James M. Nelson

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...

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 ...

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, ...

Philip A. Schnayerson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Philip A. practices law in Hayward, California Best Lawyers has recognized Philip A. Schnayerson since 1987. 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 Philip A. Schnayerson is held by other lawyers.

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.

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.

Michael L. Rains is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Michael L. practices law in Pleasant Hill, California Best Lawyers has recognized Michael L. Rains since 2019. 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 L. Rains is held by other lawyers.

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 lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. John A. practices law in Orinda, California Best Lawyers has recognized John A. Hartog since 2006. 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 John A. Hartog is held by other lawyers.

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...