Recognized
excellence Consistently recognized as a top law firm by judges, attorneys and scholars proven trial experience Significant litigation and trial experience with over 35 successful trials and arbitrations proven
RESULTS Recovered more than $115 million for clients,while also successfully defending and saving clients millions
The firm’s legal expertise and trial experience allows it to achieve better settlements before trial and better results at trial when settlement is not possible

Recognized Excellence 

“Super Lawyer” Awards

Conferred the prestigious “Super Lawyer” award, a distinction bestowed upon less than 5% of attorneys, for the past eight years (2011-present). 

Best of the Bar

Recognized as one of the Best of the Bar by the San Diego Business Journal.

Lawyers of Distinction

Received this award based on achievements, peer recognition and ethical standards.

Fellowship in the Litigation Counsel of America

The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society whose membership is limited to less than one-half of 1% percent of North American lawyers, judges and scholars.

Founded with the goal of providing superior representation of clients in all aspects of real estate, construction and business litigation matters.

ABOUT PONIST LAW GROUP

Sound Business Solutions

Because there’s more at stake than just a lawsuit.

 

As former in-house counsel for one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage companies, Mr. Ponist and the firm appreciate the importance of blending litigation strategy with business and practical objectives to achieve the best results for clients.

$115,000,000

Recovered on behalf of clients over $115,000,000.

$95,000,000

Successfully defended and saved clients over $95 million.

You could say we know our way around the courtroom.

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Industry Experts

Frequently requested to present legal education seminars to other attorneys and professionals

Sean Ponist will be Moderating a Discussion with the Honorable Charles F. Haines and Staff Attorney Olga Grecova of the San Francisco Superior Court on the “State of the Real Property Courts”

On October 8, 2025, Sean Ponist will be moderating a discussion on the “State of the Real Property Courts” with Judge Charles F. Haines and Staff Attorney Olga Grecova. The seminar will provide an update from the San Francisco Real Property Court and will discuss best practices for attorneys and other issues affecting attorneys appearing before the Court. Mr. Ponist is the founder of the Ponist Law Group (PLG) and Chair of the Real Property Section of the San Francisco Bar Association.

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Sean Ponist will be Moderating a Panel Discussion on “Significant 2024 Real Estate Cases” on January 21, 2025

On January 21, 2025, Sean Ponist will be moderating a distinguished panel of speakers discussing “Significant 2024 Real Estate Cases. ” The seminar will cover significant 2024 real estate cases affecting real property owners, buyers, sellers, agents, brokers, lenders, borrowers, consumers, developers, contractors and others. Mr. Ponist is the founder of the Ponist Law Group (PLG) and Chair of the Real Property Section of the San Francisco Bar Association.

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Sean Ponist, Chair of the Real Property Section of the San Francisco Bar Association, will be Moderating and Presenting a Legal Education Seminar on “Successfully Arbitrating Real Estate Cases” on May 17, 2024

On May 17, 2024, Sean Ponist will be moderating and presenting a legal education seminar on “Successfully Arbitrating Real Estate Cases.” Mr. Ponist is the founder of the Ponist Law Group (PLG) and Chair of the Real Property Section of the San Francisco Bar Association who is sponsoring the event. He has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer,” a distinction awarded to less than 5% of attorneys, from 2011 to present and is a Senior Fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America, a distinction bestowed upon less than 1% of lawyers, judges and scholars. The other panelist include PLG Of Counsel Attorney Cary McReynolds and two neutrals from ADR Services, Inc., Claudia Hagadus Long and Peter Smith. For more information about the event, please click on the above image.

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PLG Attorney Sean Ponist will be Presenting at the Appraisal Institute’s 2024 Spring Litigation Conference on May 10, 2024

On May 10, 2024, Sean Ponist, along with other distinguished real estate attorneys and appraisers, will be presenting at the Appraisal Institute’s 2024 Spring Litigation Conference. The Appraisal Institute is the leading professional association of real estate appraisers, founded to help standardize the appraisal process by promoting professional education and upholding high ethical standards. Mr. Ponist’s presentation is entitled “How to Keep from Getting Excluded: Legal Traps and Pitfalls for Experts.”

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ARTICLES / SEMINARS

Sound Business Solutions

As former in-house counsel for one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage companies, Mr. Ponist and the firm appreciate the importance of blending litigation strategy with business and practical objectives to achieve the best results for clients. 

RESULTS

Testimonials

“Sean and I worked on the same criminal trial team in the Marin District Attorney’s Office, where we often worked on cases together. I found he was a good strategic thinker, analyzed legal issues thoughtfully, and communicated very well with juries. He’s a great trial attorney, and I’m sure his communication skills make him a hit with his clients, too.”

John Alden
Managing Attorney at Independent Investigations Bureau. San Francisco District Attorney's Office

“Sean provided careful, accurate counsel in a complicated legal matter I was involved in for a period of three years. He is well trained and allocates his time well. In short he is a very good attorney”

Richard Wilson
Former Director of the California Department of Forestry (CDF)

“I worked previously with Sean as an attorney at a firm that handles complex and high-stakes litigation, as well as general commercial disputes. Sean worked closely with clients to craft business solutions and, if necessary, zealously pursue litigation on their behalf. He is an effective advocate both in and out of the courtroom. Sean is also especially gifted at explaining legal concepts and at helping clients assess their legal options, including arbitration, mediation, trial, and settlement.”

Neil Swartzberg
Counsel at Pearson, Simon & Warshaw, LLP

“Sean and I were both attorneys at a former firm with which we were affiliated. Sean is a very smart, experienced attorney, and a really nice guy besides! He works very hard and is dedicated to doing excellent work for his clients.”

Robert Silverman
Attorney, R. Silverman Law Group

“I have had the good fortune to work with Sean on a very complex real estate matter. In spite of these challenges, Sean was able to distill the issues down to manageable components. This is the mark of a skilled attorney. I look forward to the next opportunity to work with him.”

Michael Pallamary
Founding Member at Land Surveyors Advisory Council on Technical Standards (LSACTS)

    Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. Using this site or communicating with Ponist Law Group through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. This site is legal advertising.

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    • 16236 San Dieguito Rd., Ste 5-25
      PO Box 9318 (mailing)
      Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

    • (858) 412-1211

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