Gopi K. Panchapakesan

Trials

Co-lead trial counsel for major apparel manufacturer, winning a $164 million jury verdict against LuLaRoe in a two-month jury trial involving claims of fraud, fraudulent transfer, and breach of contract arising out of the parties’ $1.8 billion business relationship.

Lead trial counsel in alter ego bench trial pursuing various family trusts and shell entities that collectively held hundreds of millions of dollars in assets to satisfy client’s judgment.

Lead trial counsel in forfeiture bench trial involving nearly $200 million in seized assets, securing a forfeiture award for a fraction of the amount sought by the Government.

Trial counsel for publicly-traded nutritional products company in an eight-figure fraud and accounting malpractice arbitration.

Trial counsel for former executive in a profit participation arbitration concerning a large San Diego real estate development.

Trial counsel for former media conglomerate CFO in a federal criminal jury trial involving issues relating to the Communications Decency Act, First Amendment, and payment processing. Secured acquittals on majority of counts, with an appeal pending on the remaining counts.

Trial counsel in arbitration involving complex breach of contract claims asserted against apparel company client, securing a seven-figure offset against claimed damages.

Class Actions

Represented major auto manufacturer in false advertising / unfair competition class action involving sale of prepaid maintenance plans, successfully compelling arbitration of claims.

After moving for summary judgment, successfully resolved federal civil RICO and unfair business practices class action for publicly-traded nutritional product company.

Represented online social gaming company in federal class action brought under Washington’s Recovery of Money Lost at Gambling Act (RMLGA).

Successfully resolved series of class actions on behalf of several skilled nursing facilities accused of understaffing in violation of state and federal regulations.

Defeated class certification on behalf of large retail bookseller in a wage and hour class action.

Obtained final approval of a class action settlement on behalf of a publicly-traded nutritional product company, defeating objections made by several class members and securing regulatory approval.

Complex Civil Litigation

Representing majority shareholder in minority shareholder dilution case regarding shareholder redemptions.

Representing private equity company in various complex matters involving the sale of millions of COVID-19 test kits.

Successfully resolved California False Claims Act case asserted against publicly-traded government contractor involving website accessibility issues.

Represented Taiwanese conglomerate and other lead defendants in a 34-defendant civil RICO and alter ego action. Plaintiff sought over $80 million in trebled RICO damages. After winning critical motions on the eve of trial, the case was successfully resolved for a nominal amount.

Represented payment processor in connection with terminated joint development agreement, successfully resolving case for a confidential amount.

Arbitrations

Represented major cannabis company in confidential arbitration with former executive concerning claims of wrongful termination and disputed stock options grant.

Represented global biomedical company in international arbitration concerning joint development agreement terminated by the counterparty; case was successfully resolved in client’s favor for a confidential amount.

Successfully resolved FINRA arbitration concerning the sale of mortgage-backed securities.

White Collar Defense & Investigations

Resolved action brought against a big-box retailer by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, in which the government alleged the retailer sold products in violation of air quality standards.

Represented major pipeline and renewable energy company in various matters involving state and local government authorities, successfully securing pre-litigation resolutions.

Successfully avoided charges against former employee of major consulting and engineering company in connection with remediation of hazardous waste.

Pro Bono

Successfully represented several families living in dilapidated housing on Skid Row in Los Angeles and procured a $750,000 settlement on behalf of the tenants in a partnership with the Inner City Law Center.

• Guest, "055: Gopi Panchapakesan: The Introverted Trial Lawyer," Khurram's Quorum, July 2026
• Co-Author, "Dueling Experts: What Olean Might Mean for the Future of Class Certification in the Ninth Circuit," California Litigation, Vol. 35, Issue 3, January 2023
• Author, “3 Ways Defendants Can Nip Civil RICO Claims In The Bud,” Law360, December 2020
• Co-Author, “The Changing Scope of Arbitrability and Appealability,” National Law Journal, August 2019 
• Co-Author, “The Far-Reaching New Domestic Injury Rule Under Civil RICO,” Law360, June 2017