PARTNER
Nicholas S. Walls
Since joining Hanger Steinberg Shapiro & Ash as an attorney in 2012, Nicholas Walls has represented individuals as well as public and private entities in general liability matters with an emphasis on catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims as well as complex multi-party construction defect and habitability actions. Mr. Walls’ municipal defense matters focus on personal injury and sexual abuse claims. Mr. Walls also has extensive experience in real estate litigation including quiet title matters, fraud and failure to disclose, boundary line, encroachment and easement issues, as well as disputes involving Homeowners Associations and their members.
Mr. Walls is experienced in all aspects of litigation and motion practice, from case inception through trial and appeal, and has successfully obtained summary judgment for many of his clients as well as steered numerous favorable resolutions through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Walls represents his clients as both plaintiffs and defendants, and has appeared in actions all across Southern California.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Walls worked as a research assistant to Pepperdine University School of Law Professor Barry McDonald, former clerk to Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and studied colonial pamphlets and ephemera as well as academic treatises to evaluate historical approaches to freedom of speech in preparation of materials for a constitutional law casebook.
Also during his time at Pepperdine University, Mr. Walls worked as a volunteer clinician in Pepperdine University’s Asylum Clinic, conducting research in support of asylum applications under the direction of Former Federal Immigration Judge Bruce Einhorn. Prior to passing the California State Bar, Mr. Walls worked for the firm as a law clerk beginning in May of 2011.
Mr. Walls has been a partner since November 2020.
Representative Results:
Obtained summary judgment in favor of Orange County pipe supply company and its principals in complex multi-party asbestos litigation involving allegations of wrongful death.
Avina, et al v. Amcord, Inc. et al, Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC623250.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of clients and successfully defended against appeal in Palos Verdes neighbor dispute alleging multi-million dollar damages resulting from underground water intrusion.
Anderson, et al v. Hunter Brooke, Inc., et al, Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC568443; Anderson v. Glantz, Court of Appeal Case Number B294112.
Successfully appealed ruling denying client’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict following trial in wrongful death action resulting in reversal of judgment and six-figure cost recovery to client.
Estate of Matthew Steven Barker, et al v. Mylan, Inc., et al, Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number GC045404; Estate of Matthew Steven Barker v. Garza, Court of Appeal Case Number B270692.
Obtained judgment in favor of client after successful motion for non-suit during trial of wrongful death action involving shooting at a mobile home community.
Laguna v. Community Protective Services, et al, San Bernardino County Superior Court Case Number CIVDS1516654.
Education
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2012
WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
B.A., Philosophy, 2009
Bar Admissions
• State Bar of California, admitted 2012
• United States District Court for the Central District of California