Recognized Excellence

About Ponist Law Group

The Ponist Law Group was founded with the goal of providing superior representation of clients in all aspects of real estate, construction and business litigation as well as financial elder abuse and defense of government enforcement actions (white collar defense). As a former prosecutor, Sean Ponist and his firm are able to aggressively prosecute claims on behalf of their clients and defend against actions brought by others.

The firm’s legal knowledge and trial expertise allow the firm to achieve better settlements before trial and, when settlement is not possible, better results at trial.

The firm is consistently recognized as a top law firm by judges, scholars and other attorneys. Sean has been conferred the prestigious “Super Lawyer” award, a distinction bestowed upon less than 5% of attorneys (2011-present) and is also a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society whose membership is limited to less than 1% percent of lawyers.

Practice Areas

Real Estate Litigation

As former in-house counsel for one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate brokerage companies, Sean Ponist and his firm have extensive real estate experience, including the handling of purchase and sale disputes, agent/broker lawsuits, commercial leasing and other complex real estate matters.

Construction Litigation

The Ponist Law Group has significant construction/construction defect experience which includes the handling of complex, multi-party disputes involving developers, design professionals, and others. We have successfully handled complex construction claims involving office, retail, industrial and other commercial spaces as well as large (400-600 units) residential and high-end single-family homes.

Business Litigation

As former in-house counsel, we appreciate the importance of blending litigation strategy with business and practical objectives to achieve the best results for clients.

Financial Elder Abuse Litigation

As a former criminal prosecutor, Sean Ponist and his firm are used to standing up for victims of crime and abuse, including those who have suffered financial elder abuse.

Government Enforcement Action (White Collar Defense)

When a business finds itself in the crosshairs of the government, it is bet-the-company litigation—win or close the doors. As a former prosecutor, Sean and his firm have unique insight into such matters and strategies needed to prevail.

Proven Results

We have recovered more than $115 million for our clients,while also successfully defending and saving our clients millions.

OVER

$115,000,000

Recovered on behalf of clients

OVER

$95,000,000

Successfully saved for clients

You could say that we know our way around the courtroom.

VIEW MORE RESULTS

“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)

“Handled a complex situation very professionally.”

Dr. H. Tenenbaum
President/CEO of Harten Resources, Inc.

“Great firm! Responsive to client needs and thoughtful as to what cases need and don’t need. Recommend them highly.”

Audette Morales
Partner at the law firm of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

Industry Experts

As accomplished real estate, construction and business litigation attorneys, the experts at the Ponist Law Group are frequently requested to present legal education seminars to other attorneys and professionals.

The Ins-and-Outs of Real Property Liens and Encumbrances


San Francisco Bar Association
September 28, 2021  

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Court Practice Series: Superior Court (Civil)


San Diego County Bar Association
October 14, 2020

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