Robert Blum
Partner

Practice Areas

Experience

Robert Blum represents clients in civil litigation in state and federal court and in all forms of alternate dispute resolution. He represents contractors and owners in construction claims, counsels clients in many industries concerning construction, supply, and commercial contract obligations, and represents clients in defense of liability and indemnity claims arising from their contract performance. He defends and counsels attorneys and law firms concerning legal malpractice and professional responsibility issues. He represents creditors in workouts and bankruptcy litigation.

Bob has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by the publishers of the Northern California Super Lawyers magazine for 2009. Inclusion in Super Lawyers is based on a peer-review survey.

Representative cases

• Represented contractor in defense of property damage, insurance subrogation, resource loss, and fire suppression claims arising from major wildland fires in California and other parts of the western United States.
• Represented independent energy producer in warranty, indemnity, and contract disputes with suppliers of power generation equipment, and in supply contracts with public utilities.
• Represented international law firm in legal malpractice lawsuits and claims of breach of fiduciary duty and conflicts of interest. Counseled and represented numerous attorneys concerning compliance with ethical obligations and claims of misconduct.
• Defended contractor accused of fraud in construction of runways and taxiways at airports in California and Colorado. Represented contractor in qui tam litigation, contract claims, and government investigations.
• Represented highway construction contractor in claims against state and federal contracting authorities related to projects in California, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado.
• Prosecuted extra work claims by construction contractor on nuclear and fossil fuel power plants, water treatment plants, and commercial and residential buildings.
• Represented international specialty apparel retailer in claims and litigation related to store construction, bankruptcy of vendors, and insolvency of shopping centers and landlords.
• Defended large California mutual benefit corporation in litigation concerning compliance with laws governing proxies and election procedures for its board of directors.
• Represented creditors in bankruptcy of investor-owned utility.
• Defended bank accused of wrongful conduct in lending and banking operations. Represented bank in litigation alleging violations of California unfair competition law.

Publications and presentations

Bob is a frequent lecturer and instructor in continuing legal education programs on issues of legal malpractice and legal ethics.

Admissions

Bob is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. district courts for the Eastern, Northern, and Southern districts of California.

Education

Duke University School of Law, J.D. (Notes and Comments Editor, Duke Law Journal)
Northwestern University, B.S., cum laude