Robert Shaia

Robert is among Orange County’s leading construction litigators whose practice focuses on all types of construction-related disputes in addition to surety and real estate matters.

He has more than 20 years of experience representing project owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and other project participants on a variety of private and public projects, ranging from power plants and prison facilities to roads, high-rise developments, hotels, and residential homes. His strategic approach to handling construction disputes has led to successful outcomes in claims involving disputed change orders, scope of work disputes, terminations, differing site conditions, delays, licensing issues, design issues, defect claims, indemnity issues, pursing and defending bid protests, mechanics’ liens, stop notices and payment bonds.

Robert has extensive trial and arbitration experience, and has successfully mediated dozens of cases to resolution. He also has experience litigating before the California Courts of Appeal. His notable successes include prevailing in complex jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations showcasing his adeptness in navigating various legal challenges.

Robert is highly regarded for his prompt, client-centric service and formulating case strategies keeping his client’s concerns and goals in mind. In addition to his legal expertise, he is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive), leveraging his financial background to offer a unique perspective when approaching legal matters.

Prevailed after a two-week arbitration in Orange County. Successfully recovered disputed general conditions and general requirements costs for general contractor against a hotel owner in Carlsbad, California. Also, completely defensed a $14 million disgorgement claim alleging a sham RMO.

Prevailed after a two-week bench trial in Los Angeles Superior Court. Successfully prosecuted a prime contractor’s claim against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation under California Public Contract Code § 5110. Achieved a complete, multi-million dollar victory of all damages sought.

Arbitrated a breach of contract claim against an asbestos subcontractor on behalf of a demolition contractor on a large power plant demolition project. During the arbitration hearing, the asbestos subcontractor settled for the full penal sum of its bond.

Prevailed after a two-week jury trial in Orange County Superior Court, prosecuting claims against a large national bank for its wrongful interception of a construction project’s retention funds held in an escrow account. Obtained a judgment for his surety client for the full amount of compensatory damages sought, plus $3.2 million in punitive damages.

Successfully defeated a $1.6 million mechanic’s/mining lien claim before the California Court of Appeal on an issue of first impression before the Court, which resulted in a published opinion (Sukut Construction, Inc. v. Rimrock CA LLC, 199 Cal.App.4th 817 (2011).

Intimately involved, as amicus curiae, in a case before the California Supreme Court (Manco Contracting Co. v. Bezdikian, 45 Cal.4th 192 (2008).

Professional Affiliations

Orange County Bar Foundation, Associate Board

Ernst & Young Alumni Advisory Council