R. Lewis Van Blois has enjoyed decades of success in high-stakes, complex personal injury litigation. His understated confidence is a comfort to clients, resonates with the judiciary and mediators, and commands respect amongst his adversaries. Van Blois handles every aspect of a case with a consummate level of expertise that makes him “a lawyer’s lawyer,” according to Michael Gatto, attorney with the Van Blois Law Firm.
“He garners tremendous respect because he’s a consummate professional,” says Gatto. “Other lawyers consult him when they have an extremely difficult problem or don’t know how to handle a certain aspect of a case because he’s that knowledgeable and generous with his expertise.”
With over 40 years of experience, Van Blois has an enviable legal lineage. After earning his undergraduate degree at George Washington University, Van Blois worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative assistant. A law degree from the University of California Law School at Berkeley followed, as did more than 150 jury trials.
Numerous accolades attest to his successful advocacy, including being Preeminent AV rated by Martindale Hubbell (for over 37 years), voted Top Attorney in Northern California (for seven years), named to Super Lawyers (for more than 10 consecutive years), and ranked in the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers in the U.S.
Founder of the firm he now leads, Van Blois shares his success with the group of lawyers he’s brought together.
“We each have diverse legal and medical experience, which provides a valuable benefit for our clients,” he says. “I’m one member of the team that brings everything we know to the table, to every case. There are no junior attorneys working on our cases—each client gets the best we have to offer. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, and that’s what we do.”
Named 2018 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Oakland, Van Blois is more likely to talk about his partners than he is the award. But his clients will continue to enjoy the benefit of his expertise that backs this latest honor.
