PRACTICING SINCE 1991

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Edward M. Lai specializes in representing building contractors and small business owners in commercial disputes, employment litigation, contract negotiation and more.  Edward has experience in the fields of commercial and residential real estate, landlord/tenant, construction and construction defect law, Americans With Disabilities (ADA) litigation, first party and third party insurance coverage, business entity formation, and perfecting/enforcing mechanic’s liens and stop notices. Edward recently served as former chairman and vice chairman of the City of Oakland Housing, Relocation and Rent Board.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Edward was an insurance claims litigation specialist for national insurance carriers The Maryland Casualty Company and CNA Insurance.  As a claims representative, he gained expertise in analyzing first and third party insurance coverage under commercial general liability policies, homeowner policies, marine policies, and professional general liability (errors & omissions) policies.  He also became skilled in negotiation from handling thousands of litigated and non-litigated claims.  His knowledge of how insurance carriers evaluate and handle their claims makes Edward highly effective in achieving the best results for his clients, whether it is through settlement negotiations or through trial.