Rob is an experienced trial lawyer whose commercial litigation practice covers a broad range of business and real estate disputes. His significant experience in complex business litigation includes both prosecuting and defending cases dealing with unfair competition and business practices, trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, partnership disputes, defective construction, mechanic's liens, and unlawful detainer. He also provides construction contract and risk management services for numerous design professionals, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers on projects ranging from large commercial developments to the design and construction of single family homes.

Rob graduated with honors from Phillips Academy in Andover Massachusetts, with honors from the University of California at San Diego, and with honors from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1985. After a clerkship with the San Francisco Superior Court, Rob practiced with Ropers, Majeski, Kohn, Bentley, Wagner & Kane in San Francisco before joining our firm in 1987.

In keeping with the firm's commitment to the community, Rob has been counsel to and a member of the Board of Directors of the Guardsmen. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the San Rafael Youth Soccer League.

Rob lives in San Rafael with his wife, Sharon, and their 2 children, Andrew and Elena.

Email:
staley@eesclaw.com

Direct dial line:
415.398.6392

A representative sample of matters handled by Rob include:

• The successful defense of the architect on a $65,000,000 5-star hotel project located in Los Angeles against a myriad of construction related claims by the owner and general contractor. The matter was tried before the AAA and at the time was the longest running arbitration in California history, with approximately 187 days of hearings.
• The successful prosecution of a fraud claim against the seller of limited edition lithographs. Recovered $4,500,000 after obtaining a temporary restraining order preventing the disbursement of the sale proceeds.
• The successful defense of a seller accused of fraud in the sale of a used Learjet. The case was settled for a nominal sum after we prevailed on our pretrial evidentiary motions.
• Lead counsel for the developer and general contractor sued for construction defects in connection with the construction of numerous residential planned community developments ranging in size up to 300 living units and in claim value up to $50,000,000.
• Developed a unique mass hysteria claim triggered by allergic reactions to drywall demolition dust to establish a Fortune 500 company's grounds for constructive eviction from 2 floors of Class A high-rise space in downtown San Francisco. The landlord's lost rent claim of $4,500,000 was settled for $130,000.
• Successful prosecution of a quiet title action against claims of implied easement involving 12 waterfront parcels. A two-week trial resulted in the complete vindication of our clients position.