1. Home
  2. Find a Lawyer
  3. California
  4. Indio
  5. Arbitration
  6. Roman Whittaker

Roman Michael Whittaker

Arbitration Attorney at Indio, CA

4.8   15 reviews
Message
Call and speak with several attorneys to find best fit for your specific legal issue.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US.
Find the best ones near you.
Find Nearby Lawyers
Storage lot key
anonymous
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted Attorney
Best in the business
John
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Roman

Learn Roman’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Arbitration
    10%
    Representing parties in arbitration and acting as arbitrator.

    24 years

  2. Business
    10%
    General business consulting, business structuring and entity formation; alter-ego liability; intellectual property, infringement and unfair business / trade practice; private offerings and Private Placement Memoranda; and renewable energy transactions and Power Purchase Agreements.

    24 years

  3. General practice
    10%
    All aspects of business and real estate transactions and disputes.

    24 years

  4. Landlord or tenant
    10%
    Representing both commercial landlords and tenants.

    24 years

  5. Litigation
    10%
    Business and real estate litigation.

    24 years

  6. Mediation
    10%
    Representing parties in mediation and acting as mediator.

    24 years

  7. Real estate
    10%
    Real estate transactions and litigation; real estate purchase contracts and disputes; distressed properties transactions, financing and foreclosures; escrow disputes; construction contracts, construction defects and mechanic’s liens; landlord-tenant, commercial leasing and unlawful detainer / eviction.

    24 years

  8. Commercial real estate
    5%
    Commercial transactions and litigation.

    24 years

  9. Construction and development
    5%
    Real estate development and entitlements; project organization and oversight; construction contracts, construction defects, construction disputes and mechanic’s liens.

    24 years

  10. Contracts and agreements
    5%
    Contract negotiation, preparation and litigation.

    24 years

  11. Lawsuits and disputes
    5%
    Business, commercial and real estate litigation, and probate and trust litigation.

    24 years

  12. Corporate and incorporation
    2%
    Entity formation and corporate counseling.

    24 years

  13. Debt collection
    1%
    High stakes debt collection and defense.

    24 years

  14. Elder law
    1%
    Estate planning, health and long-term care planning, end-of-life planning and financial elder abuse.

    24 years

  15. Employment and labor
    1%
    Employer side consulting; hand books and policies formulation; harassment, discrimination and wage issues.

    24 years

  16. Entertainment
    1%
    Licensing and contract negotiation, preparation and litigation.

    24 years

  17. Ethics and professional responsibility
    1%
    Legal ethics consulting and expert opinions.

    17 years

  18. Intellectual property
    1%
    Trademark and trade secret protection and litigation.

    24 years

  19. Internet
    1%
    Domain disputes.

    17 years

  20. Securities and investment fraud
    1%

    17 years

***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. 

Photos and videos

Photos and videos

Licensed for 23 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 1999
Updated 12/07/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Roman

Similar lawyers nearby

Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
80853 Kebon Drive
Indio, CA, 92201
Message Get Directions
Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
73200 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA, 92260
Message Get Directions
Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
Satellite Office
1801 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA, 92262
Message Get Directions
Hide locations

Reviews

Write A Review
4.8 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
5 Star
 
93%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
7%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted 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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 step along the way. I never felt like I was being taken advantage of with time or money, it was a very positive experience.
Read less
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 communication with the other party's attorney, Mr. Whittaker was able to successfully negotiate my case quickly and for a fair and reasonable outcome. I would recommend Roman Whittaker without hesitation for personal or corporate matters.
Read less
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 maneuvers, he will amaze you with the authenticity of his character as a whole. He has helped my AliGro Plant Growth Chamber start-up with formation, filing, fundraising and introductions. I definitely recommend Roman Whittaker to anybody seeking true representation by a competent legal champion.
Read less
Posted by Eddie | November 7, 2013
Roman Whittaker, Great Lawyer
Roman is the type of lawyer everyone wants - knowledgeable, available, creative & intuitive. He's both very personable and highly professional at the same time. Most important to me, he listens and really understands my business. Roman's the best lawyer that I've worked with.
Posted by Sheila Sessions | September 20, 2012
Look no further~ Roman Whittaker is THE consummate, most impressive, knowledgable attorney!
I had the pleasure of meeting with, and retaining Roman Whittaker and mere words cannot emphasize this stellar, au courant, brilliant attorney at law. I have worked as a paralegal for over 17 years, and am beyond impressed with this legal professional's attentiveness, responsiveness, and vast knowledge, and expertise in so many arenas of law. I highly recommend Mr. Whittaker as he stands out from the best attorneys in Southern California. Eternally grateful I found Roman Whittaker as I emerged victorious because I chose him. Sheila Sessions
Read less
Posted by Spencer | February 13, 2011
Go-to Guy
Whenever I have a legal question, I call Roman. If he doesn't have the answer, he knows either how to get it or the right person to call. He is all about doing the right thing for his clients. I know that by referring my clients to Roman for legal help, he'll only make me look better.
Posted by Jerry | December 17, 2010
Real professional with a good business acumen
I have worked with Roman for over 5 years and have found him to be very responsive, timely and uses good business sense as to the best avenue to solve the problem at the best use of time and my money. He has a good ability of anticipating your questions and needs to solve the situation quickly and efficiently. Good attorney and person.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2010
Condo Craziness
An individual within our condo home owners association brought forward a civil suit seeking that a 2003 construction project on our condo unit be undone and the home owners compensated for any fees incurred in seeking its removal. Roman, through his investigative work and using his negotiation skills, showed the home owners that the case brought forward was without merit. The case was settled out of court and the home onwers agreed to it being dismissed with prejudice (basically the home owner can never sue us again on this issue). As a consequence of her actions, the individual home owner was also removed from being a director of our home owners association. My wife and I highly recommend Roman to anyone involved in civil litigation.
Read less
Posted by Paul | November 23, 2010
Fantastic lawyer.
over the last 10 years i have hired Roman to take care of my multiple business deals, agreements and contracts. i have full trust in his work as well as his advice, he is a trusted consultant for my business and i have benefited from his counsel. I would highly recommend Roman.
Posted by Scott Robertson | November 19, 2010
Roman Whittaker
Roman and his firm have been always a phone call away. My company is a growing catering corporation. When any legal question or concern have come up, Roman has had all the answers! Roman's attention to detail and his very thorough follow through has brought a level of complete comfort for me personally and my organization.
Posted by David | November 16, 2010
roman whittaker,corporeate attorney for All seasons air
I have personally known Roman for 12 or more years ,He has been outstanding in leading me and my company in the right direction whether it was a matter that he would take care of or a refferal,he is a man of high integrity and thats hard to come bye in the Legal world.
Posted by Bob | November 16, 2010
Dependable legal representation
Roman represented me in a real estate transaction dispute. He was very helpful in costing out various settlement alternatives. His representation in mediation was professional. He comported himself with knowledge, class and grace when dealing with opponent's somewhat cut throat representation.
Posted by Scott | November 16, 2010
If you want the best . . .
Roman makes things happen. He helped me secure a fraud judgment against a seedy character and began the process of recovering money I was owed. Roman knows the law, but more importantly, he knows how to balance playing hard ball with finding reasonable solutions to complicated problems. His compassion for my situation made me feel comfortable at all times as we discussed a very personal and somewhat embarrassing matter. I trust Roman Whittaker. You should too.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2013
Get your agreement in writing
He responded to my original email in less than 24 hours. I emailed him back with additional information and again he emailed right back indicating he thought he could help us. We met with him that very week in his office. He arrived 15 minutes late for the appointment with no apologies. He then sat down with us and asked questions that I had already answered in our emails. We were looking into purchasing one of two potential vacant properties. He took very few notes. Our understanding was that he would look into the two properties and contact either the bank or the homeowners to see if they would sell to us. He spoke of his fees. Did we want to be charged an hourly rate or a percentage of the selling price of the potential property we ended up purchasing? He thought the hourly rate would end up costing less but we would have to pay him regardless of whether or not we were able to purchase property. We chose the "buyer fee" thinking he would work harder and we wouldn't have to pay anything if we were unable to buy. He printed out a few documents pertaining to the two properties we were interested in with a cheerful remark "this is free!" The weeks went by and we heard nothing. I emailed him twice and he did not respond. I emailed again, nearly four weeks had passed. He finally emailed back and now wanted a "modest" flat fee for the work he had already done in addition to the buyer commission IF we purchased. He included the documents he had already given us in his office. He apparently had done very little in addition to what he did when we were in his office that would help us, and he wanted an additional fee which was the equivalent to three hours work? Our mistake for not getting our original agreement in writing.
Read less
Response from Roman Whittaker May 29, 2013
We never made it to a formal engagement letter / fee contract because I was going to conduct further investigation to determine whether the properties were "in distress." I confirmed that the properties weren't in distress according to public records and provided additional information to this client within a few weeks, all for free. I then offered to invest more of my time and money to track down the property owners to determine whether they were interested in selling the property, but only for modest flat fee. I received no response, except for this negative client review.
Read less
View all reviews
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 15 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-500 per hour
  • Contingency 25%-50%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Roman M. Whittaker, Esq., Incorporated
  • 2020 - Present
  • Arbitrator
  • Desert Bar Association - Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program
  • 2013 - Present
  • Partner
  • Anderholt Whittaker LLP
  • 2010 - 2020
  • Of Counsel
  • Best Best & Krieger LLP
  • 2001 - 2010
  • Associate
  • Joseph A. Gibbs & Associates
  • 1999 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1997
  • University of California - Santa Barbara
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

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.

Associations

  • Desert Bar Association - Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program
  • Arbitrator
  • 2013 - Present
  • Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • La Quinta Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Indio Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Desert Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Riverside County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • American Inns of Court - Warren E. Slaughter Richard Roemer Chapter
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
  • President
  • 2006 - 2007
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2020
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2020
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2019
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2019
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2018
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2018
  • Top Business Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2017
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2017
  • Legal Eagle
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2016
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2016
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2015
  • Top Litigation Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2015
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2014
  • Mandatory Fee Arbitration Panel
  • Desert Bar Association
  • 2013
  • Top Litigation Attorney
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2012
  • Top Business Lawyer
  • Palm Springs Life Magazine
  • 2011
  • Certificate of Recognition - Palm Springs Chamber President
  • Senator Jim Battin
  • 2008
  • Proclamation Honoring Roman Whittaker
  • Palm Springs City Council
  • 2008
  • Proclamation Honoring Roman Whittaker
  • Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson
  • 2008
  • Certificate of Recognition - Leadership Coachella Valley
  • Senator Jim Battin
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Desert Golf & Tennis Magazine
  • Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House
  • 2014

Speaking Engagements

  • The Joey English Radio Show
  • Foreclosures
  • 2009

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (20)
Endorse Roman
Joseph Timothy Hahn headshot
Joseph Hahn
Litigation Attorney | Nov 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Shaun Michael Murphy headshot
Shaun Murphy
Litigation Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Friend
"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."
Summer Miller Shaw headshot
Summer Shaw
General practice Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Elaine Hall-Yee Dai headshot
Elaine Dai
Real estate Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen
Business Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Roman rocks!"
John Oli Alvin Pinkney headshot
John Pinkney
Litigation Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Joseph Arthur Roberts headshot
Joseph Roberts
Real estate Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Carolyn Holt Martino headshot
Carolyn Martino
Business Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Nikki B Allen headshot
Nikki Allen
Business Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"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!"
Michael Jeffrey Andelson headshot
Michael Andelson
Litigation Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"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."
Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr headshot
Robert Gilliland
Litigation Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Karen JoAnne Sloat headshot
Karen Sloat
Contracts and agreements Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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!"
Robin Mahapatra headshot
Robin Mahapatra
Business Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Roman is an excellent lawyer. I enjoy working on various corporate matters with him and highly recommend him."
Amir Hossein Afsar headshot
Amir Afsar
Litigation Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Roman is a strong litigation lawyer with good communication skills."
G. Henry Welles headshot
G. Welles
Litigation Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Roman is an excellent attorney"
Kira L. Klatchko headshot
Kira Klatchko
Litigation Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I regularly refer litigation matters to Roman."
View more endorsements
John Oli Alvin Pinkney headshot
John Pinkney
Litigation
Robert William Hargreaves headshot
Robert Hargreaves
Environmental and natural resources
Summer Miller Shaw headshot
Summer Shaw
Bankruptcy and debt
George M. Hanover headshot
George Hanover
Bankruptcy and debt
Joseph Tilden Rhea headshot
Joseph Rhea
Criminal defense
Sophie Anne Akins headshot
Sophie Akins
Energy and utilities
Kimberly Tsong-Min Lee headshot
Kimberly Lee
Estate planning
Robert James Evans headshot
Robert Evans
Probate
J. John Anderholt III headshot
J. John Anderholt
Estate planning
Carolyn Holt Martino headshot
Carolyn Martino
Divorce and separation
Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr headshot
Robert Gilliland
Unknown
Philip Saul Klatchko headshot
Philip Klatchko
Unknown
Timothy Brock McClellan headshot
Timothy McClellan
Medical malpractice
Karen JoAnne Sloat headshot
Karen Sloat
Employment and labor
Nikki B Allen headshot
Nikki Allen
Probate
Stephanie Lynn Weisman headshot
Stephanie Weisman
Litigation
Robin Mahapatra headshot
Robin Mahapatra
Tax
G. Henry Welles headshot
G. Welles
Probate
Amir Hossein Afsar headshot
Amir Afsar
Business
Joseph Timothy Hahn headshot
Joseph Hahn
Estate planning
Indio Arbitration Lawyer Roman Michael Whittaker
Roman Michael Whittaker
Arbitration Attorney
Indio, CA
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation
Message