The Ryan Firm Wins First § 2924m Jury Trial

Jury awards $267,000 in lost profits, setting a powerful precedent for foreclosure auction integrity statewide

Irvine, California — The Ryan Firm proudly announces a groundbreaking legal victory in what is believed to be the first jury trial in California involving fraud under Civil Code section 2924m. Led by attorneys Andrew Mase and Michael Vasquez, the firm successfully secured a jury verdict in favor of their clients, marking a pivotal moment in the enforcement of statutory protections governing foreclosure auctions.

The case arose from a courthouse nonjudicial foreclosure for the real property located at 120 Northstar Mall in Marina Del Rey. The plaintiffs, who were the highest legitimate bidders, were ultimately outbid by defendant Trevor Montano. At trial, The Ryan Firm demonstrated that Montano acted as a straw buyer for co-defendant Mark Giraudo in a calculated scheme to circumvent the statutory framework designed to prioritize bona fide Prospective Owner Occupants.

Through compelling evidence and testimony, the plaintiffs proved that Giraudo manipulated the foreclosure process and that Montano knowingly submitted false certifications under penalty of perjury, misrepresenting his status as a Prospective Owner Occupant. These misrepresentations allowed the defendants to improperly gain priority bidding status, undermining the integrity of the public auction process.

After deliberation, the jury found both Montano and Giraudo liable for intentional interference with prospective economic advantage and awarded the plaintiffs $267,000.00 in lost profit damages.

This landmark decision provides a roadmap for litigating fraud claims arising from misuse of Prospective Owner Occupant status. The Ryan Firm remains at the forefront of this emerging area of law, representing stakeholders across the foreclosure process with a commitment to integrity, innovation, and results.

About The Ryan Firm

The Ryan Firm is a California-based law firm specializing in complex civil litigation, with particular expertise in foreclosure law, real estate, and emerging real estate finance statutory frameworks such as Civil Code section 2924m. The firm represents a broad spectrum of clients and is recognized for its leadership in shaping new legal frontiers.