Robert J. Sunderland

With more than 30 years of experience in real estate, law, and construction, Robert J. Sunderland brings a multifaceted perspective to his work helping parties resolve disputes with clarity, preparation, and practical insight. Known for his diligence, responsiveness, and ability to bridge technical detail with human understanding, he approaches mediation with the same precision and strategic focus that defined his career. His background as a general contractor, attorney, and mediator allows him to quickly identify core issues and guide parties toward informed, sustainable solutions.

Robert’s mediation practice is rooted in a lifetime of hands-on experience in the real estate and construction industries. Since 2003, he has mediated a broad range of disputes involving residential and commercial real estate, construction defects, professional liability, and brokerage matters. He is particularly valued for his ability to anticipate potential challenges during pre-mediation preparation and to maintain momentum through even the most complex negotiations. His approach combines evaluative insight with empathy, helping parties move efficiently from conflict to closure.

Before joining Signature Resolution, Robert was managing partner of Sunderland | McCutchan (formerly Ginder, Sunderland & Carlson), with offices in San Diego and Healdsburg.  His practice focused on defending real estate agents, brokers, mortgage and escrow professionals, contractors, and subcontractors in litigation, arbitration, and mediation throughout California. He has represented more than 3,000 real estate licensees in Superior Court and is widely recognized for his risk management work with insurance carriers, brokerage firms, and professional associations. In recent years, he has also represented plaintiffs in real estate and construction matters, giving him a balanced perspective on both sides of the table.

Earlier in his career, Robert served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Trans Pacific Geothermal Corporation, where he negotiated international power sales contracts and oversaw projects for the U.S. Department of Energy. Before entering law, he founded and operated a successful general contracting business specializing in custom residential construction throughout Los Angeles. He has maintained his general contractor’s license for more than three decades, a foundation that continues to inform his understanding of the technical and financial realities underlying construction and real estate disputes.

Robert’s expertise also extends to his work as an expert witness in developer and construction defect litigation. His extensive field experience across all construction sub-trades enables him to quickly diagnose defect issues, assess causation, and deliver credible forensic analysis and trial testimony.

A graduate of Pepperdine University, Robert earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics before completing his Juris Doctor at Southwestern University School of Law. He credits his early years racing open-wheel Formula Vee and Formula Ford cars across the United States and Europe with shaping his disciplined approach to preparation, communication, and decision-making. These qualities continue to define his professional success.

Since joining Signature Resolution in 2023 as a full-time mediator, Robert has become a trusted resource for parties seeking informed, efficient, and balanced resolution. He remains dedicated to helping clients move beyond conflict with focus and respect, offering practical guidance grounded in decades of real-world experience across law, construction, and business.