Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps is a partner in the Litigation practice group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. She concentrates her practice on all facets of commercial and business litigation matters in state and federal courts. Ms. Hipps has extensive experience negotiating pre-trial settlements, crafting litigation strategies, preparing cases for trial, or negotiating favorable settlements prior to trial.
As an experienced commercial litigator, Ms. Hipps has counseled clients in a wide range of industries, including sports and entertainment, cannabis, finance, hospitality, and among others. Throughout her career, she has also maintained a pro bono practice representing women and artists.
Prior to joining Greenspoon Marder, Ms. Hipps founded and led her own firm. She handled matters involving commercial and business litigation, intellectual property, entertainment, construction, securities, insurance dedicated funds, labor and employment, and general corporate work. In addition to trial advocacy, Ms. Hipps has experience handling general corporate work, such as the formation of an LLC or partnership, and civil litigation matters, such as breach of contract cases, an array of general business litigation, and entertainment cases.
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Bar Admissions
- California
Education
- J.D., University of Iowa College of Law, 2008
- B.A., Emory University, 2003
Representative Experience
- Served as lead trial counsel in Dumag v. Allen, a multimillion dollar fraud and breach of contract case tried in California Superior Court. Ms. Hipps successfully defeated all claims and won all costs and attorney fees for her client
- Represents directors and officers in shareholder derivative actions and general business disputes
- Provides advice to hedge fund and fund of fund managers in establishing and operating insurance dedicated funds (“IDFs”) and private placement life insurance (“PPLI”)
- Represents homeowners, builders and contractors in a wide range of construction disputes, including breach of contract and construction defect
- Defends producers and photographers in labor disputes brought by models and talent, and in guild disputes
- Negotiates contracts for entertainment clients. Ms. Hipps uses her experience as an insider in the entertainment industry, gleaned from working on multiple shows at CNN prior to attending law school.
- Represent producers and financiers in film, television, and new media.
- Negotiate talent contracts and employment/severance contracts.
- Multiple California Labor Code 203 litigations involving models, producers, photographers, and fashion houses.
Professional and Community Involvement
- The American Bar Association, Fellow
- Female Executives in Media & Entertainment (“FEME”), Board Member
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “U Start Here X workshop” U Start Here, May 30, 2021
- Speaker, “Entertainment law program” Webinar, Iowa College of Law, March 29, 2021
- Speaker, “Entrepreneur Panel,” Emory Alumni Association Entrepreneur Networking Event, September 26, 2018
Recognitions
- The American Lawyer, “West Trailblazer,” 2022
- Super Lawyers magazine, “Southern California Rising Star,” 2017-2021
- Los Angeles Magazine, “Top Women Attorneys in Southern California,” 2018
In the News
- Mentioned, “Calif. Developer, Akin Gump Filed ‘Baseless’ Suit, Rival Says,” Law360, October 22, 2019
- Quoted, “After Time’s Up and #MeToo, Women in Entertainment Still See Gender Issues That Men Don’t,” CNBC, October 29, 2018
News
- Sep 13, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Partner Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps Nominated as Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
- Aug 1, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Partner Kathleen Hipps Named to The American Lawyer’s 2022 West Trailblazers List
- Jun 8, 2021 Two Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized Among “2021 Southern California Rising Stars” By Super Lawyers
- May 28, 2021 Greenspoon Marder Partner Kathleen Hipps Featured Speaker At U Start Here X Workshop
- Jun 26, 2020 Two Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized Among “2020 Southern California Rising Stars” By Super Lawyers
- Jan 30, 2019 Three Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Southern California for 2019
- Jan 28, 2019 Greenspoon Marder Promotes Dana Somerstein and Kathleen Hipps to Partners
- Jun 22, 2018 Greenspoon Marder Attorney Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps Recognized By Super Lawyers as a 2018 Southern California “Rising Star”
- Jun 22, 2018 Greenspoon Marder Attorney Kathleen Cerniglia Hipps Recognized By Super Lawyers as a 2018 Southern California “Rising Star”
- May 25, 2018 Greenspoon Marder Attorney Kathleen Hipps Recognized Among the Top Women Attorneys in Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine
- Apr 23, 2018 Greenspoon Marder Continues Expansion on the West Coast with the Opening of Los Angeles Office