Principal, Law & Resolution Offices of Charles Pereyra-Suarez (1998-Present)

Practice emphasizes civil and criminal litigation in the federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. Defense counsel in a five-month federal racketeering trial. Counsel for plaintiffs in a real estate fraud lawsuit against a residential / commercial broker, in a product liability lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer, and in a religious discrimination lawsuit against a large employer -- all resulting in substantial settlements for the plaintiffs.  Expert witness for plaintiffs in a legal malpractice case that resulted in a $38 million jury verdict in favor of the plaintiffs against a prominent international law firm.  Experienced as counsel in numerous mediations of civil lawsuits, and one major employment arbitration, and as a "neutral" in a broad range of alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") matters.  Experienced as an arbitrator, and as the chair of three-arbitrator panels, in connection with significant multi-million dollar disputes. 

Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine (1995-1998)

Led white collar criminal defense practice and acted as a senior litigator in the Los Angeles office of a 300-attorney Seattle-based national law firm. Developed a model compliance plan for healthcare industry clients. Lectured and wrote extensively regarding healthcare fraud issues.  Represented international corporate clients in litigation, employment, import-export and criminal law matters.

Partner, McKenna & Cuneo (1986-1995)

Acted as Chair of Litigation Department, Co-chair of Pro-Bono Practice Committee, and assignments partner in 60-attorney Los Angeles office of a Washington, D.C.-based national law firm. Lead counsel in complex six-month civil trial involving a multi-million dollar dispute between two government contractors. Lead counsel in major criminal / civil fraud investigations and related "whistleblower" lawsuits. Lead counsel in several civil and criminal environmental matters. Represented government contractors in suspension/debarment federal administrative proceedings.

Senior Litigation Associate, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher (1982-1984)

Represented Southern California Edison, the prevailing party, in a complex antitrust lawsuit initiated by five municipalities. Supervised the Wickes Chapter 11 bankruptcy "stay" litigation. Successfully defended a diving equipment manufacturer in major unfair competition lawsuit. Litigated asbestos liability coverage and bad faith insurance matters.

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles  (1979-1982)

Served as prosecutor in ten-week precious metals fraud trial, which was touted by the U.S. Department of Justice as one of its most significant nationwide fraud prosecutions. Supervised FBI investigations of alleged criminal civil rights violations, including the jail hanging death of football player Ron Settles. Briefed and argued several cases before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trial and Appellate Attorney, Civil Rights Division,
U. S. Justice Department (1976-1979)

Prepared Supreme Court and Court of Appeals briefs for the government in cases involving housing discrimination, school desegregation, the rights of the institutionalized and the rights of the handicapped. Participated in litigation challenging conditions of confinement in jails, prisons and juvenile institutions in five states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Other Professional Activities and Qualifications

• Moderator, Cal Arb Program on Innovation in Latin American International Arbitrations, (2023);
• Founding Member, California Arbitration, (2022-Present);
• Member of Executive Committee, California Lawyers Association International Law and Immigration Section, (2022-Present);
• Member of Executive Committee (President, 2017-2021), California Dispute Resolution Council, 2015-Present;
• Member of Executive Committee (Chair, 2016-2017), Los Angeles County Bar Association International Law Section, 2007-2021;
• Legal Commentator, Univision Spanish-Language Radio Station KTNQ 1020 AM (Los Angeles), 2007-2008;
• Discovery Referee, Los Angeles County Superior Court, 2005-Present;
• Member of U.S. District Court Attorney Settlement Officer Panel, 2004-2020;
• Expert Witness, Professional Liability Issues, 2003-Present;
• Arbitrator and Mediator, Large Complex Cases (American Arbitration Association, ADR Services, Inc., Los Angeles County Superior Court ADR Panel), 2002-Present;
• Member, Southern California Mediation Association, 2002-Present;
• Member, ABA Section of Dispute Resolution; 2002-Present;
• Member, U.S. Magistrate Judge Selection Committee, 2000-2005;
• Lawyer Representative, Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, 1999-2002;
• Member of Board of Trustees, Pacific Union College, 1997-2009;
• Moderator, Fraud Issues, Whittier Law Review Health Law Symposium, 1996-1998;
• Co-author, "Litigation Issues in Fraud and Abuse" Whittier Law Review (1997); and "Ring Around the White Collar: Defending Fraud and Abuse," Whittier Law Review (1996);
• Panelist, Federal Civil Practice, Federal Bar Association Annual Seminars, 1994-1998;
• Panelist, State Bar Program on Federal Criminal Practice, 1995;
• Panelist, Los Angeles County Bar Association Program on Federal Civil Practice, 1995;
• Moderator, State Bar Program on Demonstrative Evidence Techniques, 1994;
• Lecturer, Environmental Criminal Defense Strategies, Law Education Institute, 1993-1994;
• Panelist, Federal Criminal Practice, Hispanic National Bar Association Convention, 1993;
• Co-Author, California Practice Handbook; Pretrial Disposition (Matthew Bender & Co.), 1993;
• Co-Author, "Enhanced Criminal Sanctions for Workplace Safety Violations," The Complete Lawyer (Spring 1993);
• Deputy General Counsel to Hon. William H. Webster, Special Advisor to the Los Angeles Police Commission, 1992;
• Member of Executive Committee, Criminal Law Section (Chair, Federal Courts Subcommittee), The State Bar of California, 1992-1995;
• Adjunct Professor, Trial Advocacy, Southwestern University School of Law, 1990-1993;
• Member of Board of Directors, Corinne Seeds University Elementary School, UCLA, 1993-1997;
• Member of Board of Directors, Boalt Hall Alumni Association, 1990-1993;
• Member of Board of Directors, Western Center on Law and Poverty, Inc., 1988-1994;
• Member of Federal Indigent Criminal Defense Panel, Central District of California, 1988-2016;
• Member of Board of Directors, Community Youth Gang Services Project, 1986-1990;
• Member of Federal Courts Committee (Chair, Criminal Practice Subcommittee, 1991-1993), Los Angeles County Bar Association, 1986-2000;
• Arbitrator, Los Angeles County Bar Association Fee Arbitration Panel, 1986-Present;
• Judge Pro Tem, Los Angeles County Municipal and Superior Courts, 1986-1998;
• Sole Practitioner, 1984-1986;
• Member of Board of Directors, Cleland House of Neighborly Services, 1982-1986;
• Staff attorney, Western Center on Law and Poverty, Inc., 1976;
• Law Clerk, Alameda County Public Defender's Office (part-time law school employment), 1975;
• Legal Intern, San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc., 1971-1973;
• Admitted to practice in California (1975) and the District of Columbia (1980);
• Listed in Who's Who in American Law;
• Listed in Martindale-Hubbell Register of Preeminent Attorneys, Under Civil Trial Practice and Criminal Trial Practice;
• Rated “Exceptionally Well Qualified” for Appointment to U.S. District Court Judgeship;
• Fluent in Spanish.