Partners in Victory: Youth Meets Experience in the Courtroom
By Ron Rossi and Missy Cornejo
At Rossi, Hamerslough, Reischl & Chuck, we are proud to spotlight the extraordinary accomplishments of two of our litigation powerhouses: Missy Cornejo, our youngest partner, and Ron Rossi, our most seasoned trial attorney. Since 2020, Missy and Ron successfully tried eight cases to conclusion together, spanning jury trials, bench trials, and arbitration proceedings before retired judges, with an outstanding record of victories.
The cases were as follows:
- ASNM, LLC v. Cherry Blossom, Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 19CV360605, concerning commercial landlord / commercial tenant. Tenant alleged landlord refused to authorize subleases in bad faith. Jury awarded general damages of $2,664,000 and punitive damages of $9,000,000 for a total of $11,664,000, and attorney fees and costs to be paid by defendants.
- Liu v. Wong, Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 20CV367132, concerning usurious note and deed of trust on commercial property. Court awarded damages, cancellation of the note and deed and deed of trust, and attorney fees to be paid by defendants.
- Jewell v. Phillipps, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 21CV00986, concerning an easement dispute between neighbors in Boulder Creek, and our client’s cross-claim for elder abuse. Jury awarded damages of $165,000 to clients for pure emotional distress, and a finding that our clients were entitled to punitive damages.
- Kao v. Pollifrone, defended real estate dual agent seller and owner of multiunit property against claims by buyers of non-disclosure. Resulted in defense victory and recoup of all attorney fees.
- Massei v. Red Roots Landscape, represented a general contractor against a subcontractor for a defective driveway installation. Awarded damages, attorney fees and return of all monies paid to subcontractor for lack of a proper license.
- DeMar v. TPS Motorsports, commercial lease failure to pay rent and other charges with a cross-complaint against the landlord. Prevailed on complaint. Received attorney fees and damages.
- 478 Schafer Road, LLC v. Hyder, represented a buyer of an apartment house. Sued for specific performance and damages. Obtained the property and all attorney fees.
- Nguyen v. Pau dba Sand Hill, Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No. 16CV302578, defended developer on a commission on a case where a broker sought a real estate commission of $6 million. Obtained a judgment of dismissal after a dispositive motion during trial.
Their collaboration is more than a meeting of minds; it’s a masterclass in strategic litigation. Missy brings a sharp, modern approach to trial advocacy, infused with energy, meticulous preparation, and digital fluency. Ron, on the other hand, draws from a deep well of experience, having conducted hundreds and hundreds of trials over the course of his esteemed career. His instincts in the courtroom are second to none.
Together, they form a formidable team that delivers real results for our clients. Their recent string of wins underscores the unique strength of combining emerging talent with seasoned judgment. This success is not only a testament to their individual skills but also to the culture of excellence and mentorship that defines our firm.
We celebrate Missy and Ron’s partnership as a model of what makes our litigation practice truly exceptional.
