Yardena R. Zwang-Weissman

Yardena helped manage and lead the defense of a number of complex environmental matters involving alleged soil, water, and groundwater contamination related to sites in Southern California and Texas, including two in which she served as second-chair trial counsel. She represents clients in both federal and state court in cases involving substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), perchlorate, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), dioxin, furan, lead, asbestos, benzene, talc and silica.

Her practice also includes general business litigation, with an emphasis on disputes concerning fraud, fiduciary duties, bad faith and unfair business practice claims.

Yardena participates in all aspects of litigation, from commencement through the development and implementation of defense strategies that involve conducting extensive discovery, coordinating with other parties, and taking and defending fact and expert depositions. Her practice also includes acting as national coordinating and trial counsel. Yardena has also narrowed and resolved cases through motion practice and through favorable settlement.

While in law school, Yardena served as an extern for Justice Carlos Moreno of the Supreme Court of California and Judge S. James Otero of the Central District of California.  She also served as the notes editor for the Hastings Law Journal.

• Secured summary adjudication of various causes of action and then prevailed at trial on remaining claims related to alleged groundwater contamination on behalf of global manufacturer.
• Represented leading paper manufacturer in a jury trial regarding multi-billion dollar environmental dispute with local government that resulted in a defense verdict.
• Secured dismissal of a federal nationwide class action at the pleading stage for a financial services institution involving allegations of unfair competition and fraud.
• Successfully resolved an environmental matter regarding alleged groundwater contamination and cost recovery claims during trial.
• Successfully resolved environmental matters regarding alleged soil contamination on behalf of multiple clients prior to trial.
• Represented large medical provider in contract dispute with one of the nation's largest health plans, resulting in favorable resolution.
• Represented health plan in insurance action involving alleged denial of coverage for services, resulting in favorable resolution.
• Counseled leading financial institution regarding mortgage and foreclosure practices.
• Managed discovery and trial preparation in representation of manufacturer and supplier in hundreds of product liability cases. Role includes developing defenses, working with fact and expert witnesses, and taking dozens of depositions.