cotchett Center for Advocacy (2000)

Received the Anti-Defamation League’s Distinguished Jurisprudence Award (1996)

Listed in Top 100 California Legal Leaders by the Los Angeles Daily Journal or equivalent media since 1990’s

1989 Trial Lawyer Of The Year from the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice

Consistently has been named one of the most influential lawyers in the country by legal press and various media – CNN, NBC, national newspapers.

Publications

2017

The People vs. Greed

California Products Liability Actions

California Courtroom Evidence

Federal Courtroom Evidence

Persuasive Opening Statements and Closing Arguments

The Ethics Gap

California Courtroom Evidence Foundations

Punitive Damages: How Much Is Enough?

In the News

30 Jun 2026

Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Homeowner Injured by Tracy Warehouse Fire

05 May 2026

$250 Million Settlement Proposed in Apple AI False Advertising Case

15 May 2025

City of San Mateo Sued by Operator of Restaurant at Poplar Creek Golf Course

27 Feb 2025

Lawsuit Filed Against Texas-Based Vistra Corporation and Other Relevant Parties for Moss Landing Battery Plant Fire

06 Sep 2024

Parents of Man Murdered By Security Guard In Downtown San Francisco File Lawsuit

08 Jul 2024

Lawsuit Filed Against Real Estate Developers Ken Mattson and Tim LeFever and their Companies for Fraud and Breach of Fiduciary Duty

12 Jun 2024

CPM Attorneys Recognized as 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers

04 Apr 2024

Victims of Half Moon Bay Mass Shooting File Lawsuit for Failure to Protect Farm Workers

18 Mar 2024

Steve Wozniak’s “Bitcoin Giveaway" Lawsuit to go Forward

28 Nov 2023

Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy Files Suit Against Martinez Refinery on Behalf of Martinez Residents Over Toxic Chemical Releases Into The Community

04 Oct 2023

Consumers Sue Amazon for Inflated Prices and Anticompetitive Misconduct

09 Aug 2023

Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy Announces Ninth Circuit Dismisses Appeal Allowing Historic Settlement to be Distributed to Apple iPhone Consumers Impacted by Software Throttling

23 May 2023

Lawsuit filed against owners of home that exploded in Sunset District

13 Mar 2023

The San Mateo County Board of Education and the San Mateo Superintendent of Schools File Landmark Suit Against Social Media Companies

08 Feb 2023

San Mateo County Community College District files suit against construction contractors and architects for alleged fraud and “pay to play” schemes

15 Dec 2022

San Francisco’s John’s Grill and The Hartford Have Settled Their Hard-Fought Covid-19 Lawsuit

14 Sep 2022

Lawsuit Filed Against Tesla for Allegedly Misleading the Public Regarding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Technology

05 Jul 2022

CPM Attorneys Selected to 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List

30 Mar 2022

Shipyard Homeowners Win Court Approval of $6.3 Million Dollar Settlement With Lennar and FivePoint, First Settlement for Homeowners

03 Mar 2022

San Mateo County to Receive up to $20 Million as Part of Historic Opioid Settlement

24 Jan 2022

Affordable Housing Developer Sues City of Santa Clara

12 Nov 2021

Affordable Housing Developer Files Claim Against City of Santa Clara for Covertly Cancelling Entire Housing Project

10 Sep 2021

Joe Cotchett Receives the 2021 San Mateo County History Maker Award

03 Aug 2021

County of San Mateo Files Suit Against McKinsey For its Role in Opioids Flooding the County

07 Jul 2021

17 CPM Attorneys Honored as Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

01 Jun 2021

Federal Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Against Bank of America, Protects Rights of California's Unemployed

13 Apr 2021

Environmental groups protecting local salt ponds in the San Francisco Bay finally win their Federal case when the Trump EPA and a Cargill Inc. affiliate voluntarily dismiss appeal of Federal District Court’s Order

13 Nov 2020

CPM Helps Beam Financial Users Sue After Months of Withdrawal Delays

23 Oct 2020

CPM Helps Couple to Sue Carnival Corporation and plc & Princess Cruise Lines for Allegedly Covering Up Coronavirus as Influenza

27 Aug 2020

New Cornerstone Building of UC Hastings, College of the Law Named After Alumnus and CPM Founder Joseph W. Cotchett

22 Jul 2020

CPM Helps Steve Wozniak and 17 Fraud Victims Sue YouTube and Google Over Fraudulent "Bitcoin Giveaway" Scam

10 Jun 2020

CPM Partners Joe Cotchett and Frank Pitre Named to Distinguished List of Daily Journal’s ‘Top Plaintiff Lawyers’ in California for 2020

28 Feb 2020

CPM Helps Apple iPhone Consumers Impacted by Software Throttling Reach Historic Settlement

2020

CPM Helps Earth Island Institute Take on Big Plastic

2020

After Years of Support from CPM, California Counties and Cities Announce Groundbreaking $305 Million Settlement of Landmark Lead Paint Litigation

24 Sep 2019

CPM Environmental Justice Attorneys Represent Environmental Protection Groups in Salt Ponds Complaint vs. EPA

19 Apr 2019

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Selected to America's Top 100 Bet-The-Company Litigators

2019

CPM Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit and FAA Claim on Behalf of Young American Woman Killed in Boeing 737 MAX 8 Crash in Ethiopia

2019

CPM Helps County of San Mateo File Suit Against Opioid Manufacturers Over Opioids Flooding the County

2019

CPM Announces $17 Million Settlement for Purchasers of VIZIO Smart TVs Over Privacy Violations

22 Oct 2018

CPM Helps Former City Attorney, Randolph Hom, Begins Process for Multimillion Dollar Lawsuit for Unlawful Discharge Against City of Cupertino

2018

Supreme Court denies cert in Martins Beach Public Access Dispute in victory for CPM

2018

CPM clients Hunters Point Shipyard homeowners announce lawsuit against developer, say ‘we were duped’

2018

CPM Client San Mateo County Takes On Opioid Distributors

2018

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Gives Commencement Speech to 2018 Graduating Class of Hastings College of the Law

17 Jan 2018

CPM Client City of Oroville Files Lawsuit Against DWR for Decades of Mismanagement Resulting in the Oroville Dam Failure

2018

With CPM Pro Bono Representation, Federal Judge Protects “Dreamers,” Issues Injunction Against Trump Administration

14 Sep 2017

DACA Lawsuit Filed by CPM Representing Pro Bono the City of San Jose

2017

Appeals Court Affirms Landmark Ruling Won by CPM Ordering Martins Beach to Open to the Public

2017

CPM Client City of Richmond Files Lawsuit Against President Trump's "Sanctuary Jurisdictions" Executive Order

2017

Court Upholds CPM Clients Consumers' Claims that Vizio Unlawfully Collects and Uses Private Consumer Data Collected through its Smart TVs in Cutting-Edge Privacy Case

2017

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Chosen as a Lifetime Achievement Recipient of America's Top 100 Attorneys

CPM Obtains Approximately $39 Million in Settlements Regarding Transpacific Price Fixing of Tickets

CPM Fights for Consumers Against Price Fixing of Capacitors Used in Electronic Devices

CPM Files Cutting Edge Privacy Case

12 Oct 2016

Wells Fargo CEO quits amid scandal over bogus accounts, successor named

21 Sep 2016

Congratulations to CPM Partners Joe Cotchett and Niall McCarthy for Being Selected to Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California

2016

CPM Achieves Victory in Landmark Climate Change Case

2016

Burlingame: Powerhouse law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy comes to aid of woman, 97, facing eviction

2016

CPM Partner Frank Pitre Chosen as One of Two of State’s Top Consumer Lawyers Among Dream Team to Lead Nationwide Class Action Cases Against Volkswagen

2015

High court to decide whether to hear CPM client San Jose’s antitrust challenge to MLB

2015

CPM Founder Cotchett Recognized by Chambers USA as One of America’s Leading Antitrust Lawyers

CPM Represents Monster Cable in Lawsuit Against Dr. Dre and Beats Electronics

CPM Environmental Law Group Achieves Victory for Public in Fight for Access to Martin's Beach

CPM Defends $1.15 Billion Lead Paint Judgment on Appeal for Children Around State

CPM Joins Trial Team on Tax Shelter Fraud Case

CPM's Unfair Competition Litigation Against HSBC Moves Towards Trial in New York

CPM Client Senator Feinstein Resolves Case with Bank

2014

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Named to the Who's Who Legal 100 List for 2014

2014

The Colbert Report Has a Special on Martin's Beach

2014

CPM Founder Joseph Cotchett Named "Titan Of The Plaintiffs Bar" by Law360

CPM Represents Investors Against Liberty Asset Management Corp.

CPM Environmental Group Continues Fight for Public Access to Martin’s Beach

CPM Achieves Tax Shelter Fraud Recovery Against Bank

CPM Client San Jose’s Antitrust Case Against Major League Baseball on Appeal to United States Supreme Court

CPM's Litigation For Monster Against Dr. Dre and Beats Electronics Headed to Trial in Los Angeles

2014

CPM Wins Important Ruling in Automotive Parts Price-Fixing Case Preserving Right of American Consumers and Businesses to Seek Damages

2014

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Honored as Top 100 Attorney in California for 2014

27 Jul 2014

CPM Attorneys Win National Trial Lawyer of the Year

17 Jul 2014

Bank settles for millions with plaintiff CPM client in California political fraud case

16 Jul 2014

First California Bank of LA Agrees to Multimillion Dollar Settlement for CPM Client U.S. Senator Feinstein & Other CA Federal & State Lawmakers

09 Jul 2014

CPM Partners Cotchett, Pitre, McCarthy and Jabagchourian Named to 2014 Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyers List

09 May 2014

Billionaire Vinod Khosla Must Appear in Court Over Martin's Beach Lawsuit, Judge Rules

08 May 2014

Trial begins in suit that's roiling waters over Martins Beach access

31 Jan 2014

CPM prevails as appeals court reverses Richardson Grove decision; ruling states Caltrans violated state environmental law

CPM Partners Cotchett and Fineman Make 2013 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America List

08 Jan 2014

CPM Prevails as Judge Holds Companies Liable for Lead Paint

2014

CPM Prevails as Court Makes Final Ruling on $1.15 Billion Award to Remove Lead Paint from Homes in CA Counties

19 Dec 2013

San Mateo County’s $55M settlement would go into lead program

16 Dec 2013

California Judge Orders Lead Paint Cleanup

16 Dec 2013

Companies told to pay $1.1 billion in lead paint cleanup

2013

CPM Files Consolidated Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit Against PG&E Officers And Directors

04 Oct 2013

CPM Client San Jose, MLB Argue in Court Over Lawsuit About Proposed A's Move

02 Oct 2013

Ready to Play Hardball

12 Sep 2013

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Named to the Daily Journal's Top 100 Attorneys in California for 2013

20 Jul 2013

CPM Founder Joseph Cotchett, fighting MLB on San Jose's behalf, shines light on injustice

2013

CPM Files Lawsuit Against Chevron for Defrauding Royalties Owners

2013

CPM Appointed Lead Counsel for Securities Derivative Action In HP-Autonomy Deal

2012

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Named One of the Top 100 Lawyers in California for 15th Straight Year

2011

Judicial Council of California Presents Award to CPM Founder Joseph Cotchett

CPM Partners Cotchett, McCarthy and Fineman Make Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America List

CPM Founder Cotchett Named 2011 Antitrust Lawyer of the Year

21 Sep 2011

CPM Partners Cotchett and McCarthy Named to Prestigious Daily Journal Top 100 Lawyers List

2011

CPM Founder Joseph W. Cotchett Presented with the San Mateo County Bay Association Diversity Award

30 Jun 2011

As CPM Represents Class Members, Final Approval of $77 Million Settlement Granted in SRAM Case

2011

CPM Founder Cotchett Receives Award from California League of Conservation Voters

2011

CPM Founder Cotchett Honored by Consumer Watchdog

2011

CPM Founder Cotchett Commencement Speaker at University of San Francisco

2011

CPM Founder Joseph W. Cotchett Inducted into the National Trial Lawyers - American Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame

2011

CPM Founder Joe Cotchett Receives Frances Bohannon Nelson Legacy Award

2010

CPM Founder Joseph Cotchett Receives Fr. Alfred Boeddeker Award from St. Anthony Foundation

2010

CPM Founder Joseph Cotchett Honored with Community Spirit Award

Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy First Law Firm to Interview Bernie Madoff in Federal Prison

CPM Founder Joseph W. Cotchett Listed in Top 100 California Legal Leaders

2007

CPM Founder Cotchett Receives Prestigious Consumer Advocate Award

CPM Founder Cotchett Serves on Blue Ribbon Panel on Foster Care

2007

CPM Founder Cotchett Named as a Top 100 Leading Attorney in California for 10th Straight Year

CPM Founder Cotchett Continues to Serve on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee

1993

Abandoned Filipinos Sue U.S. Over Child Support

Blog Posts

02 Mar 2017

Court Upholds Consumers' Claims that Vizio Unlawfully Collects and Uses Private Consumer Data Collected through its Smart TVs in Cutting-Edge Privacy Case

Speaking Engagements

2015

San Mateo County Central Labor Council Honors Joe Cotchett

2014

15th Annual Trial Lawyer of the Year

Mass Torts Made Perfect

Annual CAOC Conventions

2011

Judicial Council of California 2011 Distinguished Service Award

2011

Golden State Antitrust and Unfair Competition Law Section of the State Bar of California

2011

San Mateo County Bar Association & Diversity Committee Honors Chief Tani Cantil-Sakauye

Consumer Watchdog 2011 Rage for Justice Awards

2011

California League of Conservation Voters' 29th Annual Environmental Leadership Awards

2010

Madoff: The New World of Financial Frauds

Civic

Cotchett and his family members are active in numerous Bay Area and National charitable organizations involving animals, children, women, and minorities. They established The Joseph W. Cotchett Foundation that aids groups in need of monetary assistance and especially animal rights, environmental groups, and non-profit organizations.