Title Sponsor

PAT ROGAN

We are deeply honored to thank him for coming full circle and serving as our 2025 Title Sponsor. From early days riding waves at 1st Point to a distinguished legal career and now supporting the next generation, his continued presence and generosity reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence, community, and the ocean.

Pat Rogan “got Puerto Escondido HUGE,” surfed a classic 12-foot “Hawaiian” day at Sunset Beach with Alan Sarlo—scoring “three perfect rides after Alan dispensed with the Brazilian hangers-on”—and traveled extensively for surf, catching big Cloudbreak and Restaurants on Tavarua with the Becker crew. He made several memorable trips to Nagigia in Fiji, calling them “all great adventures.” But while chasing waves around the world, he was simultaneously earning a reputation as one of the most respected and accomplished trial lawyers in the country.

Over a decades-long legal career, he became known not only for his courtroom skill but for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to justice. He was consistently recognized by his peers as a Super Lawyer, received the AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell—the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards—and was inducted into three of the most prestigious legal organizations in the nation: the International Society of Barristers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

He served as a partner at major law firms including Lillick McHose and Pillsbury Madison, before founding his own boutique trial firm, where he continued to try complex, high-stakes cases to verdict. Over the course of his career, he tried more than 130 jury trials in both state and federal courts, representing Fortune 500 companies such as Toyota, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, BP, Chevron, GTE, and AirTouch, among others. His cases ranged from high-profile product liability and commercial litigation to catastrophic personal injury and class action defense. His courtroom acumen and calm authority made him a go-to trial counsel in bet-the-company litigation.

Earlier in his career, he also served as a Deputy Public Defender, where he represented indigent clients in serious criminal matters, including numerous homicide trials, demonstrating the same dedication to justice regardless of a client’s status.

Throughout it all, he has remained grounded in his personal life. “Proudly married to [his] lovely wife, Rilla Rothwell Rogan since 1967,” he credits Rilla as a constant source of strength. She traveled with him on many surf adventures, attended key trials, and was a familiar face at Malibu Surfing Association contests, where she helped tally scores and support the club.

A man equally at home in a courtroom or on a remote reef break, he built a life that blends the pursuit of justice with a passion for nature, family, and adventure.