Sandra R. McCandless

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.

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...

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.

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...

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, ...

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.

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...

Lisa Conforti is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance. Lisa, who practices law in Oakland, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lisa 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...

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.