Colin H. Rolfs

Partner

crolfs@millerbarondess.com 310.552.5242 vCard Print Bio

Education

J.D., Order of the Coif, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law

B.A., summa cum laude, Northwestern University

Clerkship

Honorable Josephine L. Staton, U.S. District Court, Central District of California

Admissions

California

Partner

Biography

Colin Rolfs is a trial lawyer who excels at all phases of litigation, delivering victories for clients in complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts and arbitration. His practice covers a broad range of industries, including employment, entertainment, real estate, finance, and government.

Colin clerked for the Honorable Josephine L. Staton of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. He earned his Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law, where he served on the UCLA Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree, summa cum laude, from Northwestern University.

Prior to joining Miller Barondess, Colin was a litigation associate in the Los Angeles office of an international law firm.

Notable Representations

Won a California Court of Appeal ruling, holding that an elected public official in the City of Inglewood could not state a claim under Labor Code section 1102.5 for retaliation based on whistleblowing because elected officials are not “employees” under the Labor Code. The California Supreme Court granted review to address this unsettled legal question, and on July 7, 2025, the Court issued its opinion affirming the appellate decision. This significant victory brings valuable clarity to an unsettled area of law, ensuring that political disputes among elected officials do not give rise to employment retaliation claims. The decision has broad implications for public entities across California.
Defended the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in several lawsuits relating to claims of retaliation, discrimination, and hostile work environment caused by deputy “subgroups,” including the Banditos.
Represented the defendant in a $240 million breach of contract case stemming from the $1.3 billion sale of an architectural hardware company. The plaintiff alleged violations of a non-compete agreement based on the creation and support of a competing business. Shortly before trial, the case was resolved for a small fraction of the claim through a confidential settlement.
Represented Prime Healthcare in a six-week bench trial involving a commercial landlord-tenant dispute. The plaintiff-tenant, evicted four months into a 15-year lease without proper notice or opportunity to cure, sought multi-million-dollar lost profits through a damages model presented by its University of Chicago-educated PhD economist. The plaintiff’s expert’s testimony faltered under cross-examination, leading to two pre-trial revisions of their report. At trial, the court awarded plaintiff only $5,000 in nominal damages, agreeing with Colin that plaintiff failed to prove entitlement to greater damages. This outcome, a significant victory for Prime Healthcare, was far below the plaintiff’s claim and Prime’s pre-trial statutory settlement offer.
Secured a settlement on behalf of the founder and principal member of the iconic rock band Journey in a dispute with band members over rights to the Journey name. Also successfully represented the band in a dispute over a recording agreement with a record label.
Represented the California State Association of Counties and California School Boards Association in a lawsuit challenging California campaign finance regulations.
Represented the County of Los Angeles in a lawsuit over its public outreach relating to a ballot measure.
Represented investment funds in a lawsuit against a company and other investors over disadvantageous changes to a distribution waterfall.
Represented an investor in a lawsuit following the collapse of a real estate investment firm.
Represented a real estate developer in a lawsuit with a commercial anchor tenant.
Represented a real estate developer in a lawsuit against another developer for trademark infringement and breach of an option agreement for the purchase of an apartment complex.
Represented a former employee in a dispute over a profit-sharing agreement.

Honors and Awards

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America (Commercial Litigation and Banking and Finance Litigation 2024-2025)

Professional Activities

Board Member, D.A.R.E. America, advancing global education on drug, alcohol, and violence prevention for millions of schoolchildren.