Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.

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Attorneys

Attorney Details

Kathleen C. Jeffries

Practice Concentration

Ms. Jeffries practices primarily in the areas of business litigation, contracts and general transportation law, including cargo loss and damage claims and freight charge collections actions.

Profile

Kathleen C. Jeffries is a partner in the firm with over 37 years of litigation, administrative, transactional and advisory experience in transportation and general business law.  With an emphasis on freight claim and freight charge litigation, she represents motor carriers, freight forwarders and property brokers, among other transportation entities, in civil litigation, regulatory and transportation-related misdemeanor proceedings, contract development and general business counsel.  Ms. Jeffries recently served as Chair of the Conference of Freight Counsel; is past president of the Transportation Lawyers Association; and is a recipient of the TLA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Service Award and Special Presidential Commendation for Leadership and Mentorship.  She is AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability; is recognized as a “Top Rated Lawyer in Transportation” by Martindale-Hubbell™ and American Lawyer Media; and has been selected as one of the top Southern California lawyers in the Southern California Super Lawyers Peer Survey Selection.  

On The Road

Publications

  • Transportation Brief: Spotlight on Cargo Claim Practice
    Many people assume the Carmack Amendment (Carmack) exclusively controls their cargo claim disputes related to interstate shipments. However, due to certain contract provisions in shipper or broker/carrier agreements, Carmack may take a back seat. Unfortunately, it is often not until a court interprets the contract with conflicting provisions that the parties have a definitive answer to their dispute. Read more from the Scopelitis team that helps clients navigate the cargo claims process, both pre- and post-suit.
  • Transportation Brief: Spotlight Cargo Claim & Freight Charge Practice
    The global supply chain crisis, paired with the continuing challenges of the pandemic, means motor carriers, cargo brokers, freight forwarders, and shippers are experiencing a significant increase in claims related to delay and cargo damage as well as a slowdown in the payment of freight charges, yet the demands for payment have generally increased. Thus, in the current environment, force majeure clauses have taken on increased importance because they can help transportation providers protect themselves from claims when circumstances beyond their control preclude performance or delay performance. Read more on how the Firm's Cargo Claims team regularly assists clients with addressing cargo claim and freight charge issues. Equally important, the team can help mitigate exposure before issues arise.
  • Transportation Brief: Spotlight on Cargo Claim & Freight Charge Practice — Managing the Expected & Unexpected in the COVID-19 Era
    When COVID-19 struck, shippers, brokers, and carriers had to stay focused on the immediate challenges of the pandemic. However, as we settle into the current “new normal”, cargo claims are back on everyone’s radar. Read more about expecting the unexpected to minimize your exposure to cargo claims, customer bankruptcies, and other collection issues.
  • Transportation Brief: Eleventh Circuit Upholds Downstream Carrier’s Limitation of Liability
    The Eleventh Circuit, in Essex Insurance v. Barrett Moving & Storage, reversed summary judgment against Landstar by upholding standing law that shippers are bound by liability limitations established between an intermediary and a carrier, notwithstanding the shipper’s claim that it was not aware that Barrett brokered the load. Read more here.