Robin Thornton chairs the Eminent Domain Practice Group at Fennemore.  With extensive experience in general civil litigation, she represents public and private entities, businesses, and individuals, guiding them through every stage of the legal process—from strategic advisory work to hearings, trials, and appeals.  She brings a results-driven approach to valuation-based real property litigation, including eminent domain and assessment appeals.

Robin’s passion for the law began in the fifth grade during a mock trial exercise, a moment that inspired her lifelong dedication to justice.  She strives to pay it forward by serving as a court tour docent and moot court volunteer, introducing young students to the legal system and career opportunities in law.

A recognized advocate and industry thought leader, Robin frequently speaks on key legal topics, collaborating with top professionals and experts to navigate the complexities of property-based litigation. She is committed to delivering innovative solutions and strategic insights, ensuring her clients are well-prepared for the unique challenges their cases may present.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

• Real Estate Litigation
• Insurance
• Public Agency
• Transportation Agencies

Appellate Decisions

• Navigators Specialty Ins. Co. v. Moorefield Construction, Inc., (2016) 6 Cal. App. 5th 1258 (insurance)
• Western States Petroleum Association, v. Board of Equalization, (2013) 57 Cal. 4th 401 (property tax)
• Mann v. Said, (2019) 2019 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 6641 [Unpublished] (contract dispute)
• Solano Transportation Authority v. Scherner, (2020) First Appellate District Case No. A159764 [Petition for Writ Summarily Denied after Preliminary Opposition Filing] (Eminent domain)
• Solano Transportation Authority v. Anderson, (2020) 2021 WL 1203017 [Unpublished] (Eminent domain)

• Past President, IRWA Chapter Two
• Sophie Yore Award, IRWA Chapter Two
• San Francisco Business Times Bizwomen Mentoring Monday, Mentor, 2023
• Professional of the Year, IRWA Chapter Two, 2022-2023 Term
• Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business Honoree, San Francisco Business Times, 2022
• Legal Visionary in the Business of Law, L.A. Times, 2021
• Rising Star, Eminent Domain, Northern California Super Lawyers®, 2013-2020
• Top Women Attorneys in Northern California, San Francisco Magazine, 2013-2020

• Speaker, Eminent Domain – Annual Legal Update – International Right of Way Association, Chapter Two Luncheon; International Right of Way Association, Chapter 42 Luncheon, 2021-2025
• Speaker, The Uphill Battle:  Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Eminent Domain at Trial, IRWA Conference – Long Beach, CA, 2024
• Speaker, Conservation Easements in California, IRWA Conference – Long Beach, CA, 2024
• Speaker, Larger Parcel, Appraisal Institute – Northern California, 2024
• Speaker, Race in Right-of-Way, IRWA Education Conference – Denver, CO, 2023
• Speaker, Cases of Consequence: Highlights of Authorities for Testifying Appraisers, Appraisal Institute Spring Conference, 2023
• Moderator / Organizer, IRWA Region 1, Spring Forum, 2023
• Speaker, “Eminent Domain – Annual Legal Update – International Right of Way Association”, Chapter Two Luncheon; International Right of Way Association, Chapter 42 Luncheon, 2021-2025
• Featured, “Bizwomen Mentoring Monday,” San Francisco Business Times, February 2023
• Featured, “Influential Women 2022: Robin Thornton of Fennemore Wendel,” San Francisco Business Times, October 13, 2022
• Speaker, Most Injurious Use: Ways to Use It, Abuse It, and What the Courts Are Saying About It, CLE Eminent Domain Conference, San Francisco, 2022
• Presenter, “What’s Mine May be Yours: An Introduction to Real Property Transfers,” Wendel Rosen Webinar, 2021
• Speaker, “An Introduction to Easements,” County Counsels’ Association of California, 2021
• Speaker, “The Sanchez/Stamps Hearsay Rule: Saving Expert Opinions Based on Out-of-Court Statements of Others,” Appraisal Institute, Northern California Chapter, 2021
• Speaker, “Into the Unknown: Condemnation in the COVID-Era,” International Right of Way Association, Chapter Two Luncheon, 2020
• Speaker, “Precondemnation Damages: Hidden Dangers in Project Planning,” International Right of Way Association, Chapter Two Luncheon, 2019
• Speaker, “Property Dedications: Rough Proportionality in the Age of Trump,” CLE Eminent Domain Conference, San Francisco, 2018
• Speaker, “Potential Impacts from Temporary Construction Easement Acquisitions,” International Right of Way Association, Annual Conference, Anchorage Alaska, 2017
• Speaker, “Precondemnation Offers / Appraisals: Right‐of‐Way / Legal Strategies for Successful Project Delivery,” International Right of Way Association, Chapter Two Luncheon, 2017
• Speaker, “Front End Issues and the Right‐of‐Way Process: An Introduction to Precondemnation Appraisal and a Case Study on Identification of Early Issues,” Appraisal Institute Fall Litigation Conference, San Francisco, 2017

• Member, Alameda County Bar Association and Contra Costa County Bar Association
• Treasurer and Inns of Court, International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
• Executive Board, International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter Two, 2020-2023
• Inns of Court (past member)

• California
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of California