Skip to main content

Paul Y. Lee

Litigation Attorney at Costa Mesa, CA

5.0   4 reviews

Call and speak with several attorneys to find best fit for your specific legal issue.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US.
Find the best ones near you.
Find Nearby Lawyers

About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Litigation
    50%
    Litigation involving complex business disputes, breach of contract, unfair business practices, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, products liability and toxic torts.

    38 years, 600 cases

  2. Business
    25%
    Complex business disputes,breach of contract, interference with contract, unfair business practices, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.

    38 years, 300 cases

  3. Defective and dangerous products
    25%
    product liability litigation involving machinery and equipment, consumer products, chemicals, toxic substances, and pharmaceutical products.

    38 years, 300 cases

I have a diverse background litigating a wide variety of business disputes as well as complex tort matters. I have successfully prosecuted and defended cases across a broad range of legal issues, including breach of contract, unfair competition, fraud, and commercial claims, as well as business torts. I have also successfully handled numerous products liability and toxic tort cases that involve a variety of products, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy machinery and equipment.  

My representative victories include a favorable judgment involving the interpretation of the Uniform Commercial Code which established new precedent and resulted in a published federal court opinion addressing the negotiation of a forged instrument; defense of a seven figure breach of contract action which resulted in the plaintiff paying to settle the action; dismissal of an environmental remediation case where the client was charged with negligent cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination and the California Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the judgment of dismissal; dismissals of multiple products liability actions following successful motions to quash service of the summonses and complaints; voluntary dismissals of multiple products liability cases, including ones brought against a pharmaceutical manufacturer and industrial equipment manufacturer, after summary judgment motions were filed; dismissal of a products liability case brought against a manufacturing client following multiple successful challenges of the plaintiff’s pleading and the California Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the dismissal; and a de minimus, nuisance settlement on behalf of a food flavoring manufacturer client charged with causing serious obstructive lung disease requiring lung transplantations even though other named defendants paid seven figures pursuant to settlement or judgment.

 

 

Photos and videos

Licensed for 42 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 1985
Updated 02/13/2012
State IL
Status Retired
Acquired 1980
Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Paul

Similar lawyers nearby

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
650 Town Center Drive
Suite 1400
Costa Mesa, CA, 9261426

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  4 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Robert | May 23, 2013
Excellence, Honesty, Integrity and Trustworthy
Paul was recommended to us by a friend to handle our personal injury case. Little did I know that our case was being handled by someone who is competent, trustworthy and responsive to our calls and emails. Paul really cared about our case and kept us informed throughout the 1 year plus ordeal. Throughout the entire process the opposition continually told us we didn't have a case, but Paul never relented and told us what he thought our case was worth. In the end Paul was right and we received a very favorable settlement. I mentioned to Paul during our final meeting that I feel like we've become friends because that's the culture that Kaplan & Lee foster. Do yourself a favor and hire the best lawyer in the Orange County area. Thanks again Paul...
Read less
Posted by Joseph | February 22, 2012
Confident, intelligent and involved.
I contacted Paul to ask questions how to handle an employer that has ignored the law and not paid their employees (me) properly. Paul took my case and handled the opposing attorney well. The outcome was fair and I was consulted throughout. I highly recommend Paul Lee.
Posted by Hugh | January 20, 2012
Attentive, Motivated, and Professional
I've had a few experiences with lawyers in the past, and one main issue has always been communication. Paul kept in touch whenever there was news, and always responded quickly when we asked questions. His firm is small and personal. He actually answers the phone himself when he's available. This is not a firm run by interns or assistants. We hired Paul for a personal injury/property damage case. He was very professional and easy to talk to. He handled our case in a timely manner, as it was close to the statute of limitations. (thanks to the last lawyer and poor communication) Paul seemed genuinely concerned about our problems, and not just interested in making money. He worked hard to get the settlement that we deserved. Paul seems to be a very well-rounded attorney, having worked both sides in the past. We chose him based on his years of experience and attitude when we first contacted him. Hopefully we never need him again, but he is the first person we will call if the time comes.
Read less
Posted by Danny | November 14, 2011
Trustworthy and Reliable!
I hired Paul December of last year to represent me in my personal injury/product-liability lawsuit and I could not be more pleased with the outcome. Having never been involved in a lawsuit like this before, naturally coming in, I did not know what really to expect. Paul quickly took those feelings of uncertainty and put them to rest. He was very knowledgable, thorough, and very honest about all the workings of my case. Paul was always punctual and kept me informed at all times of any changes to my case promptly. He handled every detail of my case professionally and required very minimal participation from me throughout the process, which with my busy schedule was something I greatly appreciated. Ultimately, thanks to Paul, I received a great, well-deserved settlement. It was a really great experience having Paul as my lawyer and would definitely have him as my legal counsel again if another situation were to arise. I Highly, highly Recommend Paul Lee.
Read less

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-500 per hour
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
  • 2018 - Present
  • Senior Counsel
  • Enterprise Counsel Group, Alc
  • 2014 - 2018
  • Attorney
  • Cadden & Fuller, LLP
  • 2013 - 2014
  • Founding Partner
  • Kaplan Lee LLP
  • 2001 - 2013
  • Partner
  • Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
  • 1993 - 2001
  • Associate
  • Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
  • 1987 - 1992
  • Associate
  • Morgan, Wenzel & McNicholas, PC
  • 1985 - 1987
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Pennsylvania Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1979
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • A.B. cum laude
  • 1976

Legal Cases

  • M.G v. G.B.
  • Judgment in favor of client
  • B.Y. v. B.J.
  • Seven figure settlement in favor of client.
  • D.K. v. T.M.
  • Six figure jury verdict in favor of Paul's client
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • Admitted
  • 2011 - Present
  • Orange County Korean American Bar Association
  • Board Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program
  • Arbitrator
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association, Tort and Trial Section
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • California State Bar
  • Admitted
  • 1985 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • Admitted
  • 1985 - Present
  • Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2014
  • ProVisors
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2013
  • Orange County Bar Association, Employment Law Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2014
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1987 - 2008
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Top Attorneys
  • Coast Magazine
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Top Attorneys
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2013
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Top Attorneys
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2012
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
View all awards

Publications

  • OCKABA Newsletter
  • McDonald's Hot Coffee Case - A Posterchild for Frivolous Lawsuits or a Compelling Example of Corporate Misdeed?
  • 2012
  • OCKABA Newsletter
  • Proposition 65 – A Lurking Pifall For the Unwary Business Owner
  • 2012

Speaking Engagements

  • Protect and Grow Seminar
  • What California Business Owners Need to Know About Prop 65
  • 2012
  • OCKABA Community Law School
  • Civil Litigation - Commencement of Lawsuit Through Trial
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (39)
Given (43)
Endorse Paul
Litigation Attorney | Aug 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Business Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Paul. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Yee. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos"
Car accident Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Lee has to be one of the hardest working, most compassionate and client oriented advocates to be practicing law. I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Aug 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse and would recommend Mr. Lee to everyone and anyone. I have been practicing for 24 years. I was the youngest judge in Colorado history, a magistrate, a prosecutor in three districts, a law professor, and have worked in private practice for years. I still learn from his Avvo answers each and every day. He is a huge credit to the legal system. Hire him."
Personal injury Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul Lee is a talented and well respected personal injury attorney who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer who really cares about his clients."
Business Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Lee has made a substantial number of contributions on Avvo.com. I have read several of his contributions and have found them to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I endorse this lawyer's work."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Lee demonstrates his knowledge on almost a daily basis by his clear and concise answers to questions, and by his compassion in responding to people who are not able to afford lawyers. Mr. Lee is a great asset to the AVVO community."
Personal injury Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer's contributions to this site are invaluable. I happily endorse this lawyer's work, ability and charity to those asking for advice. Further, I like to endorse good lawyers, because I find the AVVO rating system to be dishonest and corrupt. Frequently, disgruntled litigants on the opposing side (not your clients) will bash a lawyer on this site, pretending to be "your" client. When this situation is brought to the attention of AVVO, Avvo refuses to do anything to investigate and remove the false, slanderous "client" reviews. AVVO is a mean petty internet blog site trying to make money off of lawyers, and does not care if the public receives truthful information."
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Leeis is a very knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend him."
Employment and labor Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"With every post here on Avvo, Paul Y. Lee demonstrates his exceptional legal knowledge and practical skill. He clearly cares about the profession and his clients. I am so impressed by Mr. Lee that I have added him to the short list of attorneys to whom I refer products liability and other injury cases."
Litigation Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Other
"I endorse Paul Lee. His responses to questions on this site demonstrate very clearly that he is a smart and good lawyer who cares about people."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Lee provides solid responses to questions posed by the Avvo community."
Litigation Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. His AVVO responses are direct, concise, and always appear to be helpful."
Defective and dangerous products Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Paul is a true professional in every sense of the word. He is both diligent in his practice and ethical in all of his dealings. Paul has the knowledge and experience to help you with your matter and I highly recommend his services."
Personal injury Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul Lee has consistently provided detailed analysis on Avvo. He provides thorough, well reasoned answers and demonstrates his knowledge of the subject matter. Additionally, the "warmth" in those answers clearly conveys his compassion for both his current and future clients. It is a pleasure to endorse him."
View more endorsements
Litigation
General practice
Criminal defense
Lawsuits and disputes
Employment and labor
Litigation
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Personal injury
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Personal injury
Employment and labor
Personal injury
Personal injury