Gerald M. Serlin

Gerry Serlin is a California appellate lawyer and a co-founder of Benedon & Serlin LLP, established in 1993. Based in Woodland Hills, California, he has devoted nearly four decades to Appellate Practice, handling civil appeals in state and federal courts throughout California and beyond. His career reflects sustained involvement in shaping appellate advocacy through briefing, oral argument, and strategic counseling.

Gerry’s professional background includes numerous recognitions reflecting peer and industry acknowledgment of his appellate work, including:

• Certified Appellate Specialist by the State Bar of California for more than two decades.
• Named to Southern California Super Lawyers, including Top 100 Lawyers lists from 2021–2024, with consistent recognition for approximately 20 years.
• Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Law from 2016–2026 by U.S. News & World Report.
• Appellate Lawyer of the Year Award by Lawyer Monthly (2018).
• Attorney of the Year California by Corporate Vision Magazine (2017).
• CLAY Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Appellate Practice by the Daily Journal (2016).
• Nominee for Appellate Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (2009).

Gerry handles appeals across a broad range of subject areas, including anti-SLAPP matters, arbitration, business litigation, employment, family law, and real estate disputes. His work reflects a detailed and methodical approach to appellate briefing and analysis, informed by experience in both trial court review and appellate procedure.

In addition to representing clients on appeal, Gerry regularly advises trial lawyers on pretrial and post-trial strategy, issue preservation, and dispositive motions. His appellate matters have included appearances before the United States Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the California Courts of Appeal.

Education:

• University of Southern California, J.D., 1985.
• University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 1980, High Honors.

Judicial Clerkships:

• Law Clerk to Associate Justice John H. Hews, California Court of Appeal (1987).
• Law Clerk to Acting Presiding Justice Robert E. Rickles, California Court of Appeal (1985–1986).