ECJ Welcomes New Partners Christopher Heck and Eric Levinrad to Its Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice

Expert trial lawyers Christopher Heck and Eric Levinrad have joined the firm as Partners in its Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Department.

Mr. Heck brings decades of experience as lead trial counsel in trust and estates, insurance recovery, and complex commercial and corporate governance disputes.  A former big law firm partner who was named a Super Lawyer in antitrust litigation four times, Mr. Heck re-tooled his practice mid-career to meet the needs of individuals and mid-size companies for an experienced litigator who can grasp issues quickly, provide sage counseling, and, where necessary, “go the distance” to win at trial.  Although he generally litigates business, insurance and trust matters, his capacious understanding of the law has enabled him to handle matters as diverse as state and local tax disputes and Marvin v. Marvin claims against estates. As a result, he has also been named a Super Lawyer in the category of civil litigation for the last five consecutive years.

Mr. Levinrad has extensive experience successfully handling high-stakes litigation involving real property disputes, trade secret misappropriation claims and contract disputes, through trial and appeal. Mr. Levinrad also has expertise in the area of trademark litigation, both in Federal Court and at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Levinrad's adeptness in navigating intricate legal challenges and his commitment to client advocacy make him a standout addition to the ECJ team.   

Messrs. Heck and Levinrad join ECJ in the wake of a significant trial victory in the Los Angeles Superior Court. They won a complete judgment for the defense on all issues in a case brought against a family and its trust seeking over $8 million in damages and a 50% ownership interest in a sizeable apartment complex in Los Angeles.  In its ruling, the Court relied heavily on credibility, finding that the defense witnesses, expertly prepared by Messrs. Heck and Levinrad, had it while the plaintiff's witnesses did not survive the pair's withering cross-examinations

“We are excited to welcome Chris and Eric to our team,” said Barry J. MacNaughton, co-managing partner. “Their expertise and proven track records in handling sophisticated litigation matters enhance our department's capabilities and contribute to our firm's tradition of legal excellence.”