Attorneys

Chad S. Tapp

Mr. Tapp has been with Porter Scott since graduating from law school in 2001 and was elected as shareholder in 2007.  He has litigated throughout Central and Northern California, with trial experience in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties.  During the initial few years of practice, Mr. Tapp gained invaluable experience practicing primarily in insurance defense matters.  Mr. Tapp now handles a variety of cases, including the defense of design professionals and contractors in construction-related matters, business / commercial disputes, and general civil litigation.  Prior to joining Porter Scott, Mr. Tapp was enlisted in the US Navy and had the unique experience of being primarily stationed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (“boot camp”) for the majority of his active duty enlistment.  In his spare time, Mr. Tapp enjoys spending time with his wife and son, snow skiing, and volunteering in the Elk Grove community.  He has also had the privilege of recently volunteering in the West African country of Ghana for two weeks with his wife. 

After counseling clients for many years in difficult circumstances, Mr. Tapp is aware that litigation is most often not a client’s first choice and aims towards providing reasonable and cost-efficient problem solving.  Volunteering as a “Judge Pro Tem” through El Dorado County Superior Court has also helped with approaching problems with an eye towards intelligent resolution.  However, not all disputes can be resolved at a conference table.  In the event reasonable settlement talks break down, Mr. Tapp is always ready to apply his advocacy skills and firm’s resources towards achieving results in the court room.                

• Honorable Discharge
• Stationed Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego

• Business
• Commerical Disputes
• Construction Claims
• Contract Disputes
• Construction
• Architects & Engineers Liability
• Products Liability
• Professional Liability
• Public Entities

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

BV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Sacramento County Bar Association
Voted one of Northern California’s Rising Stars in Super Lawyer Magazine, 2009, 2010 and 2011

The Art of Depositions: Powerful Techniques to Maximize Your Success, National Business Institute (2008)

Dewald v. Cuccia [construction litigation] represented prevailing party homeowner in 11 day jury trial involving standard of care deficiencies by contractor in approximate 12,000 square foot home.

Macklin v. Americrete [product defect litigation] 5 day jury trial involving concrete coating materials utilized in construction practice where client was the prevailing party.

Hastings v. EZ Auto Solutions, Inc. 5 day jury trial for breach of implied warranty defending car dealership.  Defense verdict.

Johal v. Sears [construction litigation] $128.40 judgment against client following 10-day jury trial. Demand of $100,000 from plaintiffs up to first day of trial; upheld on appeal.

Kay v. Placer County [real property boundary dispute] oral argument at 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; Motion to Dismiss granted by U.S. Eastern District upheld.

Various Motions for Summary Judgment granted for defense clients.

Multiple large settlements for plaintiffs in construction and personal injury matters, including $2.5 Million settlement on behalf of builder of apartment complex for defects.

Over 100 successfully mediated disputes on behalf of clients.

Judge Pro Tem for El Dorado County Superior Court

Faith-based activities in Elk Grove, CA
Guest Lecturer at McGeorge School of Law
After trip to Africa - Traveled on a two-week mission
 to Myanmar (Burma) in 2011 to support local efforts there.