John D. Klinedinst

Founder, Chairman, and Shareholder

Executive Profile

John D. Klinedinst, Founder and Chairman of Klinedinst PC, has achieved substantial success in both the legal and business community. Mr. Klinedinst has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards and has earned a reputation for excellence throughout Southern California.

Mr. Klinedinst focuses his practice on business litigation and trials, including professional liability, business litigation, and intellectual property disputes. He has tried dozens of trials in both Federal and State Court and hundreds of arbitrations throughout the state of California.

Mr. Klinedinst, who founded the firm in 1983, is involved with many professional and educational associations in California and across the country. His litigation skills and business background consisting of an M.B.A. in finance and investments and working in commercial lending for several years, provide unique and valuable insight in handling business and securities litigation.

Mr. Klinedinst has been licensed to practice law since 1979.

Education

Washington & Lee University (B.A., cum laude, 1971; J.D., 1978)
George Washington University (M.B.A., Finance and Investments, 1975)

Awards, Professional and Community Involvement

Professional and Community Affiliations

The Generals’ Redoubt, Executive Committee
The State Bar of California
San Diego County Bar Association
American Bar Association (Litigation and Intellectual Property Sections)
USLAW Network, Chair of Professional Liability Section (2007)
George Washington School of Business, Board of Advisors (2019–Present)
Washington & Lee University, Board of Trustees (2001–2010)
Washington & Lee Alumni Association, Board of Directors (1986–1990); Vice-President (1988–1989); President (1989–1990)
Washington & Lee University School of Law, Law Council (1991–2002)
Defense Research Institute
Phi Kappa Psi Endowment, Board of Trustees (2003–2018)
Phi Kappa Psi California Lambda Housing Corporation, President at San Diego State University, Director at Washington & Lee University
Vistage (Formerly TEC)
Council on Litigation Management, Fellow
San Diego Defense Lawyers
ABA Standing Committee on Legal Professional Liability
Professional Liability Underwriting Society
Lawyers Associated Worldwide
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel

Recognition and Awards

Named San Diego Icon, San Diego Business Journal (2021)
San Diego 500 Influential Business Leaders, San Diego Business Journal (2016–2020)
Best Lawyers in San Diego, San Diego Metro Magazine (2016)
Best of the Bar, San Diego Business Journal (2014)
Recognized in the San Diego edition of Super Lawyers in the following areas of practice: Business/Corporate (2016–2026), Intellectual Property Litigation, and Professional Liability; Defense (2007–2015)
Top 50 San Diego Super Lawyers, San Diego Super Lawyers (2019–2021)
Most Admired CEO Award Winner, San Diego Business Journal (2011, 2017, 2019)
Most Admired CEO Award Finalist, San Diego Business Journal (2008–2010, 2015–2016, 2019–2020)
Recognized as a “Top Attorney,” Pasadena Magazine (2009)
Honored as a “Transcript 10,” San Diego Daily Transcript (2008)
Order of the Coif, Honorary Member (2003)
AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished Alumnus Award, Washington & Lee University (1992)
Solon E. Summerfield Award

Speaking Engagements

“The California-Mexico Relationship,” USLAW NETWORK TELFA Cross-Border Business and Transactions Exchange (September 19, 2017)
“Jekyll & Hyde – You Don’t Play Golf with the FDIC,” Fall 2011 USLAW Network Client Conference (September 23, 2011)
Moderator, “Change in the Economy Brings Risk,” USLAW Client Conference (October, 2010)
Moderator, “Lawyers, Accountants, Agents & Brokers, The New Private Bailout Plan for Investment Losses?” USLAW Client Conference (September, 2009)
Panelist, “In-House Counsel and Insurance Claims’ Criteria for Outside Counsel: A Safe Bet, Penny Ante, or All In?” USLAW Client Conference (September, 2008)
Co-Moderator, “How to Best Use an Expert in Professional Liability Litigation,” USLAW Client Conference (October, 2007)

Related News

Admissions

California State Courts (1979)

U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (1979)

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1988)

U.S. District Court, Central District of California (2000)

U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (2008)

Practice Areas

Business and Commercial Litigation
Financial Products and Services
Intellectual Property
Lawyers and Accountants
Outside General Counsel Services

Contact

San Diego(619) 400-8000
Los Angeles(213) 442-7000
Email
JKlinedinst@KlinedinstLaw.com
Linkedin