Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr

Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Construction and development Lawyer at Palm Desert, CA
Practice Areas: Construction & Development, Real Estate, Business, Residential

36-917 Cook Street, Suite # 102, Palm Desert, CA

About Robert

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Construction and Development 50%

All aspects of construction law and construction defect litigation (contracts and litigation). Recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients. I have successfully handled several hundred cases involving mediations, arbitrations and trials.

36 years

50%
Business 20%

Drafting of contracts as well as litigation.

20%
Real Estate 20%

Buyer-seller disputes, landlord-tenant disputes. Purchase and sale contracts, failure to disclose cases, custom home contacts. Litigation.

36 years

20%
Residential Real Estate 10%

Homeowner Association and Common Interest Development Law. Represent HOAs and Management Companies throughout Southern California.

36 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Colorado for 26 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 35 years

State: California

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Guralnick, Gilliland & Garcia - Attorneys at Law

36-917 Cook Street, Suite # 102, Palm Desert, CA, 92211

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Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Posted by Elena | February 28, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Representation and Outstanding Results

What once felt like an insurmountable battle has come to a truly positive resolution after more than a year of hard work and dedication from Robert and his team. Throughout every twist and turn of my case, Robert Gilliland demonstrated outstanding legal prowess, persistence, and unwavering commitme...nt. I am especially grateful for how he consistently stayed on top of every detail and worked quickly to resolve various challenges as they arose. Several people have told me how “lucky” I was to have such a swift and successful resolution, but I know it wasn’t luck, it was Robert Gilliland. I am grateful to Robert and his entire team for their professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking exceptional and compassionate legal representation!

Posted by Tracy | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A 100% honest and trustworthy shark in court.

Mr Gilliland was a true dynamic fireball in court. I hired him for a case of a crazy over the top veterinarian accusing me of stalking her. She lied in court and online about my moral character and tried to shutdown my business. Robert calmly and with 100% professionalism took her and her attorney to... the train station. I would use him again in a drop of a hat.

Posted by Jennifer | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Robert is a trusted legal partner, and I would not hesitate to recommend him.

I highly recommend **Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr., Attorney**, and confidently refer my real estate clients to him. As a Real Estate Broker, it is essential for me to work with professionals who are knowledgeable, responsive, and truly advocate for their clients—and Robert consistently delivers on all... fronts. He is highly responsive, communicates clearly, and takes the time to explain legal options in a way clients can understand. Most importantly, he **fights for his clients** and approaches each matter with professionalism, integrity, and determination. I have seen firsthand the positive results he achieves, and my clients have been extremely satisfied with his representation. Robert is a trusted legal partner, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a dedicated and effective attorney.

Posted by Emily | September 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Ethically Questionable

After 4 years, $250,000 in legal fees, Robert Gilliland “fired” us as clients 90 days before trial. He has a reputation of being reluctant/afraid to go to trial. Our replacement attorney (Andrew Prout, Esq. - highly recommend) settled the case within 6 weeks for almost double anything Gilliland was... able to secure. Furthermore Gilliland has deceptive billing practices. If you would like more detail please check out our ethics complaint against him with the Californian Bar or DM me at: [email protected].

Robert Gilliland

Replied last January 22, 2026

I respectfully disagree with the statements in this review. I withdrew from this matter in accordance with my ethical obligations and the California Rules of Professional Conduct. I have handled hundreds of cases successfully through mediation, arbitration and trial. I fired this client only after irreconcilable differences arose due to her repeated refusal to follow my firm’s legal advice and her failure to timely resolve and pay outstanding invoices. Any suggestion that my conduct was unethical, that I have a disciplinary history, or that I avoid trial is totally false and delustional by this former client. I have practiced law for more than 35 years, am a former Bar President, maintain an AV rating, selected yearly as a “Super Lawyer” by LA Magazine and “Top Lawyer” by Palm Springs Life Magazine, and have never been disciplined by the State Bar or received any such type of Complaint. I fully prepared this former client’s case for trial and cooperated completely with successor counsel to ensure a smooth transition which later resulted in the settlement. The matter ultimately resolved within the precise and exact valuation I had advised the former client from the outset. Sadly, I fired this client because the former client and resident of Minnesota, acted completely irrationale and was extremely difficult to deal with throughout my firm's representation of her. I take my professional responsibilities seriously and stand by my record of principled, diligent representation.

Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2015

How Mr. Gilliland expertly assisted an elderly widow after her home had been damaged by Hurricane Odile

La Quinta,CA was hit hard by Hurricane Odile when it came through On September 8, 2014. Wind driven rain to the tune of 3 inches an hour fell in our area. Along one side of my house rain poured into the house from all along the bottoms of the window sills. The next day the insurance co. was notifi...ed.The adjuster came out called various companies to tear out the walls and insulation below the window sills to dry out the inside of the walls. It was now my job to find an experienced contractor to find out what was wrong and to complete the job. Robert Gilliland's name was given to me to help find a proper contractor which indeed he did. The insurance company was sure the reason for the storm damage to my home was builder related and refused to pay for any more than the closing of the walls and painting. In calling the contractor Mr Gilliland recommended, which incidentally had 35 years of experience, he found a different reason for the water entry. Mr Gilliland handled all the personal phone calls and correspondence with the Insurance company. The Insurance company dragged their feet for a long nine months, but Mr Gilliland persevered until the Insurance company paid the claim

See All Client Reviews

Robert Jordan Gilliland Jr's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
David Allen Darrin headshot
David Darrin

Construction and development lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Roman Michael Whittaker headshot
Roman Whittaker

Unknown lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Rob is a highly qualified and experienced lawyer that is comfortable in the courtroom."

Edward Hall Cross headshot
Edward Cross

Construction and development lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rob has been very successful in construction defect litigation. He is a hard-working and well-connected member of this legal community. He also makes significant contributions on a volunteer and pro bono basis."

Michael Bernard Rover headshot
Michael Rover

Litigation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked for Rob for my first two years out of law school. He is highly intelligent and diligent in representing his clients."

Robert Harlan Stempler headshot
Robert Stempler

Construction and development lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Rob for many years, and always known him as an honest and hard-working professional. Rob is well respected by his peers and fights for his clients."

View All Endorsements
T. Peter Pierce headshot
T. Peter Pierce

Appeals lawyer

David Allen Darrin headshot
David Darrin

Litigation lawyer

Amir Hossein Afsar headshot
Amir Afsar

Business lawyer

Roman Michael Whittaker headshot
Roman Whittaker

Litigation lawyer

Edward Hall Cross headshot
Edward Cross

Construction and development lawyer

Michael Bernard Rover headshot
Michael Rover

Construction and development lawyer

Robert Harlan Stempler headshot
Robert Stempler

Credit repair lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Selected as a Super Lawyers

2014

Selected as Super Lawyer for 2014, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

TOP LAWYER, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2014

TOP LAWYER, Inland Empire Magazine

2013

TOP LAWYER, Inland Empire Magazine

2013

2013 Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Selected as a Super Lawyer for 2013, Super Lawyers

2012

2012 Community Service Award, City of Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce

2012

Selected as a Super Lawyer for 2012, Super Lawyers

2012

TOP LAWYER, Inland Empire Magazine

2012

2012 Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

America's Most Honored Professionals TOP 5%, America's Most Honored Professionals

2011

TOP LAWYER, Inland Empire Magazine

2011

2011 Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2010

Chairman of the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program, Desert Bar Association

2010

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Selected as a Super Lawyer for 2011, Super Lawyers

1997

Unknown, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

1996

National Registry of Who's Who, National Registry of Who's Who

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Partner, Guralnick & Gilliland, LLP

Associations

2010 - Present

March Air Field Museum

Board Member

2010 - Present

Desert Bar Association

Trustee

2010 - Present

Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce

Member

2010 - Present

Desert Bar Association

Chairman of the Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program

2001 - Present

American Inns of Court

Member

2000 - Present

Colorado Bar Association

Member

1996 - Present

Consumer Attorneys of California

Member

1995 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

Desert Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2010 - 2011

Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce

Member

2010 - 2011

La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Orr Builder v Sunniva Production Campus, LLC and Bob's LLC

Riverside County Superior Court verdict in the amount of $4,153,373.51

Confidential Settlement

Settlement Recovery in the amount of $13,000,000 for my client

Paseo Vista Homeowners Association v. Paseo Village Development, LLC, Stantec Consulting Corporation et al.

Jury verdict in favor of client Paseo Vista HOA in the amount of $2,773,805.00

Confidential v. Confidential

Recovered a settlement in favor of clients in the amount of $7,385,519.88

Hug v. Roberge

Successfully obtained a defense verdict for the client.

Orr Builders v. Cathedral Hotel Group, LP and Moe Nasr

Successfully obtained a Plaintiff verdict in favor of client Orr Builders

Smith v. Stark Contruction Company, Inc. et al.

Recovery in favor of Client - Plaintiff obtained a settlement in the amount of $2,000,000.00

Palm Desert Villa Portofino HOA v. Severin & Co.

Recovery in favor of Client - $700,000.00 settlement along with $4,000,000.00 judgment.

Meeks v. Stephen G. Little; Hire Standards Pool Construction, Inc. et al.

Recovery in favor of Client - case settled for $245,000.00

Hidden Canyon At La Quinta Homeowners Association v. Trans West Housing, Inc. et al.

Recovery in favor of Client - Plaintiff Association obtained a $700,000.00 settlement from the Defendants.

Confidential Plaintiffs v. Confidential Developer, et al.

Recovery in favor of Clients - $252,850.00 plus extensive repairs to the subject home by the defendants.

Confidential Plaintiffs v. Confidential Developer, et al.

Recovery in favor of Clients - $800,000.00

Confidential Plaintiffs v. Confidential Developer, et al.

Recovery in favor of Clients - $17,142,500.00

Smith-Cox v. Ostrom

Defense Verdict - 7 day bench trial in favor of Client

Chandi v. CPI Development, et al.

Recovery in favor of Client - $890,400.00

Carlos v. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Toll Cal II, LLP, et al.

Recovery in favor of Client - $400,000.00

Schwartz v. Stradella Investments, Inc., et al

Recovery in favor of Client - $1,200,000.00

Tahquitz Creek HOA v. Thermoshield, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $265,000.00

Detwiller, et al. v. Crestwood Corporation, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $1,002,000.00

Maize v. Skalla, et al.

Recovery for Plaintiff - $242,000.00

Canyon Granada Homeowners Association v. Thermoshield, et a.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,000,000.00

Confidential Homeowner Association v. Confidential Developer, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $5,725,000.00 plus three (3) parcels of land

Confidential Tenants v. Confidential Landlord

Recovery for Plaintiff - $175,000.00

The Courtyards at Desert Falls HOA v. Mark A. Temple Construction, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $2,183,805.52

Shore, et al. v. Stemmer Construction, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $367,500.00

Arroyo, et al. v. Canaday & Co., et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $500,500.00

Belmont Shores Oceanaire Townshouse Association v. Oceanaire, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $684,000.00

Fairways Homeowners Association v. LaPolla Industries, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $872,500.00

Confidential Homeowner Association v. Roofing Company, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $1,800,000.00

Abeyta, et al. v. Kaufmann & Broad, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiffs - $415,000.00

Enclave Mountian Estates HOA v. Citizens Bank, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,325,950.00

Lincoln View HOA v. Sharp Construction, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,276,000.00

Mission Hills Campo HOA v. Deane Homes, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $7,138,500.00

Laguna De La Paz HOA v. Snellenberger, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,232,750.00

Laguna De La Paz HOA v. Grossman, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,551,425.00

Variety Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City v. Shook Building Systems

Recovery in favor of Variety Boy & Girls Club - $280,500.00

Mesquite Country Club Condo HOA v. Mark A. Temple, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $3,296,500.00

Vista Paseo HOA v. Ce-Mar Investments, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $85,000.00 plus extensive repairs at the Project.

Laguna De La Paz HOA v. Johnson, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $2,231,850.00

Monterey Country Club HOA v. Sunrise Co, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $2,500,000.00

Cathedral Canyon Country Club Condo Assoc. v. Falcon Lake, et al.

Recovery in favor of Plaintiff - $1,168,000.00

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Lewis & Clark College Northwestern School of Law

JD - Law

1984

Claremont McKenna College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Desert Trial Academy -Civil Litigation

Construction Defect Litigation

2013

Civil Law Consultant for local media on high profile cases

Legal Consultant for Local TV Stations

2012

Animal Planets - Infested II TV Series

TV SHOW

2011

Hot Air Balloon Litigation and other High Profile Litigation

High Profile Cases in the Media

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution