Jay Coggan is an AV-rated attorney with more than 47 years of experience handling complex business litigation, including disputes involving intellectual property, entertainment, contracts, real estate, and general commercial matters. Throughout his many years of practice, Jay has tried cases in state and federal courts across the country and has been involved in litigation requiring him to represent his clients globally. Jay is admitted to practice law in California, New York, the District of Columbia, and Texas, as well as before numerous federal courts.
In addition, Jay is a Vietnam Veteran, and after earning his law degree, he spent many years as a Judge Advocate with the California Military Department. Jay had a Top Secret/SCI Clearance and served as Chief Counsel for Cyber Operations for the California Military Department. He was responsible for legal issues in the realm of cyber defense for the California National Guard’s mission of defense support of civil authorities and the protection of California’s critical infrastructure. He also was designated a subject matter expert by the California National Guard and National Guard Bureau regarding the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and issues affecting deploying service members. Jay also wrote many of the current California statutes protecting servicemembers. Jay retired from service as a Major General (CA).
Notable Legal Matters
- Successfully represented the widow of a world-famous musician in a suit against the largest record company in America for taking improper deductions from earned royalties, both at trial and on appeal.
- Successfully represented one of the country’s most recognizable high-end furniture designers and manufacturers in a suit for trademark and trade dress infringement in federal court in Florida. The case became a full-page article in the New York Times.
- Secured a multi seven figure jury verdict in a three-month trial in federal court for anti-trust violation of franchise laws against what at the time was the largest retailer in America.
- Successfully represented a record producer against a major recording artist for breach of contract before the California Labor Commission, in trial in Superior Court, and on appeal.
- Successfully represented an out of state seller of commercial property against the law firm that had represented him in the sale for failure to properly advise him of the risks uniquely attendant to carrying back a loan as part of the sale. The case, along with two other companion cases concurrently went to the California Supreme Court and effectively changed the law in California.
- Prevailed in a jury trial representing the head of research for one of the largest manufacturers of medical devices for wrongful termination after the client reported failed test results to the FDA.
- Negotiated for a client the acquisition of the right to use the tradename and sell shoes designed by a well-known English designer and manufacturer and then negotiated the leases for the first 5 stores in Southern California.
- Secured seizures of goods at sea before landing in the United States to secure collection of monies due clients in the garment industry.
- Have lectured for many years on first amendment issues to journalism classes at Cal Poly.
- Sued successfully numerous banks in California for violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and California’s statutes protecting servicemembers which resulted in many of them changing policies on how to service loans made to servicemembers.
- Represented plaintiff in a trial for breach of a Merger & Acquisition deal against one of the largest investment firms on Wall Street and reached a very favorable settlement before verdict was entered.
Affiliations:
- Past President and Current Board Member State Guard Association of The United States
- Advisory Board Member Veterans Legal Institute
- Member National Eagle Scout Association
- American Legion Post 66
- Vietnam Veterans of America
Bar Admissions:
- California
- New York
- District of Columbia
- Texas
- U.S. District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces