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Paul L. Gale, Partner
I joined RDB as a partner in October 2006, after 27 years at a Newport Beach-based law firm, where I was general counsel and seemingly content to spend the rest of my career at that office. Little did I realize that RDB had other plans in store for me. Looking to expand its complex commercial litigation practice, RDB was searching for a seasoned litigator to add to its Irvine office. During the interviewing process, I was constantly struck by the collegial, down to earth atmosphere that was present in each office. My last interview before being made an offer was at the D.C. office. The Executive Committee had wanted me to feel part of the entire Firm, not just the Irvine office and therefore flew me to interview in D.C. After spending the day there, I was convinced that RDB was the place where I wanted to practice for the rest of my career.
Shortly after I transitioned to the Irvine office, I was elected chair of the Southern California Commercial Litigation Group. We have a unique situation at RDB in that, together with our San Diego office, we have a strong presence in these two booming southernmost California counties. The two offices work closely together on many matters, and provide support to each other, either on cases from beginning to end, or in an emergency where increased staffing is needed to meet whatever challenges we face. We plan to expand our Commercial Litigation Group in both offices as a direct function of an increased caseload, which covers the spectrum of complex commercial litigation; from intellectual property to partnership disputes to real estate to tax. Perhaps also unique is the amount of responsibility we give to our associates. Because we do not overstaff our cases, all attorneys, regardless of their level, are afforded the opportunity to handle all aspects of a case as is appropriate, from appearing in court, to taking depositions, to client interaction.
Perhaps, most importantly, is the positive support that we give one another. This flows through the entire office and positively affects not just the lawyers but the staff as well, who are loyal and dedicated to the Firm’s success. As a result, each case is truly a team effort that is defined by a sense of comradery and support. I believe that in addition to the very high level of work which we do, this is an intangible that adds to our abilities to achieve the success that we have.
Finally, I am very active in mentoring younger lawyers in terms of teaching writing skills and strategic case management. I believe this interaction is an essential part of an attorney’s growth, development and maturity. In the short time that I have been at RDB, I have been fortunate to work with several attorneys from each of our four offices in this capacity. I also encourage all of the younger attorneys to seek me out for guidance and advice, which they have done, even if I am not directly involved on that particular matter.
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