Benjamin J. Codog III

Ben Codog is an associate in Stoel Rives’ Litigation group. Ben has represented individuals and entities in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including contractual disputes, real property disputes, and business torts, such as breach of fiduciary duties, negligence, fraud, unfair competition, and tortious interference. He has also advised and represented owners, contractors, and suppliers on various construction-related issues on public and private projects.

Before joining Stoel Rives, Ben was an associate with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld, LLP (2020–2022); and with Herum\Crabtree\Suntag, APC (2015–2020).

Education

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., Business and Tax Concentrations, 2015, with distinction; Associate Editor, The University of the Pacific Law Review; Traynor Honor Society; Dean’s List; Honors Merit Scholarship

San Diego State University, B.S., Business Administration (Finance), 2011, with honors

Admissions

California

United States District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California

• Obtained $500,000 settlement on behalf of a general contractor in its defect and delay claims against a subcontractor supplier.
• Member of litigation team preparing for large groundwater adjudication scheduled for trial in May 2023.
• Defense of public entities against high-profile civil rights and breach of contract claims.
• Representation of contractor in competing defect and delay claims of a national contractor and Native American casino.
• Successful prosecution of contractor’s breach of contract and related construction-related claims against a large, local public entity, which settled at mediation.
• Successful defense of public entity against an $8 million wrongful death case, which ultimately settled favorably.
• Representation of Chapter 7 Trustee in a high-stakes corporate adversary proceeding against numerous shareholders.
• Successful defense of partnership’s $1.4 million real estate option agreement through appeal.
• Various pro bono representations in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California.

Insights & Presentations

• “Construction Update: California Warns Act Quickly Against Unlicensed Contractors,” cowritten with Lisa D. Nicolls, 2021
• “Summary of Appellate Cases” (co-author), Association of California Water Agencies, 2019

• Listed in Sacramento Magazine’s Top Lawyers, 2023

Professional

• San Joaquin County Bar Association, Executive Committee (Litigation Section); Lawyer Referral Service, Member
• Sacramento County Bar Association, Business and Construction Law Sections, Member
• Bankruptcy Self-Help Desk, Volunteer Attorney

Civic

• Valley Builders Exchange, Member
• Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Member

• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, California Foundation, Member
• California FFA, Volunteer