R. Lewis Van Blois

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...

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.

Michael L. Rains is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Michael L., who practices law in Pleasant Hill, California, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael L. 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.

Anne B. Davies is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Anne B., 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 Anne B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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.

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, ...

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.

As a partner at Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer, Rob Schwartz exclusively represents plaintiffs in employment, civil rights, and personal injury cases throughout California. Mr. Schwartz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan. An idealist, he decided to attend law school to focus on social justice and environmental issues. Mr. Schwartz attended the University of Oregon School of Law, receiving certificates in public service law, pro bono, ...