The Younger Law Firm

Lead Trial Attorney Biography

Mr. Robert J. Younger, Esq.

Professional / Education

• California State Bar admitted 1994
• Orange County Bar Association
• San Diego State University (Batchelor of Arts - Finance 1989)
• Western State University (Juris Doctorate 1993)

In 1989, Mr. Younger graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts, Finance degree. In 1993, he graduated from Western State University. Mr. Younger completed a ten year tour of duty as civil trial lawyer for a top AV rated civil trial firm that served the community for well over twenty years. After the retirement of one of the partners, he subsequently founded The Younger Law Firm to continue the tradition of "representing the underdog", providing access to the legal system to those in need of counsel, and practicing zealous advocacy. Since 1998, Mr. Younger has recovered nearly $10,000,000.00 for his clients.

His clients have included judges, lawyers, the past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates and his family, doctors, and recent immigrants. He has presented trials in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Rancho Cucamonga, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles County, ranging from personal injury, to land disputes, as well as wage and employment cases. He has submitted numerous appellate briefs and writs, and has argued successfully before the California Court of Appeals. Mr. Younger is a member of the Orange County Bar Association. As a professor at the Irvine University College of Law, he has instructed classes on Evidence, the Uniform Commercial Code, Remedies, Trial Practice, Contracts and Torts. As part of his commitment to the community, he regularly supports a non-profit organization designed to help handicapped children and adults, namely, the Challenged Athletes Foundation. His personal commitment to that organization includes fund raising efforts. He has also completed two Hawaii Ironman races to benefit that organization. Currently, he volunteers at the Special Olympics of Orange County.  

Areas of Practice  

Areas of Practice

• Personal Injury to include wrongful death, serious bodily injury, automobile collisions, dog bites, slip and falls, and product liability
• Breach of Contract
• Insurance bad faith
• Wage and Overtime
• Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
• Wrongful termination
• Small claims

Top Ten Things Your Should Know About Each Area Of Practice

Personal Injury

Personal Injury to include wrongful death, serious bodily injury, automobile collisions, dog bites, slip and falls, and product liability.

Things to Know:

1. Your attorney has a fiduciary duty to you. That requires the lawyer to treat you and your case with the highest standard of care, above all other matters.

2. Generally, the other party's insurance company is NOT your fiduciary. The employees of most insurance companies work for insurance officers who owe a fiduciary duty to the owners motivating them to limit expenses and increase profits.

3. Generally speaking, you are entitled to medical expenses, past and future loss of earnings, property damage, a rental vehicle or money for the loss of use of your vehicle while it is being repaired, as well as any other incidental expenses.

4. When you talk to an insurance company representing the person who caused you injuries, that is, the potential defendant, nothing is "off the record".

5. If you are told you do not need a lawyer, you probably do. Generally speaking, in a personal injury case, neither the defendant nor the insurance company are required to pay attorneys' fees.

6. You should seek free consultations with as many lawyers as it takes to find one with which you are comfortable.

7. While it is true that statistically most cases eventually settle, many times they do not always settle for the fair value. As such, if a potential lawyer says he or she has never lost a case, then he or she probably does not take tough cases to trial. Make sure your attorney is willing to take your case to trial.

8. Your case should be as important to your lawyer as their largest client, regardless of the size of the case.

9. You are the boss. Your lawyer works for you. Most lawyers are not doctors. Your lawyer should not be dictating your medical care.

10. You should never feel forced to settle your case.

Breach of Contract

Generally speaking, in California, absent a statute (or law) or a specific clause in a contract, the prevailing party is not entitled to attorneys fees.

Contract interpretation is designed to be straight forward and fair.

Signatures are not always required to bind a person to the terms of a contract.

Not all arbitration clauses are enforceable.

Breach of contract is different than wrongful termination.

Insurance bad faith

1. Generally, if you are being subjected to insurance bad faith by another party's insurance company, that is, the insurance company is being unreasonable, regretfully, California does not allow you to sue for bad faith.

2. However, you may have a case against your own insurance company if it is treating you unreasonably.

Wage and Overtime

1. Certain salary employees are entitled to overtime.

2. In California, generally speaking, under certain wage orders, regardless of your duties, your salary must be at least twice the minimum wage. If not, you are entitled to overtime.

3. The right to overtime cannot be waived.

4. All workers are entitled to have their employer comply with minimum wage, breaks, lunches and overtime laws. These rights cannot be waived.

5. U.S. Citizens, those with work permits, children and illegal immigrants are all covered by State and Federal labor laws.

Discrimination

Sexual Harassment

Wrongful termination

Small claims