Rinat B. Klier Erlich

Rinat B. Klier Erlich is a founding partner and heads the Los Angeles office of Zelms Erlich Lenkov. For over two decades, Ms. Erlich has concentrated her practice in the area of professional liability litigation, defending, through trials, arbitrations and appeals, various professionals. This includes, but is not limited to lawyers, real estate professionals, insurance professionals, Allied health and medical professionals.

Ms. Erlich holds the designation of a legal malpractice specialist, and she has been defending attorneys and law firms for over a decade including, in State Bar discipline and ethics matters. She also defends accountants and related consultants in the field of accounting and finance.

Ms. Erlich has been involved as a principal in development projects and has defended throughout her career, architects and engineers (including on claims at the Architects Board and Board of Professional Engineers), as well as various tradesman such as, contractors (assisting her clients in contract drafting and disputes), plumbers, electricians, roofers, excavators, specialized inspectors, concrete and masonry contractors, and framers. The defense work includes job site injuries, coverage disputes, mechanics liens foreclosure and allegations relating to standard of care.

Ms. Erlich is a licensed real estate broker and is general counsel to several of the largest real estate brokers in Southern California providing her clients risk management and transactional services (such as, leasing, purchase/sale and general business acumen). In addition to representing her real estate brokers’ clients at trial, she represents clients on accusations before the Department of Real Estate and before the various boards.

Over the years Ms. Erlich also defended many real estate appraisers, escrow and title officers, and property inspectors.

During her over two decades career as a defense attorney, Ms. Erlich also defended insurance brokers, wholesalers, Managing General Agents, Third Party Administrators and carriers against claims arising from alleged negligent acts, errors, or omissions in the performance of their professional services.

In the miscellaneous professionals Ms. Erlich defended various types of clinics, nursing homes, medical technicians, tanning, massage and nail salon professionals, veterinarians, groomers and other pet care professionals.

Through her work as general counsel to corporate clients including, Homeowner Associations, Ms. Erlich defended clients on various employment lawsuits from wage and hour and discrimination to class actions. Ms. Erlich also defended directors & officers claims, debt collectors as well as claims involving cyber security.

Her extensive litigation experience in all her areas of expertise gives her the ability to map out a successful pre-trial litigation plan that serves the endgame of trial.

Ms. Erlich is a former board member of the California Lawyers Association, an Advisor to the Real Property Executive Committee, and a delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. She is also a California Association of Realtors Legal Forum member, and an active member of various industry organizations including the Professional Liability Underwriters Society, Defense Research Institute, Claim Litigation Management Alliance and ClaimsXchange.

Ms. Erlich is a lecturer on many professional liability, real estate and construction related topics. She has authored many articles and source book chapters in her areas of proficiency.

During her career, Ms. Erlich received numerous accolades for her contributions to the legal field, including an American Jurisprudence Award and the distinction of being named a Super Lawyer Rising Star. Ms. Erlich is admitted to the State Bar of California and to the United States Supreme Court. She is a graduate of Tel-Aviv University, holds a Master degree in Philosophy of Law from California State University, Los Angeles, and Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School. Ms. Erlich clerked for Justice Earl Johnson, Jr. of the California Court of Appeals. Additionally, she attended the Atlanta College of Art. She is a retired officer of the Israeli Military Forces, has traveled extensively, and is a proud mother and a wife.