Kay Anderle

Kay Anderle: Leading Commercial Litigation and White-Collar Defense Attorney

Kay Anderle is a seasoned trial attorney with over 32 years of experience, recognized as a leading force in California’s commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense landscape. With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for both plaintiffs and defendants, Kay brings exceptional instincts, unwavering dedication, and a strategic approach to every case. She is a Senior Fellow of the invitation-only Litigation Counsel of America, consistently ranked among the top commercial litigators in California by Chambers USA, where sources describe her as “having great instincts and clients listen breathlessly when she speaks.” Kay’s expertise extends to complex business disputes, high-stakes trials, and navigating the most challenging legal complexities.

Awarded multiple “Lawyer of the Year” accolades by the Orange County Bar Association – including 2025 and 2024 – and recognized nationally by the Law Dragon Leading Lawyers and Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, Kay's commitment to excellence is consistently validated by prestigious legal directories and peers. Her work has been featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s “Southern California Superlawyers” and she is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Kay’s journey began in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, where she spent 12 years as a prosecutor, honing her skills in criminal investigation and litigation. In 2004, she transitioned to private practice, dedicating herself to defending individuals and corporations facing allegations of white-collar crime. This foundation, coupled with her extensive trial experience, makes her a formidable advocate capable of handling the most intricate and high-pressure situations.

Key Areas of Practice:

• Bet-the-Company Litigation: Kay has a deep understanding of complex commercial disputes involving significant financial stakes and intricate legal arguments.
• Commercial Litigation: She specializes in resolving business disputes across a wide range of industries, providing strategic counsel and aggressive representation.
• White-Collar Criminal Defense: Kay’s expertise includes defending individuals and corporations against allegations of fraud, corruption, and other serious white-collar crimes.
• Class Actions: She has significant experience in navigating and resolving complex class action lawsuits.
• Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs: She defends attorneys and legal firms against malpractice claims.

Notable Case History: Kay’s career is marked by several landmark cases showcasing her strategic brilliance and courtroom prowess.

• The Mattel v. MGA Entertainment Retrial (2011): Kay and her team successfully represented MGA Entertainment in the retrial of the epic doll battle lawsuit, securing an $85 million jury verdict and additional punitive damages of $85 million and $139 million in attorney’s fees, effectively dismantling Mattel’s copyright and trade secret claims.
• $350 Million Business Fraud Verdict (2009): In a groundbreaking trial, Kay played a key role in securing a $350 million jury verdict against defendants involved in a complex business fraud scheme.
• $1 Billion Oral Partnership Defense (2013): Kay successfully defended her client against a claim of breaching a $1 billion oral partnership for real estate investment.
• Jerry Brown Corruption Case (2013): Kay served as co-lead plaintiff counsel on a case against a developer, which Jerry Brown called “the largest corruption case in the history of San Bernardino County, and possibly California.” The defendant was acquitted of all charges after a nine-month jury trial.
• Saudi Princess Human Trafficking Case (2011): Kay skillfully defended a Saudi princess against allegations of human trafficking, ultimately achieving dismissal of all charges.
• Shareholder Oppression Settlement (2012): She secured a favorable settlement for a client facing allegations of shareholder oppression.

Professional Accolades and Recognition:

• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (by invitation only, limited to top 1/2 of 1 percent of lawyers nationally)
• Litigation Counsel of America
• Mesereau Cup for Outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer (2015-2016)
• AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2012
• Listed in the Law Dragon Leading 500 Lawyers in America (2020-2023)
• Listed in Chambers USA – Commercial Litigation (2022)
• Orange County Lawyer of the Year (Criminal Defense: Non-White Collar) - 2014
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023)

Education & Credentials:

• Bar Admissions: California State Bar
• Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2012

Contact Information:

City: Irvine, State: California, Country: United States