R. Lewis Van Blois

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...

Philip A. Schnayerson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Philip A., who practices law in Hayward, California, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

John E. Hill is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John E., 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 John E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gregory Iskander is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Gregory, 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 Gregory 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.

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...

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.

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.