Peter Polo stands as a distinguished figure in the legal landscape, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique dual perspective to his role as Director of Litigation at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. His career is marked by significant achievements both as a seasoned trial lawyer and a respected former judge. This background equips him with an unparalleled understanding of effective case presentation and litigation strategy, making him an invaluable asset to both his firm and his clients. Licensed to practice in California and Nevada, Peter Polo is frequently sought after for his expertise in mediation and his strategic guidance in complex legal matters.
Peter Polo, Director of Litigation at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, headshot in suit, experienced trial lawyer and former judge
From Judge to Director of Litigation Excellence
Before joining Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, Peter Polo served with distinction as a Superior Court Judge in Orange County, California for eight years. Appointed to the bench in 2001, he presided over a wide array of complex cases for nearly five years on the General Civil Panel. His judicial experience encompassed complex tort, business disputes, employment law, and product liability litigation. During his tenure, Judge Polo presided over an impressive 250 trials, including high-profile cases such as the City of Anaheim v. L.A. Angels of Anaheim naming rights dispute. His assignments also extended to handling both misdemeanor and felony criminal jury trials, showcasing his versatility and depth of legal knowledge.
Judicial Acumen and Contributions
Judge Polo’s commitment to the legal system extended beyond the courtroom. He was appointed by the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court to serve two terms on the Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee. His contributions to this committee included serving on both the Complex and Uniform Rules Subcommittees and co-chairing the committee focused on Minor’s Compromise reform. Further demonstrating his leadership and dedication, Judge Polo served two terms as an alternate on the Court’s Executive Committee and was a long-standing member of both the Grand Jury Selection Committee and the Educational Committee. His prior service on the Court Technology Committee and the Court Referral Program Advisory Council, coupled with his role as a mentor judge for newly appointed judges, underscores his comprehensive involvement and influence within the judicial system.
A Proven Track Record in Complex Plaintiff Litigation
Prior to his esteemed judicial career, Peter Polo built a formidable reputation as a complex plaintiff’s litigator. His practice focused on mass tort litigation, product liability cases, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death claims, and medical malpractice. His expertise in mass torts is particularly noteworthy, as evidenced by his appointment to the Plaintiff’s Executive Committee of the Coordinated Fen/Phen Litigation and the Executive Committee for the Coordinated Ford/Firestone Litigation. He also served as Co-Lead Counsel for Southern California in the Coordinated Sulzer Hip Litigation. More recently, Peter Polo was selected to serve on both the Federal and California state Plaintiff Steering Committees for the billion-dollar DePuy hip litigation, further solidifying his position as a leading attorney in complex litigation. Throughout his career, he has been the primary attorney on over 2,000 Superior Court cases, achieving over $1 billion in settlements. The collective settlements in mass tort cases he has been involved in exceed an impressive $7 billion.
Recognition as a Top Legal Professional
Peter Polo’s legal prowess has been consistently recognized by his peers and the legal community. He is honored among the Best Lawyers in America®, a testament to his exceptional skills and ethical standards. Prior to establishing himself as a partner at Lopez, Hodes, Restaino, Milman, Skikos & Polos in Newport Beach, Peter Polo practiced alongside David M. Harney in Los Angeles, further honing his expertise in complex litigation.
Educational Foundation and Early Pursuits
Peter Polo’s journey to legal eminence began with his recruitment to play Water Polo at UCLA, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Economics in 1987. His time at UCLA also included membership in the Air Force ROTC, where he achieved the distinction of earning one of the two flight school quotas awarded to Southern California ROTC members, alongside obtaining his pilot’s license for a Cessna 152. He solidified his legal education by graduating from Loyola Law School with his JD in 1990.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Peter Polo’s leadership extends into professional organizations. He is a past president of the Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and remains an active member. He also serves on the ABTL Judicial Advisory Committee and is a member of the prestigious Banyard Inn of Court. His contributions to the legal community were further acknowledged when he received the W. Patrick McCray award from the West Orange County Bar Association in 2003. Beyond his professional life, Peter Polo is dedicated to his family, including his two children, Jonathan and Mary, and his wife Kristie of nearly 20 years. He and his wife are actively involved in volunteering and fundraising for the Juvenile Arthritis Association (JAA), of which Kristie was a key founding member, reflecting his commitment to community and charitable causes.
Peter Polo’s remarkable career, characterized by his extensive experience as both a judge and a leading trial lawyer, positions him as a true legal luminary. His strategic insight, deep understanding of litigation and mediation, and commitment to justice make him an invaluable asset to Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and a trusted advocate for his clients.
