Robert J. Sunderland has been actively litigating cases since 1997.
Robert J. Sunderland has been actively litigating cases since 1997, with a focus on transaction and litigation issues relating to real property, construction and business dispute concerns throughout the State of California. Mr. Sunderland has served as Mediator, assisting parties in resolving disputes since 2003, and joined West Coast Resolution Group in 2021. Mr. Sunderland also serves on the San Diego Superior Court Civil Mediation Panel.
Mr. Sunderland earned a B.S. in Economics from Pepperdine University. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Sunderland enjoyed a successful career as a General Contractor responsible for the construction of custom residential homes in the greater Los Angeles area. He has been a licensed General Contractor with an active license since 1990.
Mr. Sunderland attended Southwestern University School of Law, earning a J.D. degree, and has been licensed to practice law in California since 1997. Mr. Sunderland is admitted and qualified to practice in state and multiple federal districts in California courts.
Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Sunderland worked for an independent energy development corporation as an Executive Vice President and General Counsel in the San Francisco area. Mr. Sunderland was responsible for negotiating power sales contracts with foreign governments and overseeing of numerous U.S. Department of Energy projects.
Since transitioning from the corporate world in 1998 Mr. Sunderland has focused his legal work on the defense of Real Estate Brokers, Agents, General Contractors and business professionals throughout California. He has defended in excess of 3,000 Real Estate Licensees in Superior Court and is very involved in the provision of Risk Management services, specifically assisting numerous insurance carriers, Broker, Agents and Associations.
Mr. Sunderland has also served as an Expert Witness, advising in Developer liability and Construction Defect litigation. Given Mr. Sunderland’s practical “hands on” experience with all construction sub-trades, he is recognized for his forensic skills and ability to quickly identify key defect issues which frequently arise in the real property context. Mr. Sunderland’s expert scope ranges from forensic analysis to trial testimony. As a former racecar driver, world traveler, proud parent of three children and two Greyhound rescues, Mr. Sunderland brings a unique perspective from his diverse background and interests.