Nokes & Quinn, LLP
Experienced California Trial Lawyers. Established in Laguna Beach in 1993.
Laurence P. Nokes and Thomas P. Quinn, Jr. established Nokes & Quinn, LLP in January 1993, bringing together litigation practices that began in 1982 and 1986, respectively.
Both founding partners have earned Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent peer-review rating, reflecting the high regard in which they are held by their professional peers.
For more than three decades, Nokes & Quinn has represented individuals, businesses, and property owners in civil litigation throughout California. The firm's practice encompasses real estate, construction, insurance, business, and land use disputes, including matters involving complex factual records, substantial financial interests, and challenging legal questions.
Our approach to litigation reflects the experience of lawyers who have spent decades preparing cases, evaluating evidence, presenting arguments, and representing clients in contested proceedings.
We understand that effective representation requires more than knowing the law. It requires preparation, sound judgment, candid advice, and an appreciation of the practical and financial consequences of litigation.
We believe in preparing cases thoroughly, exploring opportunities for sensible resolution, and trying cases when necessary to protect our clients' interests.
Established in Laguna Beach in January 1993. Laurence P. Nokes began practicing law in 1982; Thomas P. Quinn, Jr. in 1986. Both founding partners have earned Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent peer-review rating.
Trial and appellate practice
Mastering a complicated record is only the beginning. The lawyer must turn documents, testimony, technical evidence, and law into a clear account of what happened, why it matters, and what the court should do.
Marsh & McLennan, Inc. v. Superior Court
The case addressed whether the workers’ compensation system preempted a private civil action against the independent claims administrator of a self-insured employer for delaying or refusing to pay benefits. The Supreme Court granted the requested writ and held that the statutory system provided the exclusive remedy for claims arising from the administrator’s performance of that role.
Historic Architecture Alliance v. City of Laguna Beach
A CEQA challenge to the City’s approval of an addition and renovation to a residence listed in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory. The Orange County Superior Court rejected the challenge, and the Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed.
Civil Litigation and Administrative Advocacy
For more than three decades, Nokes & Quinn has represented clients in disputes involving real estate, construction, insurance, business relationships, and land use.
These matters often involve difficult factual questions, competing expert opinions, substantial financial interests, and complicated legal issues.
Our approach begins with understanding the evidence, the applicable law, and the client's objectives. We develop a strategy suited to the dispute, whether that requires negotiation, motion practice, arbitration, administrative advocacy, or trial.
Real Estate Litigation
Purchase and sale disputes, fraud and nondisclosure claims, commercial and residential lease disputes, financial elder abuse, quiet title actions, easements, boundary disagreements, and other property rights controversies.
Construction Litigation
Construction defects, contractor disputes, building envelope and waterproofing failures, soils and structural issues, slope instability, and property damage claims.
Insurance Coverage and Liability
Insurance coverage disputes, bad faith claims, insurance broker liability, indemnity issues, and related litigation.
Business and Commercial Litigation
Contract disputes, partnership and business ownership controversies, commercial liability claims, and other disputes arising from business relationships.
Land Use and Administrative Proceedings
Development approvals, zoning, design review, variances, coastal issues, historic preservation, administrative hearings, and related litigation.
Selected matters handled by Laurence P. Nokes.
Complex disputes involving real estate, construction, land use, land stability, easements, insurance, and business interruption. Client names are omitted except where identification is appropriate.
First use of mapped watercourse removal provision
Secured the City’s first approval under a previously unused Municipal Code provision authorizing removal of a mapped watercourse from a private building site.
This was a City approval. Any remaining Coastal Commission or implementation proceedings are separate.
Window and building envelope failure
Obtained a $1.7 million settlement for homeowners after approximately 40 replacement windows were installed without proper integration of the flashing and weather resistive barrier, causing extensive water intrusion and loss of use.
Slope failure and pool damage arbitration
Obtained a $575,000 award after neighboring excavation destabilized the clients’ backyard and fractured their pool. Secured a site inspection that made the causation evidence readily understandable.
Oceanfront beach access easement
After a bench trial, restored the client’s rights in an irreplaceable stairway to the beach and obtained a judgment establishing future joint maintenance obligations and remedies. Proved threatened diminution in value exceeding $1 million.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its particular facts and law.
Land Use and Administrative Advocacy
Administrative advocacy presents challenges different from those encountered in a courtroom.
In litigation, counsel ordinarily has time to develop the evidence and argument through discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
Before a planning commission, design review board, or city council, a contested project may come down to a five-minute presentation.
In that time, the advocate must know the record thoroughly, anticipate the opposition, identify the decisive issues, and give decision-makers a lawful and practical path to approval.
Effective land use advocacy requires preparation, familiarity with the governing regulations, and an understanding of how public agencies make decisions.
- The City’s first rooftop dining areasLaguna Beach
- Casa del Camino, Mozambique, and the Heisler BuildingHeavily opposed projects
- Removal of a mapped watercourse from a private building siteThe City’s first approval under the Municipal Code provision, 2026
This was a City approval. Any remaining Coastal Commission or implementation proceedings are separate.
Nokes Resolution
Orange County Superior Court Judge James P. Gray invited Larry Nokes to conduct settlement conferences in his department. Larry did so regularly for approximately three years and continued conducting settlement conferences for the Superior Court over approximately two decades, helping parties resolve hundreds of disputes.
Established in Laguna Beach in 1993.
The firm was founded on the belief that clients benefit from experienced lawyers who take personal responsibility for their matters, prepare thoroughly, and provide candid advice.
Contact Nokes & Quinn.
For inquiries about civil litigation or land use and administrative advocacy, please contact our office.