E. Norton Tooby

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

John A. Hartog is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. John A., who practices law in Orinda, California, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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...