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Position: Partner
Telephone: 626-744-2023
Fax: 626-744-2001
E-Mail: lchao@sollp.com
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Louis R. Chao graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1988 with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts in Business/Economics with Honors. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1995 after graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law. He is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Mr. Chao has extensive experience in handling complex construction defect actions, including handling those filed against developers, general contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and product suppliers that have involved a broad range of issues including those dealing with: 1) alleged personal injuries due to exposure and contamination from toxic mold; 2) projects financed through federal tax credits and the need for relocation under federal guidelines; 3) alleged defects associated with the conversion of hotels and apartments into condominium units; and 4) issues related to additional insured endorsements.
In the recent case Geller, et al. v. Kaufman & Broad, et al., Mr. Chao and Mr. Frank Sabaitis secured a non-suit judgment against a homeowners association for a 238-unit condominium project that initially sought to recover approximately $23 million related to alleged deficiencies with approximately five miles of retaining walls throughout the project. While plaintiff was able to procure settlements from numerous other parties that totaled approximately $3.8 million, Sabaitis · O'Callaghan was able to secure its client a judgment of non-suit and recover its costs after a 3˝ week jury trial.
Mr. Chao has also handled other high-profile cases including the action filed by the El Escorial Owners Association v. Santa Barbara Villas, L.P. in Santa Barbara County where plaintiff alleged that the cost to repair the construction defects, including damages related to alleged toxic mold, the premature failure of cast iron pipes throughout the buildings, and the relocation of all unit owners for an extended period, was approximately $58 million.
Mr. Chao's law practice also covers claims filed by the Fair Housing Council involving allegations of alleged discriminatory practices, and by the California Department of Real Estate regarding licensing issues. In handling these claims, Mr. Chao has been able to resolve them in a manner that not only protects his client's ongoing business operations but also enhances his client's reputation within the business community.
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