KEITH J. TURNER, Esq.
Keith Turner is a winning litigator, with an excellent success record at trial and appeal, including before the California Supreme Court. He has been practicing law since 1990. Keith Turner spent his first sixteen years at larger firms, including being a partner at a Beverly Hills firm. He represented large companies and entities in complex legal matters involving business, real estate, and insurance issues.
At the urging of a client, Keith Turner opened his own law office in 2007 to provide the same high-quality legal representation but with greater ability to offer alternative and performance-based fee arrangements. Each year his firm has grown and Keith Turner is particularly excited about his team of associates and support staff who share passion for fighting hard and winning.
He applies his knowledge and experience in large and complex matters to every case, no matter what the size. Optimistic and willing to fight hard for his clients, Keith Turner places great emphasis on initial evaluations that result in cost-effective, results-oriented strategies to save his clients valuable time and money.
As a litigator, Keith Turner represents clients in business, entertainment, insurance, legal malpractice, and real estate matters. He also serves as outside general counsel for manufacturing, construction, and real estate-related businesses. In addition to his own practice, he is “of counsel” to the Beverly Hills boutique law firm Funsten & Franzen.
Keith Turner’s professional and community memberships, affiliations, and awards include:
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Co-Chair of Santa Monica Bar Association Real Estate Law Committee (2015-16)
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Argued and won before the California Supreme Court
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90% win record at trial and appeal.
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Co-creator of Pacific Views Rights Center
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Creator of California Civil Discovery Resource Center
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Arbitrator for Attorney-Client Fee Disputes since 1998
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Appointed to the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Attorney-Client Mediation and Arbitration Services (2006 to 2015)
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Member Advisory Committee for the Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Services (2001 to 2010)
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Member of the Executive Board of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA), which produces one of the top Independence Day parades in the entire United States
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Co-producer of the annual Palisades’ Rocks the 4th Concert
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Received the Golden Sparkplug Award from his community and has been recognized by local and state elected officials for his accomplishments
Keith Turner received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he attended on academic scholarship as the recipient of the Webster Burke Merit Scholarship. He was also on the Dean’s Honor List, was extern for a federal judge, wrote a number of substantive and procedural decisions, contributed to many law review articles, and was legal researcher for a professor who is one of the leading experts on the Uniform Commercial Code.
Today, Keith Turner receives requests and often speaks to attorney groups and business on various legal issues including attorney’s fees, managing litigation, and view rights. He is a frequent contributor to legal publications and local newspapers.
Along with his wife and daughter, Keith Turner is very active in the Pacific Palisades community and other charitable organizations, including serving on the executive boards and special committees for a number of organizations and local schools. He also plays drums in an established rock band that frequently plays the top clubs on the Sunset Strip.
Justin Escano earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School in May 2016. He began at the Turner Law Firm as a legal assistant after graduating from the University of California-Irvine. Justin has considerable experience in all types of real estate disputes, including homeowner associations, view rights, CC&Rs, trees and spite fences, municipal code enforcement, land sale and development, and other contentious neighbor v. neighbor disputes. Justin is also versed in all phases of litigation, including preparing complex appeal briefs and motions, drafting discovery motions, preparing discovery requests and responses, all phases of trial preparation, factual investigation, document gathering and review, electronic discovery, and, of course, witness preparation and trial work.
Justin is a graduate of Loyola High School in Los Angeles, where he was on the golf team for four years. Justin also shares Keith Turner’s passion for music, and plays guitar in his own rock band.
JUSTIN ESCANO, Esq.
SCOT GAUFFENY, J.D. (2024)
Scot Gauffeny graduated from Loyola Law School in May 2024 and it awaiting results from the July 2024 California Bar Exam. While at Loyola, Scot externed for a superior court judge, gained admittance to the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society, and was published in the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review. He carries the same diligence with which he approached his studies into his work for Turner Law Firm and its clients.
Scot received a B.S. from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He worked as a Microbiologist for six years before making the decision to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Scot loves nature and enjoys hiking during his free time.
MARIA MIRZA
Office Manager
As the Office Manager at Turner Law Firm, Maria Mirza brings over five years of paralegal and managerial experience to ensure the smooth operation of the firm. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, with dual degrees in Political Economy and Global Studies. Maria has received mediation training from the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center, which has equipped her with valuable skills in conflict resolution and negotiation. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing the daily activities of the office, ensuring that everything runs efficiently and effectively.
In her dual role, Maria's responsibilities include coordinating schedules, overseeing staff, and providing paralegal support to the legal team. Her ability to streamline processes and implement effective office procedures has significantly contributed to the firm's productivity and client satisfaction. Maria is also adept at handling client inquiries and providing exceptional customer support, ensuring that all client needs are met promptly and professionally.
With a commitment to fostering a positive work environment, Maria is known for her approachable demeanor and excellent communication skills. She works closely with the firm's attorneys to create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, which is essential for the success of the team.
In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and attending concerts, especially when Keith Turner and Justin Escano are performing. Her dedication to both her professional and personal growth makes Maria an invaluable asset to the firm
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