Independent Lawyers and Law Firms

Julian received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the California State University, Sacramento. In 2014, Julian received his juris doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law). Julian has practiced at the intersection of criminal law and immigration law since 2015. Julian has represented clients before the California Superior Courts in various counties, in Immigration Court, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Julian has co-authored articles at the intersection of criminal and immigration law. He has also participated in panels for the Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB). Julian enjoys being active in his community. Julian participates in career panels for high school and college students. Julian served in the San Francisco La Raza Lawyer’s Association Board. Julian has also been featured on Telemundo providing his opinion on immigration matters.

Jessica Beeler focuses her practice on the defense of attorneys in litigation and transaction-based malpractice. She has handled legal malpractice matters involving estate planning, family law, criminal defense, medical malpractice, embezzlement, fraud actions, fee disputes and many other practice areas. Jessica also has defended attorneys in disciplinary proceedings. In addition, Jessica represents other professionals, including insurance agents and brokers, architects and engineers, HOA board members, and real estate agents and inspectors. She also handles employment law matters in state and federal court. Prior to joining Lewis Brisbois, Jessica worked at a national full-service law firm. She began her career as a Judicial Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of California, Criminal Division. Thereafter, she served as a Legal Research Attorney at the Superior Court of San Francisco, worked as a trial attorney and deputy public defender at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, and maintained her own criminal defense practice for several years in San Francisco.

Mike’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, with a concentration representing food and beverage, dietary supplement and consumer packaged good clients as well as matters involving accounting and financial issues. He has experience in a wide range of litigation, including jury trials, appeals, matters with governmental agencies and internal investigations. Having served as general counsel for a global food company, Mike has a unique perspective that leads to a practical and creative approach to optimize results for clients.

I've spent my career fighting for individuals against government overreach. Compare my case results against any other criminal defense attorney to determine if you want me to be fighting for you or your loved one.

Mr. Morales has been in private practice since 1991 and has successfully defended thousands of clients accused of breaking the law. He practices criminal defense in all counties in California, handling misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile cases. Throughout his years as a criminal defense attorney Mr. Morales has been interviewed numerous times on television while defending high-profile clients and was an expert commentator for Fox News on the Scott Peterson murder trial. He also has been quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle as well as the San Jose Mercury News and other newspapers. Chris is an aggressive trial attorney who tries all types of cases including: DUI's, sexual assault, child molestation, three strikes cases, possession of drugs, assault, murder cases and all types of white collar crimes. He handles the toughest cases and has won the respect of judges and prosecutors alike for his tenacious and intelligent defense of his clients.

I am a former prosecutor who represents clients in criminal investigations, pre-filing requests to the DA, felony and misdemeanor cases, Civil Harassment & Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, and in juvenile delinquency cases in Northern & Southern California.

Blair K. Walsh has 16 years of experience and focuses on Personal injury and Wrongluf Death cases.

Nia Gamble is a passionate advocate and member of the litigation team at Adamson Ahdoot LLP. A native of Detroit, Nia was inspired to pursue law from a young age after being exposed to strong female legal role models and participating in a mock trial competition in sixth grade. Her early exposure to the legal system and strong mentorship instilled in her a drive to serve and uplift others through the law. Nia earned her B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Spelman College in 2016. After graduation, she spent two years teaching English in Madrid, Spain, deepening her cultural understanding and fluency in Spanish. Upon returning to Michigan, she worked for a non-profit organization aimed at improving literacy in Detroit—an experience that solidified her commitment to public service and justice. She earned her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2022, where she was active in student life, served on the Robert F. Wagner Moot Court Team, and continued her commitment to community outreach through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nia is a member of the State Bar of California and is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. She is active in the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and the Langston Bar Association. In her free time, Nia enjoys exploring Los Angeles, collecting vinyl records, and singing karaoke.

Justin Chou is a trial lawyer and partner at Commins & Knudsen, P.C., bringing extensive experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and social justice advocacy. He joined the firm in 2020 and became a named partner in 2024. Mr. Chou represents plaintiffs in high-stakes personal injury cases and is known for his meticulous case preparation and effective courtroom presence. Mr. Chou earned his B.A. with distinction in Political Science from U.C. Berkeley in 2008 and his J.D. from Berkeley Law in 2011. He began his legal career as a Deputy Public Defender in Contra Costa County, where he tried 14 jury trials. He later joined Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, where he litigated complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, including a $1 million jury verdict in Shi v. City of San Jose. From 2019 to 2024, he was recognized as a Super Lawyers "Rising Star." Mr. Chou has taught trial advocacy at Berkeley Law and Stanford Law and delivered the keynote address at the 2019 Empire International Mock Trial competition. During law school, he served as Co-Chair of the Board of Advocates and Managing Editor of the California Annual Criminal Review. Outside the courtroom, Mr. Chou is a former competitive taekwondo black belt, Muay Thai enthusiast, triathlete, classic car restorer, and musician.

Ashley Amerio is the Founder and President of Ashley Injury Lawyers, established in 2007 with a mission to provide compassionate, high-quality legal representation to injury victims. Known for her aggressive advocacy and unwavering commitment to client care, Mrs. Amerio leads a team that prioritizes results, professionalism, and personalized service. Her firm is built on the belief that seeking legal help shouldn’t be intimidating—and she strives to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Originally from Arizona, Mrs. Amerio earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from San Jose State University, where she interned at NASA Ames Research Center. She went on to earn her J.D. from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Before founding her firm, she gained extensive legal experience in bankruptcy, criminal defense, and prosecution, serving as a Deputy District Attorney in Amador County. There, she handled a wide range of cases and achieved a near-perfect trial conviction rate. Since founding the personal injury department of Ashley Injury Lawyers in 2008, Mrs. Amerio has developed a reputation as a seasoned negotiator and trial attorney—recognized for being experienced, strategic, and empathetic. Her firm remains dedicated to securing the best outcomes for clients while making every step of the legal process as easy as possible.

Arkady Itkin specializes in: Employment Law: Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Harassment, Retalation, Defamation and Wages/Compensation claims. Personal Injury: Serious car and motorcycle accidents; injuries suffered by pedestrians, slip-and-fall injuries; dog bites; and injuries resulting from using defective and dangerous products; Business Transactions: Drafting/Negotiation Contracts, Business Disputes and Breach of Contract Claims, Fraud. For more information visit my San Francisco Injury and Employment Lawyer site, my San Francisco Employment Lawyer Blog, my Sacramento Employment Lawyer Blog, and my San Francisco Accident Injury Lawyer blog.  

Ali handles complicated disputes where creative thinking and nimble strategy are the key to client success. Beyond litigation, Ali counsels clients regarding protections that help limit the risks and costs of future disputes. While many litigators have a sue-first mentality, Ali works closely with clients to develop creative and aggressive strategies to quickly achieve the client’s objectives while minimizing the costs and risks of litigation. Probably the only lawyer with a workout calender in his office, Ali loves the gym. He is also a regular at the local CrossFit box. Ali enjoys making his dad’s recipes and creating his own, as well as teaching others how to make healthy meals. Above all else, Ali just enjoys hanging out with his family and doing whatever comes to mind.

Shelly Raiszadeh is an integral part of TorkLaw's personal injury practice. Prior to joining the firm, Shelly represented one of the largest corporations in the world. Shelly brings years of courtroom and litigation experience to each and every case. Her unique background and trial experience have made her one of the most sought after litigators. Shelly represents victims and families in a wide range of personal injury claims involving serious and catastrophic injuries; including wrongful death claims, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations.

With over 35 years of experience, attorney Steven A. Fabbro has secured more than $300 million for injured clients while building a reputation for compassionate, client-first advocacy. Based in Modesto, CA, Mr. Fabbro is known not only for his impressive results, but also for the trust and satisfaction he inspires in those he represents. Clients often describe him as more than just a lawyer—he’s a dedicated ally who brings professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to every case. Mr. Fabbro’s credentials reflect his excellence. He holds an AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and has been recognized among San Francisco’s Top Rated Lawyers®. He’s admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, California Supreme Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals, and is an active member of top legal associations including AAJ and CAOC. Frequently invited to speak on personal injury, product liability, and medical malpractice, Mr. Fabbro has presented at the Nevada Trial Lawyers Convention, ATLA seminars, and more. He offers his services on a contingency fee basis—ensuring access to justice without upfront costs. Through skill, compassion, and a client-first philosophy, Mr. Fabbro has built a legacy of legal excellence and meaningful results.

Jennifer Ann Cook is an active member of the California Bar and was admitted 3rd August 2009. Jennifer graduated from New Coll of CA SOL.

Nicole Fuller is a Personal Injury Attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area who focuses on getting her clients the compensation they deserve when they have been involved in an accident. Call today for your free consultation

David Rouda founded the Rouda Law Firm in 1995 to provide clients with the personal attention and fierce advocacy he felt were lacking at larger firms. Known for treating every client like family, David brings relentless dedication, deep legal insight, and an unmatched memory for case details—qualities that consistently lead to outstanding results. He is unafraid of trial and committed to securing full compensation for his injured clients. A true Renaissance man, David’s multidisciplinary background informs his courtroom success. He’s a former elite rower, award-winning playwright, television writer, pianist, and holds a Rhetoric degree from UC Berkeley. His storytelling ability—sharpened on stage and in court—makes him a formidable advocate. His courtroom technology skills also set him apart, allowing for efficient, impactful presentations that resonate with juries. David’s written legal arguments have been adopted by appellate courts, and he has clerked for U.S. District Judge John Vukasin Jr. He has taught at USF School of Law, mentored young attorneys, and provided pro bono legal support to underserved communities. With discipline, creativity, and compassion, David remains a tireless champion for his clients.

Mr. Knudsen is an accomplished business litigation and transactional attorney with deep experience in employment, intellectual property, real estate, finance, and insurance matters. Since joining Commins & Knudsen, he and partner David Commins have achieved several notable outcomes, including a $2.4 million jury verdict in a bad faith trial, a $3.5 million FINRA arbitration award, and the $160 million sale of the Mark West wine brand to Constellation Brands. Mr. Knudsen began his career at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May in employment and IP litigation. He later served as General Counsel for the Shepherd Group, overseeing a $100 million portfolio and managing litigation across a diverse set of businesses, including a Caterpillar dealership and a private aviation operation. He has also led litigation to successful outcomes, including a $3 million bad faith insurance settlement and the turnaround of a near-bankrupt security firm that now counts Apple and the Academy Awards among its clients. Mr. Knudsen earned his J.D. from UC Hastings and his B.A. with honors from UC Berkeley. He has written and spoken on legal issues in intellectual property and employment law and previously held a California Real Estate Broker’s license. He rejoined his former colleague David Commins in 2008 to form Commins & Knudsen, P.C. in San Francisco.

Kelly is a fearless and client-focused advocate dedicated to seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and serious personal injury. Her practice centers on representing both minor and adult survivors, empowering them with a voice and protecting their confidentiality. Kelly has handled a wide range of cases—from highly publicized, multi-million-dollar matters to those involving criminal investigations—against perpetrators in positions of power, including teachers, doctors, clergy, and rideshare drivers. She recently served as lead plaintiff’s liaison counsel in a case involving over 80 LGBTQ+ survivors who alleged abuse by a university physician. In addition to her work with survivors, Kelly represents individuals seriously injured by negligence or misconduct, including in auto accidents, medical malpractice, and tenant rights violations such as wrongful eviction and harassment. Before co-founding Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, Kelly was a trial attorney at a prominent San Francisco defense firm handling mass tort and high-stakes injury litigation. She earned her J.D. from UC Davis School of Law and her B.A. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara. A skilled trial advocate, Kelly has received national recognition for her courtroom abilities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, yoga, and time with family.

Jessica Dayton, founding partner of ADZ Law, LLP, is a Certified Family Law Specialist representing survivors of domestic violence in civil matters, including restraining orders, custody, and torts, and advising on victims' rights in criminal cases. She previously led legal services at CORA for 10 years and worked in disability rights advocacy. Dayton earned her law degree from Golden Gate University in 2003 and clerked for Judge Michael Farrell of the D.C. Court of Appeals. She has published on the impact of mandatory arrest policies in domestic violence cases and the need to bridge civil and criminal legal systems for survivors. Dayton serves on the boards of WOMEN-SV, the San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association, and the advisory board of the Family Violence Appellate Project. Active in policy reform, she has worked on legislative campaigns around domestic violence and victims' rights and regularly mentors pro bono attorneys. She has presented nationally, including for the National Crime Victim Bar Association, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and the San Mateo County Bar Association.

Ms. Chau has been working in the legal industry since 2002, as a paralegal since 2004-2011 and an attorney since 12/2011. Her passion in life is to promote justice and equality, using existing laws and creating additional laws to protect people's constitutional rights. Ms. Chau was born in Vietnam and grew up in the United States. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Legal Studies and a minor in Political Science in 2002. She received her paralegal certification in 2004 at San Francisco State University and subsequently attended John F. Kennedy Law School and graduated in May 2010. She was admitted to the California State Bar on December 2, 2012. Her ultimate goal is to be a notable Civil Rights Attorney and trial attorney.

If you are reading these lines, you might have a problem and need to speak with an attorney who will help you and will not rip you off. Please do not judge me (or anybody) by my ratings and reviews. Some very great attorneys have a rating on AVVO as "average", and some very bottom of the barrel people have a rating of "superb". There are reasons for that, I can tell a lot about the ratings, but do you really care? I personally do not trust other people's ratings, not even the Wine Enthusiast's. Please take advantage of the free consultation, pick up the phone and decide for yourself if you need me to help you. Svetlana

Neama is a world-renowned lawyer and President/co-founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, with 22+ years of civil and criminal law experience. A legal analyst frequently featured on CNN, Fox News, and BBC, he graduated from UCLA at 19 and Harvard Law School at 22—one of the youngest in its 200-year history. After starting at L.A.’s largest law firm, representing clients like Disney and the Catholic Church, Neama joined the DOJ to fight for ordinary people. As a federal prosecutor, he led major drug and human trafficking cases, capturing and convicting a fugitive murderer featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” Later, as Director of Enforcement for the L.A. City Ethics Commission, he investigated the Mayor and City Council. He founded West Coast Trial Lawyers, now with 25 attorneys and 200 staff. Neama has tried dozens of jury trials as lead counsel, argued and won appeals, and helped clients recover over $1 billion in settlements and judgments. He’s also put 1,000+ criminals behind bars. Licensed in CA, NV, AZ, and WA, Neama serves on the UCLA Political Science Board and lives in Los Angeles.

Avi E. Muhtar founded Crown & Stone Law, P.C. with the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those that have suffered and are dealing with the lasting effects of personal injuries. Inspired by his own experiences and driven by a deep sense of justice, Mr. Muhtar is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. Mr. Muhtar is a native of Los Angeles, California and graduated cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Thereafter, he graduated from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, where he served as a Senior Editor for the Southern California Review of Law and Social Justice. With over 15 years of legal practice, Mr. Muhtar approaches each of his cases with empathy and brings a breadth of experience. He has extensive experience litigating against sophisticated adversaries in a variety of high-stakes and complex matters, which not only sets him apart from the crowded field of personal injury attorneys, but most importantly allows him to help maximize the value of his clients’ cases. Mr. Muhtar aims to expand Crown & Stone Law's impact by continuing to fight for the rights of the injured. His vision is to create a firm that not only excels in legal prowess but also fosters a supportive and caring environment for all clients.

Maryam Abrishamcar graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology. She spent many years in the Medical and Pharmaceutical industry before embarking on the journey of obtaining a legal education. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Abraham Lincoln University School of Law in Los Angeles. She is the founder and managing partner at Abrishamcar Law Group with locations in Northen and Sourhern California. Because of her extensive background in the healthcare industry, she understands the consequences a personal injury will have on individuals both physically and emotionally. She is committed to helping her clients achieve the best possible result to get the compensation they deserve. Maryam offers her clients compassion, competence, integrity, and the help and support they need to be compensated for their personal injury. Whether you have been in a motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accident, have injured yourself due to a slip and fall, have been bitten by a dog, have lost a loved one in a wrongful death case, or have been injured as a pedestrian, Attorney Maryam Abrishamcar is here to help you through every single step of the way.

Saad Sweilem isn’t just an attorney. He’s a passionate advocate dedicated to defending those who need it most. A proud Muslim-American, Sweilem painfully witnessed the misrepresentation of his community following 9/11, inspiring his mission to empower marginalized people and champion civil rights. He says “People talk about the voice of the voiceless, but I think everybody has a voice. Our job is to help them find that voice, tell their story, and guide them through the complex legal system, which is intimidating to people. Especially the more vulnerable and marginalized people who need our help the most.” Before joining Adamson Ahdoot, Sweilem was a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. He worked with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a nonprofit grassroots civil rights group, where he enriched his community with classes, training, and workshops. The Bay Area native gained national acclaim and was awarded a Civil Rights Achievement Award by CAIR after he advocated for the heartbreaking plight of a young family separated due to harsh immigration policies. Sweilem is a member of the California State Bar and roots for Bay Area teams like the Warriors and the 49ers in his free time.

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 2024 Luke was named Lawyer of The Year for personal injury litigation by Best Lawyers. In 2020, The National Trial Lawyers Association selected Mr. Ellis as one of the Top 25 Product Liability Lawyers in California. 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 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023 in 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. In 2020, the Attorneys and Practice Magazine listed Mr. Ellis as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys in California. Mr. Ellis has one of the largest personal injury jury trial verdicts on record in Alameda County. He has the largest wrongful death jury verdict in Contra Costa County history. In 2009, he had one of the top 100 verdicts in the nation, and in 2011 one of top 15 personal injury verdicts in California. In 2013 Mr. Ellis had the largest recovery for an individual against a bus company in California history, and the #1 motor vehicle settlement in California.

Steger received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he graduated with honors in 1972. Hereceived his juris doctor in 1978, from the University of California,Hastings College of Law, where he was a member of the editorial boardof the Hastings International and Comparative Law Review. He wasadmitted to the California Bar in 1978 and entered private practice thesame year. Steger specializes in representing seriously injuredindividuals and families harmed as the result of industrial andconstruction site accidents, defective products, premises liability andprofessional negligence. He has taught continuing legal educationcourses for attorneys and has authored several articles on litigationof personal injury cases. Steger has successfully litigated hundreds ofcases throughout California on behalf of his clients. He also serves asa mediator for other attorneys and has successfully mediated over 500civil cases. Steger currently serves as an arbitrator and settlementpanelist for the San Francisco Courts. He and his wife, Astrid, are the parents of three adult children andlive in Marin County where Steger is active in civic affairs.

I assist injured clients throughout the entire stage of a personal injury claim. I work with the best doctors in the state to make sure my clients receive the best medcial care process. Then handle the entire insurance claims, and litigation process for them. I handle all types of personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury, wrongful death, slip and fall, auto, bike and motorcycle accidents, and products liability cases. I am proud to say my firm has grown into one of the most respected and well recognized personal injury law firms in the State of California. I am also licensed to represent clients in Nevada and Arizona where I am lead council in those two offices. Over the course of my career, I have achieved excellent results and the firm has won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. I am very dedicated and committed to my clients, and I treat each client like they family. I have been recently selected as a top 40 under 40 for Litigation in California and nominated by Super Lawyers as a 2021 Rising Star, an honor only given to the top 2.5% of all attorneys. Please call me today for a free consultation.

Mr. Thompson has dedicated his career to helping auto injury victims find peace of mind during the worst times of their lives. While he fights relentlessly for justice, he ensures his clients can focus on recovery. Having defended global corporations in injury cases, Mr. Thompson uniquely understands how to get the most compensation possible for auto, truck, and motorcycle injury victims. He is also a highly sought-after speaker on personal injury topics, sharing his expertise with legal professionals nationwide. Born and raised in Texas, Mr. Thompson earned his BA from the University of Texas, followed by a law degree from Baylor Law School, where he was admitted into the Order of Barristers for his courtroom expertise.

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