Overview
Robby Mockler focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation and arbitration matters in California, throughout the US, and across the world. Clients look to Robby for pragmatic advice and solutions to a wide variety of business disputes, from investor-state disputes over mining concerns in Africa to multi-billion-dollar energy disputes over power purchase agreements to complex business fraud cases.
Robby has helped clients navigate challenging cases across a number of industries, including energy, mining, real estate, technology and entertainment. He has substantial experience in the financial sector as well, having represented clients in disputes involving a variety of fraudulent schemes, director and officer liability, and breach of contract.
In addition to his deep experience in US courts, Robby has substantial experience with international and domestic arbitration, including commercial arbitration and investor-state disputes. Robby has tried cases in state and federal courts, as well as before domestic and international arbitration tribunals.
With his strong reputation as an effective problem-solver, parties also call on Robby to serve as an arbitrator and mediator.
- California
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Hon. David O. Carter, US District Court, Central District of California
- Hon. Kim M. Wardlaw, US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law, 1998, Order of the Coif
- B.A., Stanford University, 1993, with honors
Areas of Work
Representative Matters
International Arbitration
- Representing international construction firm in ICC arbitration over power plant.
- Obtaining favorable award for Kansanshi Mining in UNCITRAL case against Zambian electricity supplier.
- Representing a mining company in IACAC arbitration against a Latin American state.
- Representing a Malagasy investor in ICDR arbitration in a dispute over a power plant.
- Obtaining a $45 million JAMS award for an entertainment company in dispute with investor.
- Obtaining favorable settlement on behalf mining company in multi-billion-dollar ICSID case against Zambia.
- Representing a Zambian copper mine in UNCITRAL arbitration dispute with minority shareholder.
- Obtaining a favorable settlement on behalf of software company in Singapore-based ICDR arbitration.
- Obtaining $60 million award in NAI arbitration on behalf of Dutch investor in Russian steel mill.
- Obtaining favorable arbitration award in ICC dispute regarding purchase of airline catering company.
- Obtaining favorable settlement for Indian company in arbitration regarding purchase of oil refinery.
- Representing pet food company in dispute over implementation of logistics software.
- Representing movie studio in arbitration over European licensing and distribution rights.
Domestic Arbitration
- Representing health care technology company in AAA arbitration dispute over license agreement.
- Defending financial services company in AAA arbitrations alleging mismanagement of customer accounts.
- Obtaining a favorable award on behalf of a software company in AAA arbitration with crypto company.
- Defending wood flooring company in AAA arbitration hearing over investment advisory contract.
- Obtaining favorable AAA awards on behalf of Sempra in $500 million contract dispute.
- Achieving a favorable settlement on behalf of an entrepreneur in FINRA arbitration against Big 4 firm.
Litigation
- Representing Iberdrola in $250 million actions in New York state court against sponsors and lenders of insolvent power plant.
- Representing partners in $200 million dispute over a family real estate development company.
- Representing high-net-worth individual in Section 1782 actions against information services company.
- Representing an investor in enforcing a favorable arbitration award against Zimbabwe.
- Obtaining a $415 million in settlements on behalf of lenders to failed Fontainebleau Las Vegas casino project in state, federal and bankruptcy court proceedings.
- Representing shareholder against mutual fund company in federal court trial on breach of fiduciary claims.
- Obtaining $10+ million jury verdict, including punitive damages, on behalf of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles arising out of sale of a former convent to singer Katy Perry.
- Obtaining a writ of mandate from the California Supreme Court striking the “Three Californias” initiative from the ballot on constitutional grounds.
- Representing UK-based tequila company in dispute with its distributor.
- Representing a real estate company in litigation over management of apartment complex in Tempe, Arizona.
- Representing a major utility in contract dispute involving wind farm in Montana.
- Obtaining favorable settlements for Brobeck law firm bankruptcy trustee in fraudulent transfer actions.
- Representing SDG&E seeking refunds from utilities for overcharges during the California energy crisis.
- Obtaining a defense verdict on behalf of Sempra in month-long jury trial over energy supply contract.
- Obtaining favorable settlement for GPS microchip company in trade secret dispute.
- Defending bookseller in federal court trial on antitrust claims.
Speaking Engagements
"Sports Arbitration: Coming to a City Near You!" California International Arbitration Week, Los Angeles, March 11, 2025
News & Publications
Press Releases
Global Arbitration Review Names Steptoe to GAR 100 for Seventh Consecutive Year
April 13, 2023
Media Mentions
Global Arbitration Review Covers Steptoe's Victory on Behalf of Kansanshi Mining
February 18, 2022
Press Releases
Global Arbitration Review Names Steptoe to GAR 100 for Fifth Straight Year
July 20, 2021
Press Releases
June 7, 2021
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Advisory Board, Institute for Transnational Arbitration
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Vice chair, LACBA Attorney Client Mediation & Arbitration Services
- Co-chair, Food from the Bar (Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s annual fundraiser for the legal community), 2015-2017 (Steering Committee Member, 2013-present)
- Former Member, ADR Committee of the California Lawyers Association's Litigation Section
- Former Member, Board of Governors, Association of Business Trial Lawyers Los Angeles