Neil Klein
Neil Klein was born and raised in South Africa. He graduated from Natal University (PMB) in 1977 with a law degree and worked for a commodity trading & shipping company as in-house counsel for a few years. He served articles (under the British tradition) and was a solicitor in Johannesburg until 1985.
He immigrated to the US in 1986 and joined a firm in Houston, Texas before moving to California and being admitted to the Bar in 1989. He worked for a firm in Long Beach for several years and in 1998, joined forces with John McKasson as a founding partner of the firm.
Neil is a member of the International Bar Association (Maritime & Transport Law Section), as well as a Proctor member of the U.S. Maritime Law Association. He is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences, and has published many articles on commercial litigation, maritime and employment issues (see News & Articles section)
He has been an expert witness on U.S.“choice of law issues" before the Beijing First Intermediate Court (2008), as well as on California law issues before the Supreme Court of the Bahamas (2005).
Neil used to be a marathon runner and enjoys old movies. He would like to think he plays a fair game of tennis, and admits to bad golf. He likes to spend time with his family and travel to exotic places. He speaks Afrikaans (close enough to Dutch).
neilk@mckassonklein.com
Dir. Line 949.724.0206
Mobile 562.822.0995
References
Krish v. Balasubramaniam, 2007 WL 1219281 (C.D. 2007) (forum non conveniens – California held to be a “convenient forum,” not India, despite application of Indian law re Indian real estate contract)
Trans-Tec v. m/v Harmony Container, 437 F. Supp 2d 1124 (D. Cal. 2006) (application of U.S. “choice of law” clause to bunker contract; no U.S. maritime lien re foreign supplier, foreign supply, foreign vessel & foreign port)
Trans-Tec v. m/v Harmony Container, 435 F. Supp 2d 1015 (D. Cal. 2005) (application of Malaysian law to breach of contract claim in U.S. federal court)
Trans-Tec v. m/v Harmony Container, (2006 A.M.C. 852) (refusal to grant additional time for discovery under FRCP 56(f) after plaintiff “sat on its hands” for 9-months)
Kan v. Coastal, 108 F.3d 1385 (9th Cir. 1997) (ship broker claim for commission re fixing charter party)
G.F. Plywood v. Pan Ocean Shipping, 23 F.3d 1498 (9th Cir. 1994) (bill of lading issue; cargo claim under COGSA)
C-Art, Ltd. v. Hong Kong Islands Line, 940 F2d 530 (1991) (misdelivery of goods shipped to CA)
References
Neil was a pleasure to work with. He made excellent recommendations on training of management and prevented company from making mistakes on employment issues. He also represented company in employment litigation and I was very pleased with his negotiating skills and outcome of the case. I would hire Neil over and over again!
Taunya Brandi, Human Resources Director (emerging company, +300 employees)
I referred a client to Neil regarding an international real estate dispute in Federal Court in California. The case involved multiple issues related to jurisdiction and venue, conflicts of law, contract interpretation, and real estate valuation. He successfully prosecuted the case and did not back down when the matter got heated. He was cost efficient and the client was very pleased.
John Palter, Partner, Riney Palter LLP, Dallas TX
Neil came highly recommended when I was in the process of buying a business. He provided excellent advice, which resulted in saving us more than our legal fees. His willingness to coach us along the way was invaluable. I definitely recommend Neil and his firm.
John Scales, Business Owner
Neil is one of the best, most competent, thorough and dedicated lawyers I've ever known. He serves his clients tirelessly. His legal track record speaks for itself as does his reputation amongst his peers. In fact, I still have Neil review all my legal documents prepared by local counsel before I commit or sign.
David Standen, MBA, Professor, American University, Lebanon