Bobby Samini

Background

Samini graduated with a degree in Political Science at the University of Southern California in 1992 and received his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1995. Samini has been admitted to practice law in the State of California since 1996.

Donald Sterling

Samini received national media coverage after serving as lead counsel to former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, in litigation with the NBA, TMZ, and Sterling's ex-girlfriend V. Stiviano. In April 2014, website TMZ released an audio recording of a man reported to be Sterling making racial remarks to V. Stiviano, following an Instagram post featuring Stiviano and basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. In the recording, the man believed to be Sterling, is heard saying: "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people. Do you have to?" and "You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games."

If you’re going to come after Sterling, maybe it’s time for the NBA to take a close reflection on their own conduct.

Following a public outcry, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that Sterling would receive a lifetime ban from the NBA, fined $2.5 million by the league, and forced to sell the team. On August 14, 2014, after an unsuccessful appeal attempt by Sterling, the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer for $2 billion was finalized. In response to the NBA's decision, Samini called the NBA a "band of hypocrites," citing previous discriminatory conduct by the NBA, and suggested the organization "take a close reflection on their own conduct.”

In addition, Samini also served as co-counsel to Sterling in his probate and divorce proceedings with wife Shelly Sterling. In March 2016, Samini informed the Los Angeles Times that "notwithstanding all the difficult events of the last two years, the Sterlings have resolved their differences" and decided not to proceed with their divorce.

On November 6, 2015, a Los Angeles judge granted TMZ's request to be dismissed from the case, ruling that TMZ had a right to release the tape because it concerned an issue of public interest. On March 22, 2016, a federal judge dismissed Sterling's antitrust lawsuit against the NBA. The judge concluded that Sterling could not "show that the NBA parties deprived him of a constitutionally protected interest.” In response, Samini released a statement, stating that “it is impossible to believe that, in any other circumstance, a private conversation could be recorded and distributed without an individual’s consent or that private medical information could be made public in this manner all without consequence." Despite the setback, Samini announced that Sterling "remains committed to the cause.”

Zillow Class Action

Samini is currently representing several class action plaintiffs against online real estate database Zillow, alleging violations of California Labor Code and California Business and Professions Code. On February 26, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California certified the class to include anyone who worked as an inside sales consultant at Zillow between November 2010 and January 2015. Among numerous allegations, Zillow is accused of failing to pay wages, failing to pay overtime pay, and failing to provide meal and rest breaks.

In addition, along with attorney Mark Geragos, Samini represented a former Zillow employee in a sexual harassment action against the company, alleging "sexual torture" and “the most heinous acts of sexual harassment imaginable.” According to the lawsuit, Zillow's Southern California office represents an “adult frat house where sexual harassment and misconduct are normalized, condoned, and promoted by male managers.” Based on the allegations against the company, Samini has called Zillow a "modern day Animal House." On May 5, 2016, Zillow settled the action for an undisclosed amount.

Cher Lawsuit

Samini currently represents financial management firm SAIL Venture Partners LLC against a breach of contract action by singer and actress Cher. According to the complaint, her trust invested $1.3 million for clean technology partnerships and claims SAIL misrepresented the companies’ performance to accrue additional fees. Cher claims that SAIL made “risky and unsound” financial investments through "malicious and fraudulent” business decisions. The allegations include breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and professional negligence.

DJ Paul

Samini currently represents rapper DJ Paul of the Academy Award winning hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia.

Mitsubishi Class Action

Samini is lead counsel for a Mitsubishi dealership owner with four locations in Southern California in a multimillion-dollar litigation against Mitsubishi Motors North America. Among the allegations, the lawsuit alleges that Mitsubishi forced dealerships to stock more cars than could be sold, resulting in millions of dollars in extra finance charges. Samini claims the increased inventory cost his client $10 million and that the "impermissible increases in new car inventory at Cerritos Mitsubishi continue to this day."

In addition, Samini also represents two former auto dealers in class actions against Mitsubishi Motors of North America for racketeering, fraud, and unfair business practices.

On-air commentary

Samini has appeared on multiple national news television programs to provide legal commentary, including Anderson Cooper 360°, NBC’s The Today Show with Matt Lauer, and FOX Business Network's Cavuto: Coast to Coast with Neil Cavuto.

In addition, Samini has appeared as a guest on Good Day L.A., CNN’s New Day with Chris Cuomo and Bloomberg Television’s Street Smart with Trish Regan.

Publications

Samini has published articles and contributed legal commentary for multiple news websites including The Huffington Post, Law360, and LawNewz by Dan Abrams.

In addition, Samini has been interviewed by ESPN, the Los Angeles Times, and Forbes.