Attorneys

Carl L. Fessenden

Mr. Fessenden graduated with majors in Political Science and Communications from the University of California, San Diego, in 1988. He graduated from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1992. Mr. Fessenden joined Porter Scott in 1994 and has been a shareholder since 2000.

Carl represents clients throughout the state of California in a variety of forums, including the Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Over the years, he has represented both private and public entity clients in cases involving harassment, discrimination, and retaliation claims; whistle blower claims; contract disputes; wrongful termination; civil rights; dangerous condition of public property, and other personal injury matters. He also handles binding arbitrations, administrative proceedings, and labor issues.

Carl handles cases from the pre-litigation stage through appeal. Working with a team of attorneys, paralegals and staff, Carl ensures his clients receive the highest level of service possible. Carl understands that advancing a case in an aggressive and efficient manner is paramount. Carl's broad litigation experience and his dedication to understanding the client's objective ensure that the needs of the client are successfully met. His understanding of what litigation entails provides insight which benefits his clients. That insight is used to help his clients develop strategies and policies to prevent potential claims and understand what to do at the initial stages if a claim is made.

Alternate dispute resolution is an important consideration in any litigation matter. Carl has handled numerous mediations and binding arbitrations. He also serves as a judge pro tem for Placer County. Creative use of those procedures assists his clients in achieving successful results.

• Double Major in Communications and Political Science

• Business
• Contract Disputes
• Employment
• Administrative Proceedings
• Breach Of Contract
• Disability Claims
• Discrimination Based On Age, Disability, Gender, National Orgin
• Retaliation / Wrongful Termination
• Employment Practices & Liability Insurance
• Personal Injury
• Premises Liability
• Public Entities
• Civil Rights
• Public Property

All California State Courts
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of California

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
Public Agency Risk Managers Association
Sacramento County Bar Association
State Bar of California, Litigation Section

Back to School (Deal or No Deal - What is the Case Worth?, York Insurance Services Group (2011)
First Amendment, Employment and Internet Use, NCCSIF Police Chiefs Seminar (2011)
Technology, First Amendment and Discipline: Can the Three Co-Exist?, PARMA (2011)
New Medicare Rules, Association of Governmental Risk Pools (2010)
Leave and Return to Work: Interplay Between Work Comp and ADA/FMLA, Council on Self-Insured Public Agencies (2010)
Medicare Issues and Settlement, Sacramento Claims Association (2010)
MSP/SCHIP and Liability Claims: Are Settlements a Thing of the Past?, CAJPA (2009)
Deal or No Deal: What's That Claim Worth?, CAJPA (2009)

Page v. Regents of the University of California [Dangerous Condition of Public Property]
Sims v. Bowers [Disputed Liability MVA]
Farnsworth v. Fox [Admitted Liability MVA]
CSAA v. Sears [Product Liability]
Martel v. Food 4 Less [Premises Liability/Slip and Fall]
Morris v. Skycrest [Contract Action]
Allan v. City of Marysville and Yuba County [Civil Rights/Eighth Amendment]
Jones v. Yuba County [Disability Discrimination/Harassment]
Askew v. County of El Dorado [Civil Rights/Excessive Force]
Sager v. County of Yuba [Administrative Writ/Involuntary Dismissal of a Peace Officer]

Edwards v. AL Leasing & Co. (1996) 46 Cal.App.4th 1029
Allan v. City of Marysville, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal (Unpublished Opinion)
May v. Nine Plus Properties (2007) 143 Cal.App.4th 1538
Greer v. County of Sacramento, Third District Court of Appeal (Unpublished Opinion)
Brun v. Truckee-Tahoe Airport District, Third District Court of Appeal (Unpublished Opinion)
Sager v. County of Yuba (2007) 156 Cal.App.4th 1049

Judge Pro Tem for Placer County

Placer Unified School District, Breen Elementary Site Council
   Member (2003-2007)
   President  (2005-2006)
Operation Protect and Defend - Dialogue on America