Elisabeth A. Semel

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...

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...

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, ...

David C. Erb is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and the Principal in charge of Flicker Kerin LLP ’s East Bay office in San Ramon, California. His practice focuses on family law matters involving complex financial and property division issues , including founder’s stock, stock options, restricted stock, venture capital interests, closely held bus...

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...

Gregory Iskander is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Gregory practices law in Walnut Creek, California Best Lawyers has recognized Gregory Iskander since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gregory Iskander is held by other lawyers.

Shane R. Ford is a family law attorney with The Ford Firm PC in Oakland, California. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the area of Family Law since 2019, based on peer-review evaluations from attorneys practicing in the same geographic region and legal field. Mr. Ford represents clients in a wide range of family law matters and is actively involved in organizations connected to the practice of family law throughout California. His professional involvement includes service on the Board...

Since 1982, Jon Wactor has focused his legal practice on resolving environmental issues affecting real estate developers, landowners, lenders, manufacturers, mining companies, and other stakeholders operating under federal, state, and local environmental programs. He is based in Oakland, California and practices with Wactor Environmental Law Group PC. Jon has handled the environmental aspects of more than 150 large commercial, industrial, and residential real estate developments across the Un...

Michael E. Gatto is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael E. practices law in Walnut Creek, California Best Lawyers has recognized Michael E. Gatto since 2015. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael E. Gatto is held by other lawyers.

When it comes to personal injury cases, you need more than just a lawyer, you need a fighter, a strategist, and a champion. Dawn L. Hassell is one of San Francisco’s best-known personal injury lawyers, renowned for securing record-breaking settlements and courtroom victories. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, pedestrian accident, or a catastrophic injury, Dawn is the unwavering advocate you need to maximize your chances of obtaining a successful outcome ...