Insurer's Attempt to Avoid Jurisdiction Thwarted

Conseco Life Insurance Company sued Callahan & Blaine's clients; this turned out to be a mistake. Edward Susolik, on behalf of Callahan & Blaine, soon filed a cross-complaint against Conseco. As a result, Conseco tried to move this case to its home state of Illinois. After the trial court ruled against Conseco, Conseco filed an emergency Petition for Writ of Mandamus with the Court of Appeal in Santa Ana. At this time, Callahan & Blaine's Appellate Department became involved. Callahan & Blaine was able to win a unanimous decision when the Court summarily denied Conseco's attempts to transfer this matter out of California to Conseco's home state of Illinois. This provided Callahan & Blaine's clients with a substantial strategic victory, leading to a substantial settlement.