Practice Areas: Insurance Coverage, Business Litigation, Construction Litigation; view more
Licensed in California since: 2000
Education: University of San Diego School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2025 Call today:
619-231-5900
Buscemi Hallett LLP
555 West Beech StreetSuite 450
San Diego, CA 92101 Visit website
Details
Attorney Michael Buscemi is a partner with the Buscemi Hallett LLP law firm in San Diego, California. A highly rated litigator with 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Buscemi serves the rights and interests of a diverse range of local and national clients throughout Southern California and across the country who are dealing with pressing legal challenges involving any of the following:
· Construction litigation
· Insurance coverage litigation
· Complex civil litigation
· Business litigation
Nationally recognized as one of the top attorneys in the region, Mr. Buscemi has achieved notable success advocating on behalf of his clients in both state and federal courts. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for his aggressive trial tactics and his tenacity, as he is always striving to help his clients achieve the most favorable outcomes possible for their situations. Devoted to his clients in all cases, Mr. Buscemi prides himself on providing personalized attention to all he serves while delivering quality, cost-effective solutions.
A 1996 graduate of the University of San Diego, Mr. Buscemi attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 1999 and was admitted into the Honors Program of the U.S. Department of Justice. The State Bar of California admitted him to practice in 2000, and he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Central Districts of California. In addition, he has served as pro hac vice counsel in Oregon and New Mexico.
Active in his legal community, Mr. Buscemi is a member of The State Bar of California, the San Diego County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the San Diego Defense Lawyers and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He is also a barrister with the Enright Inn of Court, where he presented a seminar on international war crimes prosecution. Mr. Buscemi also supports his local community through his involvement with Big Brothers of San Diego County.
Practice areas
Insurance Coverage, Business Litigation, Construction Litigation: BusinessFocus areas
Bad Faith Insurance, Construction Defects, Insurance
- 40% Insurance Coverage
- 30% Business Litigation
- 30% Construction Litigation: Business
First Admitted: 2000, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.buhalaw.com/attorney/buscemi-michael/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2021
- Admitted to America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators (2021 - Present), 2021
- United States District Court for the Central Districts of California, 2019
- United States District Court for the Southern Districts of California, 2019
- California Bar Association, 2019
- San Diego County Bar Association, 2019
- Forum Committee on the Construction Industry, Business Law Section
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, 2019
- San Diego Defense Lawyers, 2019
- American Bar Association
- Enright Inn of Court, Barrister, 2019
- Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section
- Admitted to the California Bar, 2000
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- UPRISE ENERGY, LLC. et al. v. PARTNERSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS, INC. et al., Case No. 37-2019-00018163-CU-FR-CTL filed on April 8, 2019. I served as lead counsel and trial counsel. The was a litigated business dispute involving fraud, breach of contract and defamation Uprise filed against its lender, Partnership for Environmental Progress, Inc. (PEP). Uprise is an innovative startup company that submitted a grant application, pursuant to which PEP agreed to loan Uprise $500,000. After the grant award was made, PEP refused to fund the loan, resulting in the filing of this action. Within weeks of trial, in May 2023, PEP agreed to settle for 90% of the loan amount without Uprise incurring any repayment obligation. , 2023
- AEROLAB, LLC v. AIRBORNE AMERICA, INC., et al. Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No.: 37-2017-00039239-CU-CO-CTL File Date: 10/17/2017 Matter still pending This case involves the catastrophic loss of a $50+ million investment - an indoor sky diving development, which became probably the largest and most expensive of its kind anywhere in the world, and it is located in downtown San Diego. The case is complex and ongoing. The mechanical, engineering and construction failures that led to the loss, the number of parties involved, the legal issues presented and the interplay between these components makes this one of the most challenging cases of my 20-year career. I represent the investment group in this case: Airborne America, Inc. and Suncoast Financial which suffered greatly: in the end they were foreclosed upon by their lender, losing everything—their ownership interests, their investment, even their homes. Everything. My job is to pursue the responsible parties and recover legal damages. The case is proceeding in phases. We are now wrapping up the first phase which involves litigation against one party only – Aerolab LLC. In December we secured a $5mm+ settlement against Aerolab and are now preparing post settlement motions to finalize the deal. We have litigated aggressively bringing dispositive motions (demurrer and Motion for Summary Judgment) discovery motions and obtaining sanctions against opposing counsel. We have retained mechanical engineers and construction professionals to develop expert evidence and a sophisticated strategy to achieve our clients’ goals., 2019
- BORREGO SOLAR SYSTEMS, INC., et al. v. CAMPBELL CERTIFIED, INC. et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Sacramento Case No. 34-2014-00169551 File Date: 9/30/2014 Dismissal Date: 4/4/2019 This case involved defect allegations at seven (7) carport solar projects throughout California. I was personal counsel for the insured Campbell Certified, Inc. and monitored the case for over a year. I then substituted as Cumis defense counsel after the insurance company issued a reservation of rights. Campbell was hired to design and construct the steel carport structures. Plaintiff alleged that Campbell was negligent, that the design and its work were defective resulting in property damages, including loss of solar modules during wind events that in some cases struck and damaged cars. Plaintiffs reported total damages approach $13.3 million ($10,798,752 costs plus $2,500,000 litigation expenses). Campbell was the prime target. Plaintiffs named Campbell’s principals and sought personal liability in excess of policy limits. This case was heavily litigated with over forty one (41) party and percipient witnesses, many over multiple days, across the country and fifteen (15) experts' depositions, many over multiple days in California. We defended aggressively, brought a dispositive motion as to personal liability, deposed multiple parties, and developed expert testimony regarding causation, allocation of responsibility, and an alternative cost of repair. In the end, we settled for $3,000,000 in exchange for a release of Campbell and its principals shortly before trial., 2019
- MICHAEL LETOURNEAU v. APERTURE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2012-00100785-CU-CD-CTL File Date: 7/17/2012Matter still pending on appealThis case was brought by a condominium owner against the owners association based on allegations of negligence and nuisance. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for the Aperture Owners Association (defending carrier: CHUBB Insurance Company). I filed and prevailed on a Motion for Summary Judgment, and obtained an award of costs against plaintiff. We are now defending the matter on appeal., 2019
- DAMIEN G. PERILLO, et al. v. PACIFIC VIEW CUSTOM HOMES, INC., et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. SC123950 File Date: 3/24/2015 Dismissal Date: 5/22/2018 This case involved subsidence and removal of lateral support allegations at a beach front residence located at 26766 Latigo Shore Drive, Malibu, CA. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Leon Krous Drilling, Inc. (defending carrier: American Safety Insurance Company). Krous was hired to drill large diameter (60 inch) holes to a depth of 70-100 feet at the adjacent property to support foundation columns drilled into bedrock for a new multimillion dollar house. Krous also drilled holes for a retaining wall and contracted to place “supermud system” casing into the shafts. Plaintiff alleged that Krous was negligent, and that its work at the adjacent project caused property damage, including vibrations and settlement of 4 inches on his property and damages of more than $4.0 million, including the cost of repair of a new house with foundation system and waste water treatment system to comply with current development standards plus two years of relocation costs. Krous was one of the prime targets. We defended aggressively, brought the design professionals into the case for contribution, deposed the design professionals, and developed expert testimony regarding causation and an alternative cost of repair. We disputed good faith settlement motions. In the end, we settled for $1,000,000 in exchange for a release of Krous, well below Krous’s potential exposure in this case which was in excess of available insurance. , 2018
- JOHN J. SOUZA , et al. v. DREAM COURTS, LLC, et al. Superior Court of the State of California / County of Alameda Case No. HG12652303 File Date: 10/16/2012 Dismissal Date: 8/9/2018 Collection on Judgment: Still pendingThis case was a business dispute involving the sale of a gym. I was retained as litigation and trial counsel for John and Carolyn Souza. I prevailed at trial securing a securing a $250k verdict, plus an award of fees and costs. My office is now retained to pursue assets and collect on the judgment. , 2018
- ERMA MILLER v. JNJ HEALTH FOODS, INC., et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. BC531037 File Date: 12/19/13 Dismissal Date: 10/31/17 Appeal Dismissal: This case involved allegations of defamation and violations of Civil Rights laws against Sansai Japanese Grill, a Los Angeles restaurant. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for JNJ Health Food, Inc. dba Sansai Japanese Grill (defending carrier: Nationwide Insurance Company). The case was heavily litigated. The attorney for plaintiff is notorious throughout southern California for manufacturing these claims to extort money from small businesses (see, Link to L.A. Times Article). Unfortunately, the California Bar Association has done little to stem this type of practice and this particular lawyer has enjoyed considerable success from bringing these actions. We approached this case from an entirely different angle and developed evidence never before tried that we believed would operate to preclude plaintiff’s claims in their entirety. I filed and prevailed on a Motion for Summary Judgment, and obtained an award of costs against plaintiff. After judgment was entered, I defended the matter through appeal and presently consult other lawyers that are litigating against these suits and this opposing counsel specifically., 2017
- 4S RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION v. 4S KELWOOD GENERAL PARTNERSHIP, et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2012- 00094919-CU-CD-CTL File Date: 3/29/2012 Dismissal Date: 10/31/2017 This case involved construction defect allegations at the common areas of the sprawling (2,900 acres / 4,700 homes, approx.) master-planned community in North County San Diego known as 4S Ranch. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Kennedy Masonry, Inc. (defending carriers: American Safety Insurance Company, State Nat’l Insurance Company, Clarendon Insurance Company and Praetorian Insurance Company). Kennedy contracted for the construction of sound walls, retaining walls and monument walls at the project, and performed this work in phases between 2000 – 2010 approximately. Kennedy did not perform design work. Specific to Kennedy, the plaintiff HOA alleged in its Complaint significant and pervasive issues involving landscaping and site walls throughout the project including significant wall movement and cracking. Plaintiff’s cost of repair for the wall damages exceeded $1mm. We presented several defenses to counter these allegations, including: (1) the wall designs were not appropriate for the highly expansive soil conditions; (2) the wall designs were not properly engineered (no structural analysis was performed, among other things); (3) slopes at the project were not properly engineered (building pads were expanded to fetch higher sales prices directly impacting slopes); and (4) development of an alternate cost of repair. We filed cross-claims against Kennedy’s subcontractors and pursued Additional Insured rights on behalf of Kennedy from their insurance carriers to secure additional funds, further offsetting the total damages to Kennedy. The case resolved favorably on confidential terms well within our exposure analysis., 2017
- BIRDAIR, INC. v. CAMPBELL CERTIFIED, INC.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2016-00006079-CU-BC-CTL File Date: 2/24/2016 Dismissal Date: 5/18/2017 This case involved defect allegations at the San Diego Car Rental Center located at the San Diego International Airport 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Campbell Certified, Inc. (defending carrier: Admiral Insurance Company). Campbell was hired to furnish, fabricate, deliver and install structural steel for the outdoor canopy at the subject project. Plaintiff alleged that Campbell was negligent, and that its work at the Airport project was defective resulting in alleged property damages, delay and loss of use to Austin Sundt and Birdair in a sum in excess of $500,000.00. We defended aggressively, cross-complained against plaintiff, and filed a discovery motion. We deposed Birdair’s representative and developed defenses that the general contractor submitted a drastically revised design for the Canopy Structure that resulted in project delay. In the end, we settled for $150,000 within the trial budget estimate in exchange for a release of Campbell., 2017
- HH& M ENTERPRISES, LLC, v. RCI BUILDERS, INC. Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. BC 524592 File Date: 10/15/2013 Dismissal Date: 6/24/16 This case involved defect allegations at the Halekala Apartments and associated parking structure located at 14227 Magnolia Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Bonneville Steel, Inc. (defending carrier: American Safety Insurance Company). Bonneville was hired to furnish, fabricate, deliver and install reinforcing steel at the subject project. Specific to Bonneville, it was alleged that the reinforcing steel was improperly installed in the foundations, slab on grade and first-level columns and decks which, according to plaintiff’s experts caused the slab to “sag” and the floors above to become out-of-level resulting in significant damage to the structures. Plaintiff’s preliminary repair estimate for all defects at the Project was $5,227,285.57 with over $1mm allocated to Bonneville. We defended aggressively and filed dispositive motions. We were critical of plaintiff’s load calculations (we determined that plaintiff grossly overestimated the weight of the building) and developed affirmative evidence through experts regarding deflection which we argued were minimal and within tolerances calling into question causation of the significant damages to the structures. In the end, we demanded to be dismissed in exchange for a waiver of costs, and the case settled with a $5,000 payment made on behalf of Bonneville by the carrier., 2016
Representative Clients:
- AM-Mex International
- HH& M ENTERPRISES, LLC, v. RCI BUILDERS, INC. Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. BC 524592 File Date: 10/15/2013 Dismissal Date: 6/24/16 This case involved defect allegations at the Halekala Apartments and associated parking structure located at 14227 Magnolia Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Bonneville Steel, Inc. (defending carrier: American Safety Insurance Company). Bonneville was hired to furnish, fabricate, deliver and install reinforcing steel at the subject project. Specific to Bonneville, it was alleged that the reinforcing steel was improperly installed in the foundations, slab on grade and first-level columns and decks which, according to plaintiff’s experts caused the slab to “sag” and the floors above to become out-of-level resulting in significant damage to the structures. Plaintiff’s preliminary repair estimate for all defects at the Project was $5,227,285.57 with over $1mm allocated to Bonneville. We defended aggressively and filed dispositive motions. We were critical of plaintiff’s load calculations (we determined that plaintiff grossly overestimated the weight of the building) and developed affirmative evidence through experts regarding deflection which we argued were minimal and within tolerances calling into question causation of the significant damages to the structures. In the end, we demanded to be dismissed in exchange for a waiver of costs, and the case settled with a $5,000 payment made on behalf of Bonneville by the carrier., 2016
- HH& M ENTERPRISES, LLC, v. RCI BUILDERS, INC. Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. BC 524592 File Date: 10/15/2013 Dismissal Date: 6/24/16 This case involved defect allegations at the Halekala Apartments and associated parking structure located at 14227 Magnolia Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Bonneville Steel, Inc. (defending carrier: American Safety Insurance Company). Bonneville was hired to furnish, fabricate, deliver and install reinforcing steel at the subject project. Specific to Bonneville, it was alleged that the reinforcing steel was improperly installed in the foundations, slab on grade and first-level columns and decks which, according to plaintiff’s experts caused the slab to “sag” and the floors above to become out-of-level resulting in significant damage to the structures. Plaintiff’s preliminary repair estimate for all defects at the Project was $5,227,285.57 with over $1mm allocated to Bonneville. We defended aggressively and filed dispositive motions. We were critical of plaintiff’s load calculations (we determined that plaintiff grossly overestimated the weight of the building) and developed affirmative evidence through experts regarding deflection which we argued were minimal and within tolerances calling into question causation of the significant damages to the structures. In the end, we demanded to be dismissed in exchange for a waiver of costs, and the case settled with a $5,000 payment made on behalf of Bonneville by the carrier. ***BIRDAIR, INC. v. CAMPBELL CERTIFIED, INC.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2016-00006079-CU-BC-CTL File Date: 2/24/2016 Dismissal Date: 5/18/2017 This case involved defect allegations at the San Diego Car Rental Center located at the San Diego International Airport 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Campbell Certified, Inc. (defending carrier: Admiral Insurance Company). Campbell was hired to furnish, fabricate, deliver and install structural steel for the outdoor canopy at the subject project. Plaintiff alleged that Campbell was negligent, and that its work at the Airport project was defective resulting in alleged property damages, delay and loss of use to Austin Sundt and Birdair in a sum in excess of $500,000.00. We defended aggressively, cross-complained against plaintiff, and filed a discovery motion. We deposed Birdair’s representative and developed defenses that the general contractor submitted a drastically revised design for the Canopy Structure that resulted in project delay. In the end, we settled for $150,000 within the trial budget estimate in exchange for a release of Campbell. ***4S RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION v. 4S KELWOOD GENERAL PARTNERSHIP, et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2012- 00094919-CU-CD-CTL File Date: 3/29/2012 Dismissal Date: 10/31/2017 This case involved construction defect allegations at the common areas of the sprawling (2,900 acres / 4,700 homes, approx.) master-planned community in North County San Diego known as 4S Ranch. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Kennedy Masonry, Inc. (defending carriers: American Safety Insurance Company, State Nat’l Insurance Company, Clarendon Insurance Company and Praetorian Insurance Company). Kennedy contracted for the construction of sound walls, retaining walls and monument walls at the project, and performed this work in phases between 2000 – 2010 approximately. Kennedy did not perform design work. Specific to Kennedy, the plaintiff HOA alleged in its Complaint significant and pervasive issues involving landscaping and site walls throughout the project including significant wall movement and cracking. Plaintiff’s cost of repair for the wall damages exceeded $1mm. We presented several defenses to counter these allegations, including: (1) the wall designs were not appropriate for the highly expansive soil conditions; (2) the wall designs were not properly engineered (no structural analysis was performed, among other things); (3) slopes at the project were not properly engineered (building pads were expanded to fetch higher sales prices directly impacting slopes); and (4) development of an alternate cost of repair. We filed cross-claims against Kennedy’s subcontractors and pursued Additional Insured rights on behalf of Kennedy from their insurance carriers to secure additional funds, further offsetting the total damages to Kennedy. The case resolved favorably on confidential terms well within our exposure analysis. ***ERMA MILLER v. JNJ HEALTH FOODS, INC., et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. BC531037 File Date: 12/19/13 Dismissal Date: 10/31/17 Appeal Dismissal: This case involved allegations of defamation and violations of Civil Rights laws against Sansai Japanese Grill, a Los Angeles restaurant. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for JNJ Health Food, Inc. dba Sansai Japanese Grill (defending carrier: Nationwide Insurance Company). The case was heavily litigated. The attorney for plaintiff is notorious throughout southern California for manufacturing these claims to extort money from small businesses (see, Link to L.A. Times Article). Unfortunately, the California Bar Association has done little to stem this type of practice and this particular lawyer has enjoyed considerable success from bringing these actions. We approached this case from an entirely different angle and developed evidence never before tried that we believed would operate to preclude plaintiff’s claims in their entirety. I filed and prevailed on a Motion for Summary Judgment, and obtained an award of costs against plaintiff. After judgment was entered, I defended the matter through appeal and presently consult other lawyers that are litigating against these suits and this opposing counsel specifically.DAMIEN G. PERILLO, et al. v. PACIFIC VIEW CUSTOM HOMES, INC., et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Los Angeles Case No. SC123950 File Date: 3/24/2015 Dismissal Date: 5/22/2018 This case involved subsidence and removal of lateral support allegations at a beach front residence located at 26766 Latigo Shore Drive, Malibu, CA. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for Leon Krous Drilling, Inc. (defending carrier: American Safety Insurance Company). Krous was hired to drill large diameter (60 inch) holes to a depth of 70-100 feet at the adjacent property to support foundation columns drilled into bedrock for a new multimillion dollar house. Krous also drilled holes for a retaining wall and contracted to place “supermud system” casing into the shafts. Plaintiff alleged that Krous was negligent, and that its work at the adjacent project caused property damage, including vibrations and settlement of 4 inches on his property and damages of more than $4.0 million, including the cost of repair of a new house with foundation system and waste water treatment system to comply with current development standards plus two years of relocation costs. Krous was one of the prime targets. We defended aggressively, brought the design professionals into the case for contribution, deposed the design professionals, and developed expert testimony regarding causation and an alternative cost of repair. We disputed good faith settlement motions. In the end, we settled for $1,000,000 in exchange for a release of Krous, well below Krous’s potential exposure in this case which was in excess of available insurance. ***JOHN J. SOUZA , et al. v. DREAM COURTS, LLC, et al. Superior Court of the State of California / County of Alameda Case No. HG12652303 File Date: 10/16/2012 Dismissal Date: 8/9/2018 Collection on Judgment: Still pendingThis case was a business dispute involving the sale of a gym. I was retained as litigation and trial counsel for John and Carolyn Souza. I prevailed at trial securing a securing a $250k verdict, plus an award of fees and costs. My office is now retained to pursue assets and collect on the judgment. ***BORREGO SOLAR SYSTEMS, INC., et al. v. CAMPBELL CERTIFIED, INC. et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of Sacramento Case No. 34-2014-00169551 File Date: 9/30/2014 Dismissal Date: 4/4/2019 This case involved defect allegations at seven (7) carport solar projects throughout California. I was personal counsel for the insured Campbell Certified, Inc. and monitored the case for over a year. I then substituted as Cumis defense counsel after the insurance company issued a reservation of rights. Campbell was hired to design and construct the steel carport structures. Plaintiff alleged that Campbell was negligent, that the design and its work were defective resulting in property damages, including loss of solar modules during wind events that in some cases struck and damaged cars. Plaintiffs reported total damages approach $13.3 million ($10,798,752 costs plus $2,500,000 litigation expenses). Campbell was the prime target. Plaintiffs named Campbell’s principals and sought personal liability in excess of policy limits. This case was heavily litigated with over forty one (41) party and percipient witnesses, many over multiple days, across the country and fifteen (15) experts' depositions, many over multiple days in California. We defended aggressively, brought a dispositive motion as to personal liability, deposed multiple parties, and developed expert testimony regarding causation, allocation of responsibility, and an alternative cost of repair. In the end, we settled for $3,000,000 in exchange for a release of Campbell and its principals shortly before trial. ***AEROLAB, LLC v. AIRBORNE AMERICA, INC., et al. Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No.: 37-2017-00039239-CU-CO-CTL File Date: 10/17/2017 Matter still pending This case involves the catastrophic loss of a $50+ million investment - an indoor sky diving development, which became probably the largest and most expensive of its kind anywhere in the world, and it is located in downtown San Diego. The case is complex and ongoing. The mechanical, engineering and construction failures that led to the loss, the number of parties involved, the legal issues presented and the interplay between these components makes this one of the most challenging cases of my 20-year career. I represent the investment group in this case: Airborne America, Inc. and Suncoast Financial which suffered greatly: in the end they were foreclosed upon by their lender, losing everything—their ownership interests, their investment, even their homes. Everything. My job is to pursue the responsible parties and recover legal damages. The case is proceeding in phases. We are now wrapping up the first phase which involves litigation against one party only – Aerolab LLC. In December we secured a $5mm+ settlement against Aerolab and are now preparing post settlement motions to finalize the deal. We have litigated aggressively bringing dispositive motions (demurrer and Motion for Summary Judgment) discovery motions and obtaining sanctions against opposing counsel. We have retained mechanical engineers and construction professionals to develop expert evidence and a sophisticated strategy to achieve our clients’ goals.MICHAEL LETOURNEAU v. APERTURE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, et al.Superior Court of the State of California / County of San Diego Case No. 37-2012-00100785-CU-CD-CTL File Date: 7/17/2012Matter still pending on appealThis case was brought by a condominium owner against the owners association based on allegations of negligence and nuisance. I was retained as insurance defense counsel for the Aperture Owners Association (defending carrier: CHUBB Insurance Company). I filed and prevailed on a Motion for Summary Judgment, and obtained an award of costs against plaintiff. We are now defending the matter on appeal.
- TCS Construction, Co.
- Catalina Pacific Underground
- Alcala Company, Inc.
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified to practice in U.S. Court of Appeals for teh Ninth Circuit, 2021
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Big Brothers of San Diego County, 2007 - Present
- TVIA Volunteer (2020 - Present), 2020
Honors/Awards:
- Link: https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/san-diego-top-lawyers-2021-specialties-d-k/article_cf64f0fc-97f4-11eb-9fd8-a7c4e32614b4.html , Named to San Diego Magazine's Top Lawyers List for 2021 for "INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BUSINESS LITIGATION", San Diego Magazine, 2021
- Michael R. Buscemi is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell., AV Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- United States Department of Justice Honors Program
Educational Background:
- University of San Diego with a B.A. in Political Science and Minor in Philosophy, Honors: Dean's List, 1996
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- International War Crimes Prosecution, Enright Inn of Court, 2009 - 2010
Office location for Michael Buscemi
555 West Beech Street
Suite 450
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-231-5900
Selections
7 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2025
