David J. Samuelsen

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...

Jim Larsen received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1982, and his law degree from the University of Oregon in 1986. He has tried numerous jury and court cases and has argued at the appellate level in California and Oregon. Jim’s case results include many recoveries for his clients in excess of $1,000,000. He joined the firm in 1988. Bar Admissions: California, 1987 U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1987 U.S. Federal Court, ...

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...

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.

Gregory Iskander is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Gregory, who practices law in Walnut Creek, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory 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...

Michael L. Rains is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Michael L., who practices law in Pleasant Hill, California, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Laura M. Owen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Laura M., who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura M. 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.