Bret D. Hembd

Bret D. Hembd is an accomplished litigator who represents individuals and companies in a wide array of high-stakes legal matters in state and federal court. A graduate of Yale Law School with 15 years of experience, Mr. Hembd has a broad-based litigation and appellate practice, with a particular focus on representing whistleblowers under the False Claims Act.

Representative Matters

Currently representing a whistleblower in a False Claims Act matter regarding allegations of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud. The United States has intervened in the case.

Represented (with co-counsel) a whistleblower alleging violations of the False Claims Act against several major pharmaceutical companies based on the companies’ use of fraudulently obtained patents to exclude generic competition.

Obtained (with co-counsel) a favorable decision in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on a matter of first impression relating to the False Claims Act’s public disclosure bar.

Represented (with co-counsel) a nationwide class of consumers against financial technology company Plaid, resulting in a $58 million settlement on behalf of the class.

Represented a trial attorney in a breach of contract dispute with her former law firm. The matter settled on favorable terms.

Represented a gourmet natural foods company in an action for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against a former business partner. The matter settled on favorable terms.

Obtained summary judgment in a putative nationwide class action alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act against a leading insurance company. The judgment was upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Represented five engineers employed by a major aerospace manufacturer in a dispute involving allegations of trade secret misappropriation. Obtained favorable rulings on motions for temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions, resulting in a successful settlement.

Represented former CEO and chief credit officer of a Southern California bank in obtaining a no-liability settlement in an action brought by the FDIC.

Affiliations

Member of the Anti-Fraud Coalition

Member of the Federal Bar Association

Member of the American Bar Association

Admissions

State Bar of California

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Second Circuit Court of Appeals

United States District Court, Central District of California

United States District Court, Northern District of California

Education

JD, Yale Law School (2010)

BA, summa cum laude, UCLA (2004)