Jeffrey A. Kent
jkent@pdlawyers.com
Los Angeles Office

Mr. Kent was admitted to the Bar of the State of California in 1976, and joined Poindexter & Doutré in 1977. He is a member of the firm. He received his B.S. from UCLA in 1973 and J.D., cum laude from Loyola University of Los Angeles School of Law in 1976, serving on the Loyola Law Review.

He has tried numerous civil cases in the state and federal courts in a wide range of areas, in particular construction and commercial litigation. He is the past Chair of the Construction Law Subsection of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Real Property Section. He also has heard a number of cases as an Arbitrator on the Los Angeles Superior Court's Business Law Panel.

Mr. Kent also is a Professor of Computer Science at Los Angeles Valley College and has authored seven computer programming books. He leverages this knowledge by litigating computer technology matters, employing the latest litigation technology and managing the firm's technology needs, including the firm's extranet.

Mr. Kent's focus is construction and commercial litigation. In addition to trial work, he has argued numerous appeals before federal and state appellate courts.  Published decisions include:

• D'Orsay International Partners v. Superior Court (Stone), 123 Cal.App.4th 836, 20 Cal. Rptr. 3d 399 (2004) - Co-appellate counsel (with Anthony Taketa of the firm), prevailing on behalf of the project owner on an issue of first impression in California: Whether a design-build contractor may invoke a mechanic's lien for  rendering pre-construction services when actual construction did not go forward.

• Estate of Thomas, 124 Cal. App. 4th 711, 21 Cal. Rptr. 3d 741 (2004) - Trial and appellate counsel representing income beneficiary under testamentary trust; $1.2 million judgment affirmed.
  

• Chauffeurs, Sales Drivers, Warehousemen & Helpers Union Local 572 v. Weslock Corp., 66 F.3d 241 (9th. Cir. 1995) - Trial and appellate counsel defending secured creditor in WARN Act litigation; summary judgment for secured creditor affirmed.

Before practicing law, Mr. Kent was a professional chess master. In 1971 he placed 3rd in the United States Junior (under 21) National Championship, and has an international title with F.I.D.E. (the International Chess Federation) and Senior Master and Life Master titles with the United States Chess Federation. He also ran 21 marathons (some years and pounds ago unfortunately), culminating in his dream of qualifying for and running in the Boston Marathon.

Mr. Kent is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the State Bar of California.