Overview
Craig Jennings Lavoie is a litigation partner and trial lawyer recognized as one of the leading litigators in the United States.
Craig served as trial counsel for Vanessa Bryant in her landmark civil rights victory against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments for their improper sharing of photos from the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and seven others. Following Craig’s closing argument—covered by the New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, People, Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times—the jury awarded Mrs. Bryant and her co-plaintiff $30 million in damages for emotional distress. He received the Daily Journal’s California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award for his work on the matter.
Craig’s other significant representations have included serving as lead counsel for Berkshire Hathaway in a billion-dollar dispute in Delaware Chancery Court concerning the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain; representing the LA Clippers in litigation against Madison Square Garden Company regarding the Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood; representing the Phoenix Suns in a series of employment lawsuits; and serving as lead trial counsel for Berkshire Hathaway and National Indemnity Company in a contested proceeding concerning a proposed $535 million settlement in bankruptcy.
Capabilities
Practices
Experience
Craig’s significant representations include:
Berkshire Hathaway as lead counsel in a billion-dollar dispute with Pilot Corporation over the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain. Just two days before trial in Delaware Chancery Court, the parties reached a settlement under which Berkshire acquired 100% ownership of the company.
Los Angeles Clippers in litigation against Madison Square Garden Company, which sought to block development of the team’s new arena in Inglewood, California. Shortly after MTO moved for summary judgment, the parties reached a settlement ending MSG’s opposition, clearing the way for the arena to open on schedule in 2024.
Phoenix Suns in a collection of employment-related lawsuits pending in federal court in Arizona.
Berkshire Hathaway and National Indemnity Company as lead trial counsel in a contested proceeding concerning a proposed $535 million settlement in bankruptcy.
NCAA in a series of antitrust lawsuits challenging player eligibility rulings.
Justin Timberlake in litigation over behind-the-scenes footage from the making of The 20/20 Experience album.
BlackSand Capital as lead counsel for BlackSand Capital LLC, owner of the Waikiki Galleria Tower in Honolulu, in filing suit against its primary tenant, DFS Group. Eight months after suit was filed, the parties reached a $150 million agreement to resolve the dispute.
More
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023, 2024, 2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2025
- Daily Journal Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 list (2023)
- California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award (2023)
- Law360 Rising Star – Sports Law (2023)
News & Insights
Awards & Recognitions