About Robert Olson

More than 30 years ago Bob Olson found his passion and calling for appellate law. It started with a clerkship with Hon. Anthony Kennedy, then on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit after graduating Order of the Coif from Stanford Law School. He eventually found his way to GMSR where he has practiced for more than three decades.

Bob is a leader of the appellate bar, a past president of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a past president of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (and a member of its Hall of Fame). He has been a California Lawyer of the Year and recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America®. He has represented individuals, companies, insurers and public entities in the California Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the California Courts of Appeal. He also actively collaborates with local counsel on cases before several state Supreme Courts.

Bob has a breadth of experience, which helps in placing difficult cases in a context that will enhance the likelihood of success. He has particular expertise, and successful appellate outcomes, in matters of insurance coverage and bad faith, tort liability, contract—including entertainment contract—claims, anti-SLAPP and defamation, family law, trusts, and arbitration.