BIO

Patricia A. Wendleton is a talented trial attorney with a diverse legal background and a wide range of skills and expertise. Her experience includes counseling clients on all aspects of homeowner association law, from corporate governance to interpretation of governing documents and transactional issues, to “people” issues, including defending boards and board members, participating in IDR and ADR, and trials of restraining order cases. Pat has broad expertise in CC&R and Rules interpretation and enforcement and construction contracts, including their indemnity provisions, and in construction defect litigation.

Patricia has an in-depth legal knowledge of insurance contracts and coverage and direct experience in the insurance industry. Prior to entering law school, Ms. Wendleton handled hundreds of litigation files as an insurance adjuster. When she began practicing law in 1988, she worked in insurance defense for many years, representing insureds and insurance companies, as well as agents and brokers, and went on to advise on and litigate insurance coverage matters. With this combined understanding of insurance law and the insurance industry, she now represents homeowner associations and other clients in coverage disputes. Patricia’s comprehensive knowledge of the rights and duties of the parties involved in an insurance relationship enables her to successfully assist insureds and insurance brokers and agents, often resolving disputes without costly litigation. When a dispute cannot be resolved, she has the expertise and litigation experience to pursue litigation in a cost-effective manner.

Patricia has tried cases involving everything from fraud and conversion to personal injury and property damage. She has won multiple trial verdicts in her clients’ favor.

Ms. Wendleton also has significant experience in drafting and arguing appellate briefs and has engaged in successful oral argument before the California First District Court of Appeal. .

Personal
Pat has a long history in the Silicon Valley area and Monterey Bay area, and now splits her time between homes in the Los Gatos area and the Pacific Northwest. She is an avid skier.

Practice Groups
Homeowner Association Law, Insurance, Corporate Governance, Transactional, Litigation

Volunteer Work
InnVision (providing assistance to the homeless and women to enter the work force)
Women League of Voters
Hospital Volunteer

Admissions
State Bar of California
Federal District Court for Northern District of California

Education
Juris Doctor, 1988
Santa Clara University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology,
California State University, Northridge