Robert Flaig; Construction Law Expert

Robert B. Flaig, a prominent attorney and expert on California construction law, has died. He was 56.

Flaig succumbed to cancer Monday at Encino Hospital, according to his colleagues at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP.

Flaig had headed Sheppard Mullin’s construction law practice since 1994, building a stable of more than 15 attorneys. He attracted such high-profile clients as Lloyd’s of London, and Orange County, which Flaig represented in a dispute with John Wayne Airport.

“He was really a leader of the practice group,” said Candace Matson, a partner at Sheppard Mullin. “Ever since coming to the company, his goal was to develop that practice group, which he did through mentoring young attorneys to develop a love for construction law . . . to learn about it and to practice it.”

A Pasadena native, Flaig was born Dec. 15, 1941. He graduated cum laude from USC in 1963, receiving his law degree three years later. While at USC, Flaig met his wife, Carol. The couple raised their family in Northridge.

Flaig spent the better part of his career--26 years--at the firm of Thelen, Marrin, Johnson & Bridges (now Thelen Reid & Priest). He was admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987, and was regarded as one of the best trial attorneys in Los Angeles. He was a member of the Assn. of Business Trial Lawyers and was the former chair of the Litigation Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Assn.

He was also active in church, a number of nonprofit associations, and organizations concerned with construction law. In February, Flaig was named a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Over the years, Flaig wrote many articles and became a sought-after speaker for his knowledge of construction law, business litigation and insurance issues.

“He was what many lawyers strive to be . . . the best,” said Sheppard Mullin Chairman Richard W. Burnette Jr. “Bob was extraordinary in his concern for the training of young attorneys, who are among Bob’s many legacies.”

Another legacy is JAF Ministries, a nonprofit organization Flaig helped form in the late 1970s. JAF, short for Johnni and Friends, was named for a young woman who became a quadriplegic in a diving accident. The organization has refurbished and distributed thousands of wheelchairs to disabled people in Third World countries on five continents.

In addition to his wife, Flaig is survived by three sons, David Flaig of Morrison, Col., Don Flaig of Calabasas, and Doug of Phillips Ranch, and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Thursday. There will be no funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JAF Ministries, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills.