Severson and Werson

Edmund (“Tom”) King has developed a broad commercial practice over the last 35 years with an emphasis in complex business and commercial litigation. His expertise includes numerous jury and non-jury trials in both state and federal courts.

In his years as a commercial litigator, Mr. King has defended banks and consumer finance companies in numerous lawsuits brought by consumers, retailers and investors involving alleged breach of contract, breach of implied contractual obligations and , breach of fiduciary duties, fraud and misrepresentation. These actions involved a wide range of legal issues including alleged violations of state and federal consumer laws and regulations, lender liability issues, and Article 9 issues under the California Commercial Code.

Mr. King also has considerable experience in the defense and trial of class actions against financial institutions filed on behalf of consumers, including alleged violation of the Unfair Business Practices Act (California Business and Professions Code §17200 et. seq.).

Mr. King has been involved over the years in several different aspects of the firm’s management. He chaired Severson & Werson’s Associate Recruiting Committee from 1975 until 1988, and was the head of the firm’s Risk Management program. Mr. King is also an active participant in the Associate Training Program.
 

Edmund (“Tom”) King has developed a broad commercial practice over the last 35 years with an emphasis in complex business and commercial litigation. His expertise includes numerous jury and non-jury trials in both state and federal courts.

Mr. King's specific experience includes:

Banking & Financial Institutions: In his years as a commercial litigator, Mr. King has defended banks and consumer finance companies in numerous lawsuits brought by consumers, retailers and investors involving alleged breach of contract , breach of implied contractual obligations and, breach of fiduciary duties, fraud and misrepresentation. These actions involved a wide range of legal issues including alleged violations of state and federal consumer laws and regulations, lender liability issues, and Article 9 issues under the California Commercial Code.

His experience also includes cases involving check kites, forged signatures/endorsements, stop payments and numerous other operational matters.

Employment Law Matters: Examples of employment related cases Mr. King has defended include wrongful and/or constructive termination, and alleged discrimination on the basis of age, race, or gender.

Class Actions: Mr. King also has considerable experience in the defense and trial of class actions against financial institutions filed on behalf of consumers, including alleged violation of the Unfair Business Practices Act (California Business and Professions Code §17200 et. seq.)

Biographical Information:

Employment History: Member, Severson & Werson, since 1963.

Mr. King has been involved over the years in several different aspects of the firm’s management. He chaired Severson & Werson’s Associate Recruiting Committee from 1975 until 1988, and currently heads the firm’s Risk Management program. Mr. King is also an active participant in the Associate Training Program.

Education: B.A., University of Santa Clara, 1954. J.D., Stanford University, 1959.

Admitted to Practice: California state and federal courts, 1960.

Professional Activities: Faculty Member of two day “Deposition Skills Training Program” sponsored by Practicing Law Institute February 1987 in San Francisco.