Many of our engagements involve matters in which our clients face significant public attention. The following is a list of news stories about the firm, our clients, cases and the results we have achieved.

Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer Lauded Again in The American Lawyer’s "Litigator of the Week" for $195 Million Exemplary Damages Award

August 11, 2025

Publication: The American Lawyer

The American Lawyer recognized Kobre & Kim’s Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer for winning $195 million in exemplary damages for client Propel Fuels, Inc.  The two were named as “Litigators of the Week” last October after winning $604.9 million in compensatory damages for Propel following a five-week jury trial in California court.  The court also added post-verdict interest, bringing the total judgment to $833.7 million—the fifth-largest trade secret judgment of all time.

Shout-out to Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer of Kobre & Kim, who took home Litigator of the Week honors last October after landing a $604.9 million verdict for low-carbon fuels retailer Propel Fuels Inc. in a trade secrets case against Phillips 66 Co. Last week, Alameda County Superior Judge Michael Markman tacked on an additional $195 million in exemplary damages plus interest, bringing the total award to $833.7 million. Markman found Phillips 66’s conduct “reprehensible” from a business perspective. “The evidence at trial reflects that Phillips 66 took advantage of Propel Fuels by abusing its bargaining power during due diligence,” the judge wrote.

 

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