John Fairbrook
Practice Expertise
- Litigation
Areas of Practice
- Litigation
Profile
John Fairbrook is a Partner in Buchalter's Sacramento office and a member of the Litigation practice group. Mr. Fairbrook is a highly regarded litigator having successfully tried, arbitrated, and resolved hundreds of real estate and commercial litigation matters throughout California. His litigation practice focuses on commercial real estate, leasing, construction and real estate development.
Over the course of his 43-year career, Mr. Fairbrook has tried numerous jury trials to verdict, both in state and federal courts, 90% of which resulted in wins for his client. In addition to real estate disputes, he routinely deals with matters involving business and partnership disputes, including issues concerning corporate governance.
Mr. Fairbrook's successes include successfully negotiating a $20 million settlement for his client in a construction defect case which involved five years of litigation and three months of trial relating to the construction of a hotel and casino. He also represented a tenant against a major real estate investment trust for breach of an exclusive use provision in a shopping center ground lease. Following trial and an appeal, his client ultimately recovered in excess of $6 million. On behalf of a closely held corporation, Mr. Fairbrook successfully prosecuted claims against the company's prior president for breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing. In addition, Mr. Fairbrook worked as National Trial Counsel for a major U.S. automobile manufacturer serving as lead attorney on all cases across the United States involving non-disclosure claims in repurchased automobiles.
Mr. Fairbrook's experience contributes to his ability to act as a partner to his clients, with a laser focus on resolving the matter at hand as promptly and efficiently as possible. He is immensely focused on achieving results for his clients, and those results are defined exclusively by his clients' goals.
John Fairbrook is well-known and respected in the legal community. His accolades include a listing by Super Lawyers, an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell®, recognition as a Best Lawyer in America® since 2014, and awarded Real Estate Litigation Attorney of the Year in 2015, 2019, 2023 and 2025.
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Over the course of his 43-year career, Mr. Fairbrook has tried numerous jury trials to verdict, both in state and federal courts, 90% of which resulted in wins for his client. In addition to real estate disputes, he routinely deals with matters involving business and partnership disputes, including issues concerning corporate governance.
Mr. Fairbrook's successes include successfully negotiating a $20 million settlement for his client in a construction defect case which involved five years of litigation and three months of trial relating to the construction of a hotel and casino. He also represented a tenant against a major real estate investment trust for breach of an exclusive use provision in a shopping center ground lease. Following trial and an appeal, his client ultimately recovered in excess of $6 million. On behalf of a closely held corporation, Mr. Fairbrook successfully prosecuted claims against the company's prior president for breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing. In addition, Mr. Fairbrook worked as National Trial Counsel for a major U.S. automobile manufacturer serving as lead attorney on all cases across the United States involving non-disclosure claims in repurchased automobiles.
Mr. Fairbrook's experience contributes to his ability to act as a partner to his clients, with a laser focus on resolving the matter at hand as promptly and efficiently as possible. He is immensely focused on achieving results for his clients, and those results are defined exclusively by his clients' goals.
John Fairbrook is well-known and respected in the legal community. His accolades include a listing by Super Lawyers, an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale Hubbell®, recognition as a Best Lawyer in America® since 2014, and awarded Real Estate Litigation Attorney of the Year in 2015, 2019, 2023 and 2025.
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Bar Admissions
California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
United States Court of Appeals
United States Supreme Court
Education
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D.
Humboldt State University, B.A.
Areas of Practice
- Litigation
Professional Career
Professional Activities and Experience
- The Best Lawyers in America, for Real Estate - Commercial Litigation and Litigation in 2025.
- Norther California Super Lawyer in 2025.
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