MARISA L. BALCH
MARISA L.
BALCH
Ms. Balch joined Wanger Jones Helsley in July 2011, and has experience representing clients in a wide range of commercial and business litigation, including but not limited to, contract and lease disputes, real estate litigation and residential construction defect concerns. Ms. Balch also has experience representing creditors and employers in state and federal courts. Prior to joining Wanger Jones Helsley, Ms. Balch worked for McCormick Barstow’s litigation practice group from September 2008 thru June 2011, litigating and advocating in a variety of civil actions ranging from employment discrimination and wrongful termination litigation to construction defect litigation, commercial litigation and contract litigation, as well as insurance defense.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Ms. Balch routinely represents builders and developers in the resolution of residential construction disputes, traversing the special master process and negotiating settlements between the builder, developer, subcontractors and plaintiffs.
- Ms. Balch is also experienced in real estate and business disputes, which include claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract claims; and has assisted in the litagation of fair housing and employment discrimination claims ranging from gender and disability discrimination to sexual harassment.
- Lee v. City of Fresno (2014) 2014 Cal.App.Unpub. LEXIS 2103- In 2012, Ms. Balch designed a litigation strategy to dispose of two cases, alleging constructive eviction and interference with contract for the service of a notice to perform or quit on a lessee and its subtenants, by way of anti-SLAPP. The primary case, which sought in excess of $1.0 million from the firm’s client, was subsequently heard, and affirmed, on appeal. All other claims of constructive eviction claims were resolved in favor of the client using the same strategy.
Admissions
- State of California and before the U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of California
Education
- Juris Doctor, 2008 University of Arizona, James E. Rogers
- Bachelor of Science, Economics, 2005, Summa Cum Laude Santa Clara University
- Bachelor of Science, Commerce – Management, 2005, Summa Cum Laude Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business Leavey Scholar
HONORS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Ms. Balch is a member of the State Bar of California, American Bar Association, Fresno County Bar Association, and the San Joaquin Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL). Ms. Blach has been recognized on multiple occasions as a “Rising Star,” and as a “Super Lawyer” in 2020 and 2021 by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Community Involvement
- Ms. Balch was honored to be the Chair of the American Heart Association’s 2016 Heart & Stroke Ball for the Central Valley of California; and a member of the Executive Leadership Team(s) for the American Heart Association’s 2013 -2021 Heart & Stroke Balls for the Central Valley of California.
- Ms. Balch is a member of the Board of Governors of the San Joaquin Chapter of the Association of the Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL), and previous member and Vice President of the Board of Directors of Infant of Prague Adoption Services.
- Ms. Balch is a member of the Board for the Central California Appellate Program (CCAP).