Joshua Norton

Joshua Norton is currently a partner at Calhoun, Bhella & Sechrest, based in their Orange County office.  Joshua graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English from Western Michigan University and earned his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he graduated third in his class with magna cum laude honors.  During law school, he received several awards for his pro bono work and academic contributions, and he was actively involved in the San Diego Law Review and competitive trial teams.

Before his legal career, Joshua served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Fort Huachuca Select Honor Guard, providing military ceremonies and burials for active-duty soldiers and veterans.  Joshua has continued serving veterans through the ABA Military Pro Bono Project and the American Legion (Newport Harbor Post 291) Honor Guard which renders military honors at memorial services for veterans.

As a partner, Joshua handles a broad range of business disputes and civil litigation cases. 
​His specialized areas of practice include litigation related to employment law, mortgage and community banking, bankruptcy, appellate issues, maritime disputes, healthcare litigation, and securities litigation.
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Bankruptcy
Joshua gained significant experience as a judicial extern for Judge Margaret M. Mann at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California during law school.  Today, he uses this experience to represent corporate clients in bankruptcy proceedings and adversary cases, focusing on defending against claims like preference, avoidance, and fraudulent transfers, as well as dealing with the automatic stay and bankruptcy discharge injunctions.  He also assists creditors in managing contested matters such as proof of claim objections and issues with plans of reorganization.

Appellate
Joshua has honed his skills through externships with both Judge Marilyn L. Huff at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and Judge M. Margaret McKeown at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  His appellate practice involves arguing cases and preparing briefs for appeals in the Ninth Circuit and California Court of Appeals, including bankruptcy appeals.

Business and Employment Litigation
Joshua handles a diverse array of business and employment disputes in state and federal courts and arbitration involving claims related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, breach of contract, lease disputes, defamation, trade secret, misappropriation, tortious interference, raiding, unfair competition, wage and hour issues, class actions, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims.

Mortgage and Community Banking Litigation
In the realm of mortgage and community banking litigation, Joshua has substantial experience defending against claims of wrongful foreclosure, breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and unfair business practices.  His work also covers compliance with various regulations like RESPA, TILA, FDCPA, and the California Homeowners’ Bill of Rights. Furthermore, he represents community banks in cases that involve issues like fraud, negligence, and the California Uniform Voidable Transactions Act.

Securities and Financial Services Litigation
Joshua's securities and financial services litigation practice involves defending financial service firms and brokers in court and arbitration settings against accusations of fraud, negligence, unsuitability, breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise, and violations of state and federal securities laws.

Health Care Litigation
Joshua advocates for clients in the health care sector, including matters on behalf of health care providers seeking reimbursement for COVID-19 services.

Maritime 
Joshua advocates for the interests of shipowners, charterers, insurers, ocean carriers, and terminal operators, addressing commercial disputes, casualty investigations, personal injuries, vessel arrests, maritime liens, and environmental compliance issues.