Celebrating a 45-Year Legacy of Expertise, Leadership and Results

For 45 years, The Miller Law Firm has stood beside NorCal and SoCal HOAs, helping protect what matters most—their homes and communities. Over the decades, we’ve guided thousands of clients through complex construction defect challenges, always with practical solutions, trusted advice, and a personal touch. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful for the communities we’ve served and excited to continue helping HOAs navigate the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind.

Reflecting on 45 Years of Impact and Advocacy

Forty-five years ago, I chose to stand up for California homeowners and HOAs facing construction defects—
a choice that shaped my career and our firm. Today, that mission drives us more than ever.

I’m deeply grateful to the clients and communities who have trusted us, and to the experts and mediators who make our work possible. Over the years, our team has secured countless settlements, earned national recognition, and helped restore neighborhoods. Serving on my own HOA board for nearly three decades has shown me just how much construction issues can affect a community’s safety, stability, and sense of home.

As we mark 45 years of service, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and energized for the work still ahead.

– Thomas E. Miller, CEO & Founder

Empowering HOAs for the Challenges Ahead

As The Miller Law Firm celebrates 45 years, our eyes are firmly on the future. The communities we serve continue to face evolving challenges, from new building technologies to changing industry standards, and we remain committed to helping HOAs address them with confidence.

Our decades of experience give us the insight to provide innovative solutions, practical guidance, and trusted support to boards, managers, and residents. We're dedicated to empowering communities to make the best decisions for their homes, investments, and neighborhoods. 

The work we do today lays the foundation for safer, stronger, and more resilient communities tomorrow. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, and even more excited for the opportunities ahead to serve, guide, and protect the communities we care about.

– Rachel M. Miller, Senior Partner

Our 45-Year Journey, One Milestone at a Time

What began in the early 1980s has grown into a nationally recognized firm, shaped by decades of prowess and leadership in construction defect law 


Founded as The Law Offices of Thomas E. Miller in San Diego

1981

Began exclusively representing HOAs in construction defect cases

1983

Published California Construction Defect & Land Subsidence Litigation  

Published Handling Construction Defect Claims: Western States, a landmark legal treatise

1986

Opened Palm Desert office

1988

Opened Greater Inland Empire Office

1992

1994

Rachel M. Miller joins the firm and the Newport Beach office is opened

Recipient of the Consumer Attorneys of California: CA-PAC Trench Soldier & Exceptional Contributions Awards

1996

Published California Construction Defect Litigation: Residential & Commercial 

1997

Published the 3rd Edition of Handling Construction Defect Claims: Western States

1999

2001

Matthew Miller joins the firm. Home & Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction is published.

Thomas is recognized as a Super Lawyer in the field of construction defects, recognizing the top 5% of attorneys

2004

Opened San Francisco office

2010

Published the 2nd Edition of Home and Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction

2012

4th edition of Handling Construction Defect Claims Western States (published by Wolters Kluwer Law & Business), by Thomas E. Miller, Rachel M. Miller, and Matthew T. Miller

2013

National Litigator Award by the Trial Lawyers Board of Regents for two consecutive years, honoring the top 1% of attorneys

2014

Rachel M. Miller is named a Northern California Super Lawyer in Construction Defects 

2019

Published the 3rd Edition of Home & Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction 

2022

Thomas E. Miller recognized as a 20-year Super Lawyer for his work on behalf of California HOAs

2024

A Rich History of Recognition

Simplifying the Complex World of Construction Defects


Dealing with construction defects can be daunting, whether you’re a homeowner, condo board member, or industry professional. Home and Condo Defects: A Consumer Guide to Faulty Construction is your go-to resource for understanding and managing defect claims. Recently updated, this comprehensive 3rd edition offers clear guidance on: 

  • The SB800 process 

  • Board fiduciary duties and the property manager’s role 

  • What to expect during pre-litigation and litigation 

  • Types of building deficiencies and recoverable damages 

Expert Insights for Your HOA at No Cost

Protect your investment and ensure your association is fully prepared to address construction defects. Our expert team provides a no-cost, thorough HOA due diligence audit and inspection, giving you the insight needed to make informed decisions.