George Hills’ two attorneys assist our clients and adjusting staff applying their extensive public entity experience. They work with city attorneys, county counsels and boards as needed. They also offer claims and litigation management training to JPAs, risk managers, adjusters, and other department personnel.

Robert Chalfant, Esq., Litigation Manager: Mr. Chalfant has nearly 20 years of experience defending public entities on high profile claims in state and federal courts across California. The majority of his cases involve constitutional law claims brought under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, and all related state tort claims. He has tried to verdict civil rights cases in both state and federal court and argued appeals on behalf of public entities before both federal and state courts of appeal. Mr. Chalfant’s emphasis is on defending civil rights and police misconduct cases, employment cases, zoning and land use matters, and prisoner litigation.

Benjamin Oram, Esq., General Counsel/Litigation Manager: Mr. Oram serves as George Hills’ General Counsel/Litigation Manager and supports Mr. Chalfant. He currently serves as a Litigation Manager for several clients, monitoring counsel and is a great resource to our claims staff. Mr. Oram has a proactive approach and is committed to the preservation of clients’ assets. He believes early contact with all involved parties maintains lines of communication and rapport (not only with the insured but also with the claimant); hence, cost-saving opportunities to resolve claims efficiently are more plentiful.