Kristen J. Heim

Kristen Heim has represented clients for 20 plus years at both the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts relative to the defense of professional and general liability actions. Kristen’s practice is almost exclusively limited to intense evaluation and the exactingly thorough written responses to pleadings; the assessment of necessity and potential for success of demurrers, motions to strike, summary adjudications, summary judgments, writs, pre-, intra- and post-trial motions and the composing and arguing of these same motions for the entire firm. In addition, Kristen’s expertise also makes her a natural resource for appellate law needs.

Kristen’s passion and focus early on in her career to this boutique segment of law, has resulted in a unique education, which is exceedingly more comprehensive than the average lawyer attempting to navigate through the law and motion and appellate minefields. Kristen’s success at narrowing and/or eliminating the opposition’s area(s) of legal dispute before the court(s) often result in voluntary or court granted dismissals, making her an invaluable asset to the Fraser Watson & Croutch legal team as well as her clients by significantly limiting what otherwise might be protracted litigation and legal expenses.

Published decisions:

• Bates v. Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital: Following dismissal on the eve of trial, defendant was entitled to costs, including expert witness fees, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure sections 998 and 1032.

Unpublished decisions:

• Wachtel v. Regents of the University of California: The trial court did not err in sustaining defendant physician’s demurrer without leave to amend.
• Lewis v. Good Samaritan Hospital: The Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s granting of the hospital’s motion for summary judgment in this elder abuse action.