Arruda, Michael E.

Phillip Ashman specializes in the areas of business and real estate litigation, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, and business and real estate transactions.  Having litigated almost every type of business and real estate dispute in state, federal and/or bankruptcy court, Mr. Ashman brings unique experience to representing clients in litigation or in a proposed transaction.

Mr. Ashman started his career as the law clerk to the Honorable John E. Ryan, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in Santa Ana, California.  Since that time he has represented creditors and debtors in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  Mr. Ashman also represents creditors' in state court actions with an emphasis on using pre-judgment remedies to bring these matters to a swift resolution.  When necessary, Mr. Ashman is experienced at reducing these claims to judgment and collecting the amounts owed in the most expedient manner.

Having spent the majority of his career at large national and international law firms, Mr. Ashman has extensive experience litigating business and real estate related disputes.  These cases have involved, among other things, partnership disputes, breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, rescission, labor disputes, shareholder derivative actions, false advertising, unfair business practices and other related claims.  During his career, Mr. Ashman has represented many public companies; large, mid-sized and small private companies; and wealthy entrepreneurs.

Real estate litigation has become an ever growing part of Mr. Ashman's practice.  He has represented both buyers and sellers in disputes involving the sale of real property in both high-end residential and commercial transactions.  These disputes include non-disclosure cases, actions to compel specific performance, the improper filing of a lis pendens and fraud and breach of fiduciary duty by real estate professionals.

Mr. Ashman's litigation experience has enhanced his ability to represent buyers and sellers in connection with the sale of real property, including the recent sale of a $17 million commercial building.  Mr. Ashman has also been involved in all aspects of lease negotiation, construction, and operation of new businesses throughout Southern California.  This experience has enabled Mr. Ashman to assist clients in whatever real estate transactions they may want to become involved in, whether as a tenant, investor, buyer, or seller.

Mr. Ashman has also specialized in representing luxury automobile dealerships, including Sterling BMW, Land Rover Newport Beach, Land Rover Mission Viejo, Land Rover Jaguar Cerritos and Land Rover Jaguar Anaheim Hills.  In fact, Mr. Ashman has been involved in the purchase and sale of many of the premier automobile dealerships in Orange County over the last 19 years and has extensive experience in the issues facing car dealerships at every stage of their development from the letter of intent through ground lease negotiations, construction, operations and ultimately the sale of the business.  Mr. Ashman has also represented car dealerships in every conceivable type of litigation in both state and federal court.

Ultimately, Mr. Ashman has a passion for helping clients with their legal needs whatever they may be. Legal problems are often time consuming and expensive and the need for trustworthy, creative, and zealous representation has never been greater.