Practice Areas: Business Litigation, White Collar Crimes, Real Estate; view more
Licensed in California since: 1999
Education: University of California Davis School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2011 - 2024 Ponist Law Group
100 Pine StreetSuite 1250
San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: 415-798-2222 Email: Sean E. Ponist Visit website
Details
Sean E. Ponist is a highly regarded trial attorney and the owner and founder of the Ponist Law Group, P.C., with offices in San Diego and San Francisco. As a skilled civil litigator and former prosecutor, Mr. Ponist is a forceful courtroom advocate for his clients. He represents people and companies throughout the state in real estate, business and construction disputes as well as financial elder abuse and white collar defense. He has tried over 35 cases to verdict and brings significant litigation and trial experience to his representation of clients.
In acknowledgment of his accomplishments, Mr. Ponist has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer,” a distinction awarded to less than 5% of attorneys, for more than ten years. Additionally, Mr. Ponist is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society whose membership is limited to less than one-half of 1% percent of North American lawyers, judges and scholars. He has also been recognized as one of the Best of the Bar by the San Diego Business Journal.
Mr. Ponist’s practice covers a broad range of high stakes civil litigation matters, including real estate ( purchase and sale disputes, nondisclosure issues, broker malpractice, easement and boundary disputes, commercial unlawful detainer, and other real property issues), construction and construction defect (construction delay, construction and design defect cases, mechanic's liens and other construction issues), business litigation ( breach of contract actions, officer and director liability, unfair competition, business insurance claims, securities litigation and other business partnership and corporate disputes) and financial elder abuse and other elder abuse matters.
Mr. Ponist currently serves as the Chair of the Civil Litigation Section for the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) and on the Board of the Real Property section for San Francisco Bar Association (BASF). Further, he has previously served as the Chair of the Real Property Section for SDCBA, Vice-Chair of the Real Property Section for BASF and on the Board of the Construction section for the SDCBA.
He has further lectured on legal topics for various bar associations and other legal education providers, including “Deconstructing Commercial Leases,” “Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Standard of Care,” “Bringing Down the House: Assessing Damages in Real Estate Cases,” “Best Use of Experts in Real Estate Cases,” “The Rogue Agent: Agency Issues In Real Estate,” “When Real Estate Deals Go Bad,” “Agent-Principal Relationship,” and “Direct and Cross-Examination for Civil Litigators.”
Mr. Ponist graduated from UC Davis School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in 1999. Prior to law school, Mr. Ponist attended UCLA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1995 and was a Departmental Scholar. He is admitted to practice before all California federal and state courts, the California Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Real Estate: Business, Construction Litigation: Business, Elder LawFirst Admitted: 1999, California
Professional Webpage: http://ponistlaw.com/sean-e-ponist/
Honors/Awards:
- Super Lawyer, 2011 to present.
- Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society whose membership is limited to less than one-half of 1% percent of North American lawyers, judges and scholars. Based on Mr. Ponist's "accomplishment in the practice and discipline of litigation in trial and appellate courts, excellence in the art of advocacy, and highest ethical standards and integrity," he was selected as a fellow, 2017 to present.
- Best of Bar, San Diego Business Journal, 2016.
Bar/Professional Activity:
- All California federal and state courts
- Chair, San Francisco Bar Association Real Property Section (2023-Present), 2024
- Executive Committee, San Mateo County Bar Association, Client Relations Committee, 2013
- The California Supreme Court
- Member, San Francisco and San Diego County Bar Associations
- Supreme Court of the United States
- All Nevada federal and state courts
- Board Member, San Mateo County Barristers, 2008 – 2010
- United States Court of Appeal, Ninth Circuit
- Board Member, San Francisco Bar Association Real Property Section, 2011 to Present
- Chair and Board Member, San Diego County Bar Association Real Property Section, 2014-Present
Educational Background:
- UC Davis School of Law (Moot Court, Mock Trial, King Hall Pro Bono Certificate), 1999
- UCLA, B.A., Major: Philosophy, Honors: Departmental Scholar, Honors: Dean’s Honor List, 1995
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- The Ponist Law Group (PLG) Obtains $8.85 Million Settlement for Clients--PLG's clients had purchased a new, high-end home for $3.1 million several years back. The home was supposed to be their dream home but, instead, it turned out to be a nightmare. Shortly after the close of escrow, our clients discovered significant construction defects. PLG filed suit on behalf of our clients against the developer-sellers as well as the real agent and brokerage company and, after a series of victories in Court—including an award of summary adjudication as well as issue and evidentiary sanctions—we were able to obtain a settlement on behalf of our clients for rescission and $8.85 million, 2023
- The Ponist Law Group (PLG) Obtains a Complete Dismissal of Action on Behalf of Clients--The PLG represented clients wrongly accused of failing to pay back a purchase money loan and of fraud in connection therewith. Attacking the merits of the action, PLG moved for dismissal (judgment on the pleadings). Based on the strength of PLG’s moving papers, the other side dismissed the action and agreed to a full release of all claims against our clients. The great result—i.e., a complete dismissal of the action early in the proceedings—saved our clients significant time, expense and aggravation of protracted litigation, 2021
- The Ponist Law Group (PLG) Obtains Summary Adjudication in Clients’ Favor in Lawsuit Alleging Fraud in Connection with Commercial Construction Loan--In a lawsuit alleging fraud and misrepresentations in connection with a commercial construction loan, the PLG obtained summary adjudication on behalf of its clients, leading to a favorable defense settlement with the remaining plaintiffs for less than 3% of the amount of damages sought, 2020
- The Ponist Law Group (PLG) Obtains a Dismissal of the Action Based on the Pleadings and Judgment in Client’s Favor--In the lawsuit, the plaintiff had alleged wrongdoing on behalf of a client of the PLG's in connection with the foreclosure of a commercial property. The PLG successfully moved to dismiss the matter on the pleadings and obtained a judgment in their clients’ favor, 2018
- The Ponist Law Group (PLG) Reaches Favorable Confidential Settlement on Behalf Elderly Client Defrauded in Connection with Purchase of a Business--The PLG represented an elderly client in an arbitration in connection with the purchase of business and asserted claims for breach of contract, rescission, fraud/misrepresentation and financial elder abuse. Following a multi-week arbitration proceeding, the PLG was able to reach a favorable resolution on behalf of our client, 2018
- In re Business Acquisition Matter. Represented an elderly client in a confidential arbitration in connection with the purchase of business in which we brought claims for breach of contract, rescission, fraud/misrepresentation and financial elder abuse. Following a multi-week arbitration proceeding, we were able to reach a favorable resolution on behalf of our client, 2018
- In re FINRA Securities Matter. Represented three seperate families in a confidential FINRA arbitration matter in which a securities broker was not properly supervised and churned the families' accounts and placed the families in unsuitable investments. We were able to force a settlement in which our clients recovered in excess of $2,000,000 from the culpable broker-dealer, 2017
- Nationwide Biweekly Administration v. Dept. of Business Oversight, 873 F.3d 716 (9th Cir. 2017). Represented out-of-state business who had been charged with allegedly violating California's prorater laws for purportedly acting as a prorater without a license do so. Based on challenges brought under the Dormant Commerce Clause, the Ninth Circuit found in favor of our client, 2017
- In re Paternity Testing matter. Defended a laboratory against claims that it had erroneously switched paternity testing results, allegedly inaccurately indicating that one man was the father of the subject child when, accordingly to plaintiff, it was another man. According to plaintiff, this caused irreparable damage and emotional distress. We were able to successfully resolve the matter early for a nuisance settlement, 2017
- FBO Paul Family Revocable Trust A v. Hughes. Successfully represented landlord in an unlawful detainer action to recover possession, receiving judgment in client's favor after for possession following trial, 2017
- Nationwide Biweekly Administration v. the People of the State of California (2018) 24 Cal.App.5th 438. Represented a business who was being civilly prosecuted by the four different District Attorney offices and the Department of Business Oversight for alleged violations of consumer protection laws. In the action, even the People sought massive civil penalties, the trial court had denied our client the right to a jury trial. In conjunction with appellate counsel, we took a writ (appeal) and obtained a favorable decision which granted our client the right to a jury trial and established a jury trial right for similarly situated businesses, 2017
- Vaughns v. Malm et al. Represented commercial real estate brokerage company, its designated broker and its agent in a dispute in which plaintiff real estate investors alleged breach of fiduciary duties and conduct falling below the standard of care. After a two week trial, our clients received a complete defense verdict, absolving them of any wrongdoing, 2016
- Excelsior Academy v. San Diego Unified School District. Represented school serving special needs students against lessor attempting to terminate school’s lease. After a bench trial, the judge rejected lessor’s efforts to terminate the lease early and, instead, awarded the school an extension of its lease, 2015
- In re Tamir. Represented owner of a business in partnership with one of the other partners over the ownership of the business. After a two week trial, client-owner prevailed in ownership dispute and awarded all interests and rights sought, 2012
- Blue Barn Assocs. v. Honey Baked Hams, Inc. Represented commercial landowner in a quiet title action, involving complex title and ground lease issues. After a two week trial, the party contesting ownership agreed to relinquish all rights, title and interest in the property to our client landowner and dismissed all of its claims against our client, 2010
- United States of America et al v. Maxxam Inc. et al. As part of a trial team, represented two California state agency employees in a whistleblower action against a national timber company for allegedly defrauding the government in connection with the purchase and sale of the Headwaters Forest. A favorable settlement was reached after parties had completed two weeks of a scheduled three week jury trial, 2009
- The Lao Trust v. S&P Investments et al. Represented commercial real estate brokerage and its agents in an arbitrated matter in which plaintiff buyer sought damages for alleged nondisclosure of material facts and clients sought recovery of their commission. After arbitration, plaintiffs' claims were rejected and clients were awarded their commission, 2006
- Olen Residential Realty Corp. v. First Premier Drywall and Paint, et al. As part of a trial team, represented real estate investor in action against contractors and design professionals to recover damages for defects in the construction and design of various large-scale apartment complexes. After extensive litigation and trial, sought and obtained $115 million construction defect verdict, 2004
- Deputy District Attorney Experience, Marin County District Attorney's Office. Prosecuted over 25 cases to verdict, ranging from violent crime to environmental protection. Maintained a perfect trial record in the prosecution of felony cases, 2000-2003, 2003
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Presenter, "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 sponsored 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. Most real estate agreements require arbitration—one must know the tips and tricks to win. An experienced panel of attorneys and arbitrators discussed the keys to successfully arbitrating real estate cases, https://ponistlaw.com/2024-arbitrating-real-estate/, 2024
- Presenter, “How to Keep from Getting Excluded: Legal Traps and Pitfalls for Experts" 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. The featured presentation covered the procedural and substantive expert witness disclosure requirements, expert depositions, handling communications between attorneys and experts, requirements for expert opinion, and exclusion of expert testimony, https://ponistlaw.com/2024-spring-litigation-conference/, 2024
- Presenter, "Broker/Agent: Failure to Disclose and Agency Issues." Sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association, this webinar covered disclosures and agency issues commonly litigated in real estate transactions involving licensees. The panel brought tremendous experience as legal professionals, with many years of handling real estate disputes, gave the audience helpful insight into their legal practice and issues, https://ponistlaw.com/failure-to-disclose-and-agency-issues/, 2024
- Presenter, "Successfully Mediating Real Estate Cases." As more than 95% of civil cases resolve before trial, it is critical to be just as skilled in mediation as in the courtroom. This presentation, sponsored by the Real Property Section of the San Francisco Bar Association, covered mediation basics as well as tips and strategies for more advanced practitioners, https://ponistlaw.com/mediating-real-estate-case/, 2023
- Presenter, "Rescission of Real Property Transactions: Real World Tips and Traps." Presented to the Contra Costa County Bar Association. The presentation provided an overview of real property rescission claims, with a discussion of important aspects beyond the basics and practice guides, https://ponistlaw.com/lecture-on-rescission-of-real-property-transactions/, 2023
- Presenter, "Real Estate Standard of Care," The seminar for the San Francisco Bar Association examined standard of care in real estate transactions for agents and brokers as well as duties of buyers/sellers. It covered duties of agents/brokers in real estate transactions; agency law and dual agency problems; out-of-state problems—out-of-state brokers and out-of-state properties; buyer/seller obligations; and new case law update, 2022
- Presenter, "The Ins-and-Outs of Real Property Liens and Encumbrances," The seminar for the San Francisco Bar Association examined common liens/encumbrances placed on real property, including lis pendens, prejudgment/attachment liens, judgment liens, execution liens, mechanics liens and stop payment notices, design professional liens, HOA liens, buyer liens, deeds of trust, options to purchase and other clouds on title. The CLE discussed, among other things, particular requirements to place such liens/encumbrances as well as steps necessary to remove them, 2021
- Presenter, "The Art of Taking & Defending Virtual Depositions," This seminar for the San Diego County Bar Association addressed the new age of taking and defending virtual depositions, from the new (virtual) deposition notices and admonitions through tips to having your client make the best impression for the camera, 2020
- Presenter, "Court Practice Series: Superior Court (Civil)"--In this seminar for the San Diego County Bar Association, Superior Court Judge Eddie C. Sturgeon and experienced trial attorney Sean E. Ponist discussed keys to success in the courtroom and useful tips for litigators. The presentation covers, among other things, “knowing your judge,” “sizing up your case,” motion practice and argument as well as trial pointers, 2020
- Presenter, "Real Estate Brokerage During These Extraordinary Times," This legal education presentation for the San Francisco Bar Association discussed new laws and current issues affecting real estate brokerage industry during the extraordinary times of the pandemic, 2020
- Presenter, "Attorney-Client Engagement Agreements: Key Language That Every Attorney Should Have In Their Agreement," In this seminar for the Litigation Counsel of America, Sean Ponist discussed best practices for attorney-client engagement agreements, 2019
- "Presenter," The Keys To The House: Unraveling Damages In Real Property Sales (Part 1 of 2)," This seminar for the San Francisco Bar Association examined real estate damages arising from disputes before and after closing. This was the first in a two-part series and focused on damages; the second focused on real estate remedies, 2019
- Presenter, "The Keys To The House: Unraveling Equitable Remedies In Real Property Transaction (Part 2 of 2)," This seminar for the San Francisco Bar Association examined real estate remedies arising from disputes both before and after closing. This was the second in a two-part series and focused on powerful remedies, beyond damages, to enforce client rights, including a discussion of rescission, reformation, specific performance and other equitable remedies, 2019
- Presenter, "Dual Agency Law Following the California Supreme Court's Landmark Horiike Decision," Orange County/San Diego County/San Francisco County Bar Associations: a legal education seminar covering agency and dual agency law in California generally, with an in-depth analysis of the California Supreme Court’s landmark Horiike decision as well as the impact on agency and dual agency responsibilities following the Horiike decision and legislative proposals following the Horiike decision, 2018
- Presenter, "How to Keep Your Expert In and Keep Their Expert Out," San Diego/San Francisco County Bar Associations: a legal education seminar which started with the expert report and took the attendees right up through motions in limine, covering federal and state expert disclosure, exchange and report requirements as well as litigation tactics at each stage in the process. The program further discussed the seminal Daubert/Sargon decisions as well as how to attack and how to defend an expert's report and opinions, https://www.sdcba.org/index.cfm?pg=semwebCatalog&panel=showSWOD&seminarid=8926, 2018
- Presenter, "Rescission of Real Estate Contracts," Lorman: Rescission is one of the most powerful remedies available to a party who has suffered damages resulting from breach of contract or fraud. Rescission is one of the few remedies which allows parties to truly be restored to their respective positions before the alleged harm. In this practical seminar, attendees learned how to effectively assert, and defend against, this forceful weapon, 2017
- Presenter, "Mediating Real Estate Cases," San Diego County Bar Association: Almost every real estate dispute involves some form of mediation. This legal education covered mediation of real estate disputes including, among other things, opening session and advocate remarks, caucus conversations with each side, mediation strategies and nailing down a settlement, 2016
- Presenter, "Arbitrating Real Estate Cases," San Diego County Bar Association. Legal presentation discussing: What kind of preparation needs to be completed before arbitration, including an arbitration brief and evidence; Issues typically raised at arbitration; Advocates’ strategies; What arbitrators look for and more, 2016
- Author, "Going to the Source: Minimize your liability by providing attributions," Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine (May/June 2015). This article discusses how real estate agents, brokers and sellers can minimize their liability for the unintentional disclosure of inaccurate information by attributing the source of the information, 2015
- Presenter, "Deconstructing Commercial Leases," San Diego County Bar Association: A legal education seminar analyzing commercial leasing issues from the start of a transaction through the completion of the transaction and beyond into litigation, 2015
- Presenter, "Having Real Estate Contracts Interpreted in Your Client's Favor," San Francisco Bar Association: A legal education seminar covering key rules of construction of real estate and legal documents, including lease agreements, grant deeds, agreements with public entities, deeds of trust, and other real estate contracts, 2015
- Presenter, “Having Real Estate Contracts Interpreted in Your Client’s Favor: Critical Rules of Construction Every Real Estate Transactional and Litigation Attorney Should Know,” San Francisco Bar Association (2015), 2015
- Presenter, "Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Standard of Care," San Diego and San Francisco County Bar Associations: A legal education seminar which looked at the duties and obligations of commercial real estate agents and brokers who, unlike their residential counterparts, are not presently bound by strict statutory requirements, 2014
- Presenter, "50 Shades of Legal," Women's Council of Realtors, Presentation to realtors covering general duties of real estate agents and brokers, traditional and novel legal issues arising in real estate transactions and "rogue" agent issues, 2013
- Presenter, "The Rogue Agent: Agency Issues in Real Estate," San Francisco and San Mateo County Bar Associations, A legal seminar covering the existence and scope of agency relationships, including a discussion of agency agreements, ostensible agency, ratification, negligent supervision and the legal relationship between agents and principals, 2013
- Moderator, "Private Investigation and the Legal Community," San Francisco Bar Association, A legal education seminar covering private investigator techniques to assist lawyers in the prosecution and defense of their actions as well as the identification of critical persons and assets in litigation, 2013
- Presenter, "Best Use of Expert Witnesses in Real Estate Cases," San Francisco Bar Association and San Mateo County Bar Association, A legal education seminar covering the best and most effective uses of experts in litigation and at trial, including a detailed discussed of expert depositions and approaches to direct examination and cross-examination at trial, 2012
- Presenter, "How Expert Witnesses can Improve their Relationship with Busy Trial Attorneys," Forensic Expert Witness Association, A presentation to expert witnesses covering of all aspects of the relationship between experts and counsel, including the role of an expert in litigation and at trial as well as key issues for experts to be aware of in discovery and at trial, 2012
- Author, "Recovering Lost Profits In Real Estate Transactions," Real Estate Quarterly Supplement to The Daily Journal 2011. Summary: The article discusses the recent Greenwich decision which has opened the door to the recovery of lost profits, but just slightly. As explained in the article, "Aggrieved investors should seek lost profits, but need to be mindful that courts are still skeptical of lost profits damages and will not allow them where even remotely uncertain or speculative", 2011
- Presenter, "Bringing Down the House: Assessing Damages in Real Estate Cases," San Francisco Bar Association, A legal education seminar covering pre-closing remedies, post-closing remedies, equitable remedies and broker commissions, 2011
- Author, "Should Equitable Indemnity Apply Against Negligent Misrepresentation Claims?" The Daily Journal 2010. Summary: "The law is clear that a party is entitled to seek equitable indemnity against negligence claims alleged against it. Similarly, the law is clear that a party is not entitled to indemnity against fraud, intentional torts and other torts for which the application of indemnity would violate public policy. But the law is much less clear as to a party’s right to indemnity for negligent misrepresentation, a cause of action which straddles the line between negligence and fraud. Although the issue arises frequently between joint tortfeasors, the appellate courts have yet to address it. In their silence, trial courts have been all over the map...", 2010
- Author, "The Nonrefundable Deposit-Not!" California Lawyer Magazine 2010. Summary: "In many transactions, the seller requires that the buyer pay earnest money in the form of a non-refundable deposit. The deposit is one way the buyer can communicate to the seller that he or she really means business. Indeed, such deposits have for years been commonplace. Recently, however, the court of appeal ruled that a non-refundable deposit is in reality a form of liquidated damages and voided the practice despite the clear contractual documents that called for it. (Kuish v. Smith, 181 Cal.App.4th 1419 (2010).) Whether the Kuish decision is a good thing or a bad thing is not the point; the fact is, real estate lawyers and their clients must deal with a new reality when proceeding to escrow...", 2010
- Presenter, “When Real Estate Deals Go Bad,” San Mateo County Bar Association, A legal education seminar covering issues arsing in real estate transactions, including preventative measures aimed at avoiding problems commonly encountered in real estate transactions, obligations and duties of parties in real estate transactions, and problems occurring after the close of escrow, 2010
- Presenter, "Direct and Cross-Examination For Civil Litigators," National Business Institute, A legal education seminar covering the skillful and effective use of testimony and evidence in the courtroom which provided attendees with the skills necessary to elicit the testimony needed in order to build a strong case and to put themselves in the best position to win, 2009
Representative Clients:
- We defend businesses against governmental action as well as officers, directors and partners in such actions. We also represent businesses, officers, directors and partners in disputes with one another. Additionally, we represent brokers, agents, investors, developers and contractors ion real estate and construction disputes. Last, we handle financial elder abuse matters on behalf of victims of such abuse., 2024
Industry Groups:
- Agent/broker Lawsuits
- Boundary Disputes
- Business & Professions Code 17200/17500 (false Advertising)
- Commercial Leasing
- Construction Contracts And Delay
- Easements
- Eminent Domain
- Financial Elder Abuse
- Financial Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse
- FINRA
- Fraud/Nondisclsoure
- Mechanics Liens
- Purchase And Sale Disputes
- Qui Tam (False Claim/Whistle Blower)
- Quiet Title
- Securities Litigation
- White-Collar Criminal Defense
Office location for Sean E. Ponist
100 Pine Street
Suite 1250
San Francisco, CA 94111
Selections
14 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2011 - 2024