Four decades of skilled appellate advocacy across California

Brian C. Unitt

Practice Areas

  • Appellate - Civil
  • Environmental Law

Biography

Brian Unitt received his BA in History and Political Science from U.C. Riverside in 1980, and his J.D. from the U.C. Davis School of Law in 1983. He has practiced law in California and Federal Courts for forty years, handling appeals, writs, and complex motions in civil litigation. He is certified as a specialist in civil appellate law by the State Bar of California. He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator , by court appointment and privately. He has taught continuing education programs on various topics and published articles in bar association publications.

Since it is clear that climate change is an existential threat to our planet, and we are at an "all hands on deck" moment, he is always looking for opportunities to assist individuals and organizations That are committed to stopping global warming as quickly as possible.

Education

  • University of California at Davis School of Law, Davis, California
    • J.D.
  • University of California, Riverside, California
    • B.A.
    • Major: History, Political Science

Bar Admissions

  • California, 1983
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1985
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1990
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1998
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 2003
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2005

Professional Associations

  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law and Litigation Sections
  • Riverside County Bar Association, Appellate Law and Civil Litigation Sections, 1984 to Present
  • Santa Cruz County Bar Association, 2022 to Present

Published Works

  • Rights Versus Reality: Have Laws Protecting Employment Rights Of Persons With Disabilities Lived Up To Their Promise?, Riverside County Lawyer, 2012
  • Making the Record you Need for a Winning Appeal, Riverside County Lawyer, 2009

Honors

  • Terry D. Bridges Outstanding Attorney Award
  • St. Thomas More Award
  • Florentino Garza Fortitude Award

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Third Act: Bay Area and Lawyers Working Groups
  • Climate Reality Project: Leadership Corps; Monterey Bay Chapter
  • Project Graduate: Steering Committee Chair, 2011 - 2021

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified Specialist in Appellate Law