Galen M. Gentry

Counsel

Known for his pragmatic approach to problem-solving, Galen Gentry is an accomplished litigator with extensive experience prosecuting and defending against claims asserted in state, federal, and bankruptcy court, both at trial and on appeal.

Galen’s litigation practice primarily focuses on business, real estate, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and employment disputes. He also uses his previous experience representing companies in transactional matters to craft creative solutions for complex business disputes, both before and after they reach the courtroom.

Before joining Downey Brand, Galen was a partner at Hughey Gentry, LLP, a Sacramento-based litigation boutique.


Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Litigation Section

Honors & Rankings

  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Rising Stars, Business Litigation, 2021-2024
  • Sacramento Magazine, Top Lawyer, Business Litigation, 2020
  • Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, Northern California, 2019-2020
  • Lead trial counsel for sporting goods retailer in bankruptcy adversary proceeding brought against the seller of business. Obtained judgment finding that seller had committed fraud in the sale and had used a promissory note for tax avoidance purposes, resulting in cancellation of promissory note and offset of more than half of remaining balance of separate note.
  • Defended prominent Northern California construction company in action brought by former employee claiming 50% partnership interest in the business. Drafted motion for summary judgment and obtained settlement on favorable terms while motion was pending.  Former employee received no interest in company and no monetary compensation.
  • Defended restaurant franchisor in trademark and trade dress infringement action brought by competitor in federal court. Drafted motion for judgment on the pleadings and obtained dismissal of complaint without leave to amend.
  • Second chair trial counsel in bankruptcy adversary proceeding defending creditor in action by trustee alleging multiple claims for relief. Obtained near-complete defense verdict following trial, as trustee was only awarded a minor adjustment to client’s proof of claim.
  • Represented property owner in arbitration proceeding concerning breach of settlement agreement arising from previous boundary dispute litigation. Obtained arbitration ruling in favor of client after two-day trial, including an attorney fee award that covered all fees incurred by client.
  • Co-counsel in contentious boundary dispute litigation, representing property owners seeking to remove encroachments installed by neighbor. Obtained pre-trial order authorizing discovery into defendant’s financial affairs after demonstrating clients’ likelihood of success in recovering punitive damages at trial.  Subsequently obtained judgment in client’s favor, including substantial monetary award, following defendant’s acceptance of statutory offer to compromise.
  • Defended farmer in breach of contract action where the plaintiff claimed to have incurred more than $1.5 million in damages. Settled on favorable terms after filing cross-complaint and conducting substantial discovery.
  • Defended security company in NLRB proceedings where union filed numerous charges alleging unfair labor practices in connection with union election. Obtained complete pre-hearing dismissal of charges.
  • Defended security company in connection with various wage and hour and employment discrimination claims asserted by former employees, most of which settled for 15%-20% of amount initially demanded.
  • Defended security company in connection with Labor Commissioner claim demanding more than $100,000 in damages arising from alleged misclassification as independent contractor.  Promptly settled dispute on favorable terms after filing declaratory relief action in state court seeking court determination that claimant was properly classified under business-to-business exemption.

Announcements

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Outside of the office, Galen enjoys exploring the Sierras and surrounding foothills with his wife, Annie, or just relaxing at home with their two cats, Flynn and Lyra.

 

 


Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Civil Litigation Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Litigation Section

Honors & Rankings

  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Rising Stars, Business Litigation, 2021-2024
  • Sacramento Magazine, Top Lawyer, Business Litigation, 2020
  • Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, Northern California, 2019-2020