David J. Samuelsen

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, ...

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...

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...

Luke Ellis is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a past and current selection for California Super Lawyers as well as The Best Lawyers in America. In 2012, he was selected as one of the Top 100 Attorneys Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Mr. Ellis was named Lawyer of the Year for 2014-Personal Injury, by Best Lawyers of America. In 2014 he was selected as one of the ‘Lions of Litigation’ by Berkeley Law (Boalt Hall), University of California. Mr. Ellis has one of the...

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...

Michael E. Gatto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael E., who practices law in Walnut Creek, California, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael E. 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.

Mark L. Venardi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Mark L., 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 Mark L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Monica Burneikis is a personal injury and accident attorney based in Oakland, California, known for securing substantial monetary recoveries for her clients. She serves as the President, Founder, and Chief Trial Counsel at Burneikis Law, where her practice focuses on Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Ms. Burneikis started her journey in San Jose, California, born in 1978. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Jose State University in 2001 and pursued her ...

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.