Robert A. Cardwell

Robert A. Cardwell, born Motague, Massachusetts, April 10, 1942; admitted to the bar 1971, California; Preparatory education, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, (B.A., 1965); legal education, University of Southern California (J.D., 1970). Member: State Bar of California, 1971; U.S. District Court, Central District, 1971; American Bar Association and Orange County Bar Association.

Mr. Cardwell's practice focuses on the handling of a wide range of civil defense litigation. In addition to personal injury cases, stemming from motor vehicle accidents, premise liability, product liability, construction activities, and heavy equipment operations, his background also includes a considerable amount of specialized litigation, including defense of malicious prosecution, defamation, errors and omissions, class actions, medical malpractice, public entity liability, bad faith actions, and wrongful termination.

Mr. Cardwell has also represented public entities in Southern California in litigation cases. He also defends liability claims against hotels, retailers and recreational facilities and health care providers in actions involving drugs, hospital and surgical equipment, industrial machinery, chemicals and professional liability. Mr. Cardwell has extensive experience in complex construction defect cases and insurance contract litigation. He has represented general contractors and subcontractor in complex construction defect cases involving all phases of its design and construction process and residential projects ranging from 300 to 1000 units. These cases typically involved issues relating to subsoil conditions, grading, landscaping, irrigation, foundation, framing, plastering/stucco, drywall, roofing and sheet metal work.

Mr. Cardwell has developed data base programs for identifying and allocating among involved parties all construction costs and damages regarding construction defects on a project wide basis. Mr. Cardwell has formulated and implemented comprehensive discovery plans to address all aspects of design, construction, and damage issues.

Mr. Cardwell is also a judge pro tem in the local courts, and has been active as a lecturer for continuing legal education seminars.