Kenneth G. Ruttenberg

Known as a formidable civil litigator, Kenneth G. Ruttenberg represents property owners in construction defect and real estate litigation and employees in matters involving workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. He has earned an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbell®, its highest peer rating for legal ability and professional ethics. Ken has been selected to Southern California Super Lawyers every year since 2014 and was named among the Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers each year from 2015 through 2022.

Ken’s determined and strategic approach to litigation has earned the trust and appreciation of his clients. One former client wrote: “You will never find an attorney as qualified and dedicated as Mr. Ruttenberg. His strength of character cannot be matched.”

During more than 30 years of practice, Ken has successfully resolved numerous employment cases involving workplace harassment, disability and racial discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. In construction defect matters, he has obtained multiple six and seven figure settlements and awards on behalf of property owners through litigation and arbitration. He also has obtained verdicts and settlements in cases involving real estate disputes, personal injury, mold exposure, medical malpractice, wrongful death, breach of contract, business disputes, and insurance bad faith. His appellate work has resulted in three published opinions from the California Court of Appeal.  

Ken’s experience representing owners of single family homes, apartment buildings, and condominiums in construction defect litigation is grounded in his extensive background in real estate law. Over the course of his career, he has developed strong working relationships with respected construction experts across numerous disciplines. These professionals assist in identifying concealed defects, determining the scope and cost of necessary repairs, and calculating the resulting damages.

Whether representing property owners or employees, Ken works to understand each client’s objectives, earn the client’s trust, and pursue the best possible result. His approachable and candid demeanor helps reduce the stress that often accompanies litigation. He guides clients through each stage of the legal process, keeps them informed of significant developments, and remains attentive and respectful of their concerns. Ken believes in treating his clients like family and serving as both their voice and their advocate throughout the legal process.

Ken earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, where he served on the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego. Ken is admitted to practice before all California state courts, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Outside of his law practice, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling, playing tennis, running, and practicing Pilates.