Resume

John K. (“Jake”) Courtney, Esq. is one of the most successful and well-regarded trial lawyers and civil litigators in the country. After an accomplished 32-year career as a prominent trial attorney, during which he tried over 40 jury and bench trials to verdict and handled numerous high-value arbitrations and multi-million dollar settlements, he stepped down from the practice of law in 2020 to serve as a full-time mediator at ADR Services, Inc.

Having resolved countless cases as a litigator, Mr. Courtney brings a broad perspective to his work to help parties approach matters from every angle, assessing realistic options and the full costs and tradeoffs of litigation and trial. His down-to-earth demeanor, legal acumen, and comprehensive understanding of the unique concerns of disputants have earned him national recognition for helping to craft creative, customized solutions to complex disputes.

Among his professional memberships, Mr. Courtney has been a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) since 2003, where he held numerous leadership roles and served as a Board Member for the Los Angeles Chapter, Cal-ABOTA, and National ABOTA. In addition, he has been accoladed several times as one of the nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and as a Southern California Super Lawyer.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Personal Injury
Mass Torts
Business Torts
Class Actions
Medical Malpractice
Wrongful Death
Product Liability
Insurance Bad Faith

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Girardi | Keese, 1988-2020

Mr. Courtney clerked at Girardi, Keese and Crane following his first year of law school and joined the firm as an attorney after passing the bar in 1988. As the firm grew from 6 to 36 lawyers, Mr. Courtney hired and mentored the new lawyers while maintaining a diverse array of cases. In the 1990s, the firm rebranded as Girardi | Keese. In addition to trying both bench and jury trials, Mr. Courtney settled in excess of 1,000 matters through mediations and arbitrations. His practice was known for its diversity, ranging from injury claims stemming from defective products and automobile accidents to complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of Mass Torts, Class Actions, Insurance Bad Faith, and Aviation.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 2003-Present
- Los Angeles Chapter, Civility Chair, 2015-2016
- Los Angeles Chapter, Vice President, 2017
- Los Angeles Chapter, President, 2018
- Los Angeles Chapter Executive Board, 2010-2016
- Elected to National ABOTA, Board Member, 2015-2018
- Cal-ABOTA Board Member, 2017-2019
International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL), 2020-Present
International Society of Barristers, 2017-Present
Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), Associate, 1993-Present
Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2008-Present
American Association for Justice, 2008-Present

HONORS AND AWARDS

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Association for Justice, 2008-2011, 2013
National Trial Lawyers Top 100, 2015, 2016
America’s Top 100 Lifetime Achievement Award
Southern California Super Lawyer, 2007-2016
Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2008-2013

EDUCATION

Loyola Law School, J.D., 1988
Loyola Marymount University, B.A. cum laude, 1985
Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society, Pi Alpha Theta, Pi Gamma Mu

BAR ADMISSIONS

California, 1988
U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1988
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 1988
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1988
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 1988
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1988