David W. Shapiro

As a partner at Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer, Rob Schwartz exclusively represents plaintiffs in employment, civil rights, and personal injury cases throughout California. Mr. Schwartz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan. An idealist, he decided to attend law school to focus on social justice and environmental issues. Mr. Schwartz attended the University of Oregon School of Law, receiving certificates in public service law, pro bono, ...

Charina P. Garcia is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Charina P., who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charina P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Larry is a nationally recognized immigration attorney with over 20 years of experience, specializing in guiding corporate and individual clients through the intricate and evolving immigration landscape. Committed to providing high-touch service, quality, and value, Larry remains relentlessly dedicated to continuous learning, growth, and collaboration with his clients. At the forefront of legal innovation, Larry has always integrated technology into his practice, enhancing efficiency and outco...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.