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Roman Michael Whittaker
About Roman
Biography
***DISCLAIMER: This testimonials and endorsements made on this site do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of any particular legal matter.***
Roman spent nearly a decade with Best Best & Krieger LLP—the largest and one of the most prestigious law firms in the Inland Empire—before founding Anderholt Whittaker LLP in 2010 in order to provide more cost effective services to his clients. In 2020 after breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roman took his law practice under his own belt in order to shed unnecessary overhead expenses, thereby allowing him to provide even more cost effective services to his clients.
Roman holds a B.A. from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. Roman is a Past President of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and founding member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) - Inland Empire Chapter - Coachella Valley Branch. Roman currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Musical Performance—a "School of Rock" type music program that teaches young musicians and performers how to produce a live concert.
Roman's practice focuses primarily on entity formation, business financing, business structuring and alter ego liability; business transactions and litigation; trademarks, trade secrets, intellectual property, business interference and unfair trade practices; business/partnership disputes and dissolutions; real estate acquisitions and development; common interest developments and HOA law; real estate transactions and litigation; agent/broker disputes and escrow disputes; construction contracts, construction defects and mechanic’s liens; residential and commercial leasing, landlord-tenant law and unlawful detainer; human resources, general labor and employment matters; trust, estate and probate litigation; asset protection and high-stakes collections. More importantly, Roman is in the business of relationships and has cultivated strong, long-lasting relationships with both his clients and key business players in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Roman is a member of the American Bar Association, Desert Bar Association and American Inns of Court - Warren Slaughter Richard Roemer Chapter. Roman also serves as Commissioner on the City of Indio Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission, is a court appointed arbitrator for the Riverside County Superior Court, Desert Bar Association's Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program, and has been voted Top Lawyer 9 years running by Palm Springs Life Magazine.
Practice Areas
20
Practice Areas
Arbitration
10%
27 years
Business
10%
27 years
General Practice
10%
27 years
Landlord or Tenant
10%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-500 per hour
Contingency
25%-50%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
80853 Kebon Drive, Indio, CA, 92201
Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
73200 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
Satellite Office, 1801 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92262
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Roman Michael Whittaker's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by James | October 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Peace of mind for a legal issue
We had what was probably a fairly routine legal question, however, despite its lack of complexity, it was extremely important to us that it was answered correctly in order to minimize the risk of future litigation. Roman responded to our initial inquiry promptly, researched the information we provide...
Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Storage lot key
He sent me an e-mail that explained to me the way to proceed with the problems I was having with the storage unit owners.
Posted by John | August 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best in the business
Funny the only 2 star review is from someone who received free services. Anyways, I used Roman for a complexed business sale which consisted of the sale of shares, conversions, promissory notes and many other obstacles. During the process Roman was knowledgeable, professional and informed me every st...
Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2013
He really helped me out of a jamb!
I sought help from Mr. Whittaker when I was served with a civil lawsuit out of the blue. We met and I explained my situation and my side of the story. He was able to help me understand what the process would entail, managed my expectations, and was able to ease my mind. Through his interaction and...
Posted by Adam&Mary | November 7, 2013
AliGro - iAliGro uAliGro weAliGro
Hands down a champion of his sport! This man "gets it" when you need someone who "gets it" and gets it done. Roman has helped Mary and I through numerous personal and professional matters without fail. Not only will this man impress you with his aggressive offensive and sound defensive legal maneuver...
Roman Michael Whittaker's Lawyer Endorsements
"Roman is a top-notch lawyer with whom I have worked and to whom I have referred many clients. He delivers results and is efficient and honorable."
"Roman is a smart and dedicated lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients and their success. Clients considering Roman to represent them should be assured that they will be well taken care of."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked on multiple matters with Roman and he and his team are always strong advocates for their clients and extremely knowledgeable in whatever area of law they handle for a client. His years of experience are very beneficial to all of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Roman rocks!"
"Roman is both an excellent attorney and an honorable person. I have known Roman for a number of years and hold him the highest regard. Not only is he an accomplished, aggressive and hard working litigator, he is also an effective mediator."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Roman is an outstanding attorney with a broad and developed knowledge of the law that is beneficial for both pre-litigation and trial matters. I refer my clients with business, real estate and general contract issues to Roman with the confidence that their needs will be expertly handled by a true professional."
"Roman is a great lawyer with detailed knowledge of civil matters. He has a wonderful ability to work toward a resolution of cases to settlements which are beneficial to his clients. He's a good guy, and I would happily refer clients to him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Roman is a versatile attorney, able to handle both litigation and business matters competently. In my experience working with Roman, he does his research and is well able to support positions he takes on behalf of clients."
"Roman is an agressive and professional advocate for his clients. He is well respected in the legal community. I have previously litigated cases wherein Roman served as opposing counsel in the matters. Roman is always ready to go "toe to toe" and is a worthy adversary. I endorse Roman without reservation."
"Roman is an excellent representative of his clients, providing a strong presence in court and a professional demeanor. His firm is comprised of sharp attorneys with insight and experience. I recommend him!"
"Roman is an excellent lawyer. I enjoy working on various corporate matters with him and highly recommend him."
"Roman is a strong litigation lawyer with good communication skills."
"Roman is an excellent attorney"
"I regularly refer litigation matters to Roman."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2020
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2019
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2019
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2018
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2018
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2017
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2017
Top Business Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2016
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2016
Legal Eagle, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2015
Top Litigation Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2014
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2014
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2013
Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel, Desert Bar Association
2013
Top Litigation Attorney, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2012
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2011
Top Business Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2008
Proclamation Honoring Roman Whittaker, Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson
2008
Certificate of Recognition - Palm Springs Chamber President, Senator Jim Battin
2008
Proclamation Honoring Roman Whittaker, Palm Springs City Council
2003
Certificate of Recognition - Leadership Coachella Valley, Senator Jim Battin
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Managing Partner, Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
2013 - Present
Arbitrator, Desert Bar Association - Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program
2010 - 2020
Partner, Anderholt Whittaker LLP
2001 - 2010
Of Counsel, Best Best & Krieger LLP
1999 - 2001
Associate, Joseph A. Gibbs & Associates
Associations
2013 - Present
Desert Bar Association - Mandatory Fee Arbitration ProgramArbitrator
2001 - Present
Palm Springs Chamber of CommerceMember
2001 - Present
Palm Desert Chamber of CommerceMember
2001 - Present
La Quinta Chamber of CommerceMember
2001 - Present
Indio Chamber of CommerceMember
1999 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1999 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Desert Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Riverside County Bar AssociationMember
American Inns of Court - Warren E. Slaughter Richard Roemer Chapter
Member
2006 - 2007
Palm Springs Chamber of CommercePresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Mulhall v. Monterey Country Club Association, Inc.
Plaintiff prevailed on pre-trial motions with the Court finding that the HOA's approval of these exclusive use grants of common areas was in violation of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act.
Puerta Azul Partners, LLC v. Davis/Reed Construction, Inc.
Partial case dispostion on pre-trial motion leading to favorable settlement.
Education
1997
Gonzaga University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
University of California - Santa Barbara
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
The Joey English Radio Show
Foreclosures
Publications
2014
Desert Golf & Tennis Magazine
Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House
2014
2011
blogspot.com
New Law on Rent Restrictions
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can my HOA legally do to keep me from parking in my driveway?
07 Dec 2012
Q&A
My HOA is trying to garnish my wages and bank accounts, what recourse do I have?
10 May 2012
Q&A
Can i break my lease due to cockroach infestation?
23 Jun 2009