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Civil Defense Trial Attorneys

Horton, Oberrecht & Kirkpatrick is a private client and insurance defense law firm specializing in jury trials across California.

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Insurance defensePrivate clientsJury trials statewide

San Diego skyline at dusk

A Reputation Built on Results

We try the cases other firms settle.

Over 130 cases taken to trial — catastrophic injury, auto and trucking accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, property damage, mold, and habitability. Our partners built their reputation in the courtroom, and our clients and carriers rely on that record when the stakes are highest.

Our mission is to represent every private client, carrier, and insured we serve — without compromise.

Credentials & Recognition

Honored by the industry we defend.

American College of Trial Lawyers

Kimberly S. Oberrecht — ACTL Fellow

Fellowship in the ACTL is extended by invitation to trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and meet the College's standards of ethical conduct.

Martindale-Hubbell

AV Preeminent Rated

The highest peer rating for legal ability and ethical standards — awarded on the confidential evaluations of the firm's peers across the bar and bench.

2021 Honoree

Liberty Mutual — Outside Law Firm of the Year

Recognized by one of the nation's largest carriers for excellence in defense representation and results-driven case handling.

Member Associations

What Sets Us Apart

Built around how our clients need to be defended.

Innovative Approach

A creative, problem-solving mindset applied to every file from intake to verdict.

Timely & Accurate Reporting

Clear, consistent reporting that keeps your team informed and ahead of exposure.

Multilingual Staff

In-house language capability that keeps witnesses, clients, and insureds at ease.

Direct Access to Attorneys

You reach the lawyers handling your matter — not a layer of intermediaries.

Strict Billing Compliance

Adherence to your billing guidelines, with disciplined, predictable invoicing.

Efficient Case Handling

Lean staffing and decisive strategy that moves files toward resolution.

Experienced Representation, Wherever You Need It

Practice areas

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Automobile Accidents

Auto and trucking collision defense, from minor impacts to catastrophic injury.

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Bodily Injury Claims

Defense of catastrophic and soft-tissue injury claims through trial.

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Wrongful Death

Sensitive, trial-ready defense of high-exposure death claims.

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Product Liability

Design, manufacturing, and failure-to-warn defense for manufacturers.

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Construction Accidents

Site injury, subcontractor liability, and construction-defect matters.

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Habitability Claims

Tenant habitability, premises liability, and landlord defense.

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Property Claims

First-party property damage, fire, water, and mold loss disputes.

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UM / UIM Claims

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage disputes.

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Our Team Approach

Every file is staffed deliberately — the right attorney, the right resources, and a partner accountable from first notice through verdict.

We are trial lawyers first. That orientation shapes how we evaluate exposure, how we prepare witnesses, and how we counsel clients and carriers before a courtroom is in view. When a matter must be tried, we are ready — and the other side knows it.

Direct access to attorneys, multilingual staff, and disciplined reporting keep you close to every decision. We handle your matter the way we would want our own defended: efficiently, candidly, and without compromise.

Meet Our Attorneys