Donald R. Clinebell, JD, PBK, CLM
Mr. Clinebell has a wide range of legal experience built during many years of work on a variety of subjects in varied work settings:
— Former Deputy Attorney General, State of California. Lead attorney for several California State Agencies, including Air Resources Board, and author of Attorney General Opinion Letters.
— Of Counsel to Finley, Kumble, Wagner, Newport Beach, California, at the time one of the largest law firms in the country.
— Founding partner, The Clinebell Law Firm; Litigation Chair.
— Instructor, University of California, Irvine.
He has extensive trial experience litigating in state and federal courts, and is experienced in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR"), including arbitration and mediation.
As volunteer counsel to the Orange County District of the United Methodist Church and a member of the Annual Conference Lawyers Committee, he represents pro bono some 75 local churches.
Mr. Clinebell obtained his law degree at the UCLA School of Law, with Trial Advocacy Honors, and his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from Pomona College. His scholastic awards include membership in Phi Beta Kappa; the Mary Ford Bacon Memorial Prize in Government; Pomona College Scholar; Life Member, California Scholastic Federation; and Biographee, Who's Who in California. He is a member of the California and Orange County Bar Associations. He is a Charter Member and Past President (1995-96) of the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club ("SCSRC"); he is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society Member, member of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Past Presidents' Advisory Committee.
During Mr. Clinebell's tenure as President, SCSRC received seven Rotary District-wide awards, including "Best Club" in the District, and one international award -- recognition of exceptional achievement by a Rotary Club, presented by the Rotary International President. Since 1997, he has been a trainer and speaker at the annual Rotary Presidents Elect Training Seminar ("PETS"), training incoming Rotary Club Presidents from California and Nevada. In that capacity, Mr. Clinebell has had a major hand in training nearly 8500 Rotary Presidents.
He is founder and chair of the SCSRC/Middle School 7th Inning Stretch Mentoring and Tutoring Program for kids at risk. Community service that truly changes lives -- the lives of the students, of the parents/caregivers, and the lives of the mentors and tutors. The program has received multiple awards, including the California Golden Bell, a statewide award recognizing excellence and innovation in community-based school programs.
For information on the program, click on the following link: Rotary tutors middle schoolers to greater heights
Mr. Clinebell is much in demand as a keynote and motivational speaker, and leadership coach, both in and outside Rotary.
He is a member of the San Clemente Dons, an organization of honored and respected civic leaders.
Aside from his legal skills and acumen, Mr. Clinebell is an accomplished pianist and baritone.
Associates
The Clinebell Law Firm associates highly qualified attorneys and paralegals where appropriate to the case. These associates are both cost-effective for our clients and an important part of TCLF team. The Senior Associate to the Firm is Gary Shoffner, JD. Mr. Shoffner has worked closely with Mr. Clinebell for over thirty years and is a highly qualified and experienced litigation attorney.
To learn more about our associate lawyers and paralegals, feel free to contact the Firm.