Overview
Commercial litigator and legal counselor Kenneth L. Perkins, Jr. represents clients in business disputes, including contract/business tort lawsuits, employment defense, and real estate disputes.
Because of consistent client referrals, Mr. Perkins’ practice largely focuses on certain industries. In addition to his legal expertise in certain kinds of cases, Mr. Perkins has subject matter knowledge of specific industries. This includes printing and graphics arts, real estate, private higher education, and Taiwanese/Chinese-owned businesses. Not surprisingly, there can be overlap between these areas.
For example, Mr. Perkins has represented over 200 companies in the printing, packaging, mailing, fulfillment, and graphics arts industries, and he has long served as corporate counsel to their trade association and related entities.
At the beginning of a case, Mr. Perkins asks clients to explain their business goal. Many have not considered this issue, beyond defending the pending lawsuit. This allows him to identify the key issues and to recognize the unique aspects of each case.
Mr. Perkins is often his clients’ first call. If he is not personally able to assist, he can identify other attorneys in the firm who can. As a full-service law firm, AALRR likely has attorneys who can assist in almost any business litigation or transaction.
Clients have complimented Mr. Perkins for being a practical business partner as well as a legal advisor. He has worked with some clients over 30 years, and with others for a single case.
Many business disputes should be resolved quickly with minimal time and expense, while others should go to trial. The question is which approach best fits the specific case and the client’s “big picture” needs. If necessary, Mr. Perkins is ready to go to trial.
Mr. Perkins is a skillful and experienced negotiator and, as is generally true today, most cases settle before trial. Most cases settle because, through the discovery process, the parties can see how the case is likely to turn out. It is seldom cost-effective to settle on the courthouse steps, because of the expense to get there.
Mr. Perkins wants each action in a case to add value. He often works in tandem with more junior lawyers and paralegals to reduce cost.
Mr. Perkins is a long-time active member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and has served as pro bono counsel for the Orange County Bird of Prey Center for more than 30 years.
Mr. Perkins is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine and the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, where he was a member and Editor of the Hale Moot Court Honors Program. He received additional training through Pepperdine University’s program on "Mediating the Litigated Case."
Before joining AALRR in 2022, Mr. Perkins honed his litigation skills as a partner in regional and national law firms.
Honors & Recognitions
AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
Education
J.D., University of Southern California Gould School of Law
B.A., University of California, Irvine
Certificate, Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution, “Mediating the Litigated Case”
Admissions
- 1984, California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California
Admitted pro hac vice as needed for cases in other states, including Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Illinois and Texas