Mark P. Robinson Jr.

Robinson continues to build on decades of prominence with major class actions against the auto industry, including a tort against Nissan that recently resulted in a $46 million jury verdict.

His packed workload includes a variety of other causes, which he said keeps life fascinating.

"I enjoy changing up a little; I don't want to do the same thing every month," Robinson said. "It's just a great time."

He followed up a $1.6 billion settlement with Toyota in 2013 with a $2.37 billion settlement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. in 2015 on behalf of patients who developed bladder cancer after using the diabetes medicine Actos. Actos (Pioglitazone) Products Liability Litigation, 6:11md2299 (W.D. La., filed Dec. 29, 2011).

He's representing plaintiffs in torts involving talcum powder and ovarian cancer; femur fractures and the medication Fosamax; jammed ignition switches; opiates; and inferior vena cava blood clot devices. He's also suing the city of Anaheim and the Magnolia School District on behalf of a woman whose daughter was left brain damaged and paralyzed after being struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk. Robinson's suit alleges the city and district neglected to staff crossing guards as state regulations require. Trial is scheduled to begin in November. Perez v. City of Anaheim, 2015-00807504 (O.C. Super. Ct., filed Sept. 1, 2015).

Robinson has a history of taking on cases with particularly sympathetic victims. A recent $46 million San Bernardino County verdict was on behalf of a man who lost a leg after being struck by a driver who worked for a Nissan dealership in Fontana. Solorio v. Nissan, CIV-DS-1512469 (S.B. Super. Ct., filed Aug. 31, 2015).

"I represent a lot of people who need our help, and I feel good about what we're doing," Robinson said. "If it was just one thing, maybe I'd get bored. A lot of the times I can't even sleep; I've got so many things going on."

His reputation brings a lot of invitations and solicitations, and he's got strong support to help shoulder the workload. Firm partner Scot D. Wilson assisted in the Solorio case while another, Kevin F. Calcagnie, is the best brief writer around "no doubt about it," according to Robinson.

Robinson Calcagnie's family ties will continue into the next generation with the addition of his brother Jeoffrey L. Robinson and his son Daniel S. Robinson, both partners, and his daughter, Amanda C. Robinson, an associate.

— Meghann M. Cuniff