Experience

Judith M. Sasaki joined Coleman & Horowitt, LLP in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, she was a partner in the Los Angeles firm, Simke, Chodos & Sasaki. She was also previously associated with the international firm Proskauer Rose, LLP.

Judy has handled all aspects of litigation in the areas of complex commercial, entertainment, real estate, business and unfair competition litigation and alternative dispute resolution. She has handled numerous court and jury trials in both state and federal court as well as mediations and arbitrations. She has regularly represented clients before the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) and the International Chamber of Commerce for entertainment related arbitrations. In addition, Judy frequently serves as a speaker for continuing legal education services, including The Rutter Group, on topics relating to trial practice.

Publications and Lectures

Ms. Sasaki has been a speaker for the Rutter Group since 2003. Most recently she was a speaker at the "Evidence From the Experts" seminar presented by the California Judges Association and the Rutter Group in January 2011.

Honors and Awards

University of Hawaii Law Review, 1983-85; Articles Editor, UH Law Review; Commencement Speaker (Class Representative) University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law, 1985; Law Clerk for Judge John Burns, Chief Judge Intermediate Court of Appeals 1985; General Counsel, Coalition of Asian Pacific Entertainers (CAPE); Life Saver Award, Lymphoma Research Foundation of America, 2000.

Practice Areas

  • Entertainment
  • Complex litigation
  • Business litigation
  • Real Estate Litigation
  • Banking Litigation
  • Unfair competition Collections (Tradename, trademark, trade secrets and unfair competition)
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

Education

  • Juris Doctor - University of Hawaii, Wiliiam S. Richardson School of Law
  • Bachelor of Arts - University of Hawaii

Admissions

  • All California courts, Hawaii, United States District Court (Central District of California)

Memberships

  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Asian-American Bar Assn.
  • American Bar Assn.
  • Association of Business Trial Lawyers

 Representative Cases

  • Andreas Carlsson Productions, AB v. Wild (United States District Court, Central District of California) Represented Swedish music production company and songwriter in jury trial regarding copyright infringement, copyright ownership and breach of contract relating to fifteen original songs and a book for a “musiclub” with music and lyrics. Achieved complete verdict in favor of client. (Judge Alexander McKinnon) Also negotiated for client with Cirque du Soleil regarding licensing of music for theatrical production.
  • Harvard Lampoon, Inc. v. National Lampoon, Inc. (American Arbitration Association) Represented the Harvard Lampoon in trademark licensing and breach of contract dispute. Achieved arbitration award in favor of client for client, including award of all attorneys’ fees expended in litigation.
  • Pomposo v. Pomposo (Los Angeles Superior Court) pro bono representation up through first day of trial for first generation Hispanic family in defense of intra-family business dispute. Settled.
  • Patagonia, Inc. Represented client in defense of consumer class action. Able to defeat class certification by attacking causation, injury and damage claims.
  • Kidd v. Hollywood Beverly Christian Church (Los Angeles Superior Court) Representation of Hollywood Beverly Christian Church in defense of malicious prosecution case regarding an underlying lawsuit against a service provider. Complete jury verdict in favor of the church. (Judge Joanne B. O’Donnell)

Professional Associations

  • Arbitrator, Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA)
  • Speaker, The Rutter Group, 2013-2014, 2016