Bryan J. Schwartz

Bennett Lee is a founding member of Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, and manages the firm's San Francisco office. Bennett is a recognized expert in federal government contracting on issues ranging from compliance, bid protests, to claim preparation, pricing, and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in claim preparation, prosecution and dispute resolution on federal, state, municipal and private contracts.

Casey Kaufman only represents people who have been physically injured or financially wronged by the actions of others. He typically brings suit against insurance companies, government entities, large corporate interests, and product/medical device/pharmaceutical manufacturers. Casey proudly represents individuals, not corporate interests, in the many states where he practices law.Casey is very active in local and state legal associations focused on consumer safety and access to justice. He is...

Founding Partner On January 16, 2025,, Gary Gwilliam received the first ever, Legend of The Law, Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Alameda Contra Costs Trial Lawyers Association. Gary Gwilliam is considered one of the best consumer trial attorneys in the state. His reputation and skill in representing seriously injured plaintiffs is well known. He has tried over 180 jury cases, of which almost 150 were plaintiff civil personal injury cases. He has handled major cases in every area o...

Ralph Jacobson received his law degree from Stanford University in 1969. His concentration has been in personal injury and employment litigation for over 30 years. He has written numerous articles for the CEB Civil Litigation Reporter, a leading professional journal for attorneys. One such article was cited by the California Supreme Court in an opinion. Ralph has served as a consultant to Bancroft Whitney, a leading legal text publisher, for its California Civil Practice Series. He has lectur...

Lisa Conforti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. Lisa, who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lisa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jon K. Wactor has practiced environmental law for more than thirty-six years, helping clients evaluate and solve environmental law issues encountered in manufacturing, shopping center, land development, investment, mining, and other industries. He has handled significant engagements such as: Defending one of the world’s largest manufacturers from multi-million dollar claims lodged in federal and state trial and appellate courts for cleanup and cost recovery arising from soil and groundw...

Andrea A. Wirum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Andrea A., who practices law in Lafayette, California, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrea A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anne B. Davies is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Anne B., who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anne B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is a co-author of California Government Tort Liability Practice, published by California Continuing Education of the Bar. He has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy’s case results include many recoveries for his clients in excess of $1,000,000. Bar Admissions: State of...

Donna T. Gibbs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Donna T., who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Donna T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.