I started my legal career as a medical malpractice attorney, primarily representing doctors, nurses and hospitals. At the time, I also handled a variety of personal injury and product liability claims. I therefore developed a thorough understanding of medical issues and the many challenges they can present -- both inside and outside the courtroom.

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In the late 1980's, I broadened my practice to include business, commercial, employment, insurance bad faith and real estate litigation. Doing so heightened my interest in business relationships and objectives. I also developed a genuine appreciation for how disruptive litigation can be, as well as a strong appetite for finding practical solutions to legal problems.

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Over time, my practice came to emphasize insurance bad faith and employee benefits

litigation. In 1999, I therefore founded a law firm that principally represents life, health and disability insurers, insurance agents and financial advisors in numerous contexts.  In that capacity, I regularly appear in state and federal courts throughout California. I also sometimes litigate cases in other states.

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Around the same time, a local court asked that I serve as a specially-appointed mediator.  That experience sparked my interest in alternative dispute resolution, so I formally joined that court's panel of neutrals.  I have since been formally trained as a mediator, and I now participate in the mediation panels of several federal and state courts in California.

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My professional life currently is divided between my role as a lawyer and my role as a mediator.  For a copy of my complete profile, click here.

-- Rob Pohls