On August 28, 2009, CHP Officer Mark Saylor was driving his family east on Highway 125 near Santee, California. His wife Cleofe was in the vehicle and so was their daughter Mahala, then 13 years old. Chris Lastrella, Cleofe’s brother was also riding along. Mark was driving a loaner Lexus vehicle from Bob Baker...
It’s 2005. My then-boss and I had arrived at a difference of opinion about our relative importance at the Firm he had founded. Now in his position, I can more clearly understand his point of view. But the place just wasn’t big enough for the two of us. I had planned on starting my own firm for...
I traveled to Las Vegas last week for a work conference. On the way out of town, I was amazed by the number of billboards advertising personal injury lawyers. It was literally billboard after billboard after billboard. Here in San Diego, we don’t have quite as many billboards. I do, however, see lots of television ads with catchy phone...
Both scripture and the law hold a special place for the most vulnerable among us. Matthew 25:40, reads, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” The law which we...
This coming Friday, I will be receiving an “Outstanding Trial Lawyer” award from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. “CASD” is honoring me, along with Jessica Sizemore from our firm, for our work obtaining a $16.2 million “slip and fall” verdict for Bill and Elaine Kidd against El Pollo Loco. In that case, Bill slipped and fell in greasy...
Mentor: an experienced and trusted adviser
I have now been practicing law for almost 25 years. During that time, I have worked in a big corporate defense firm, as a federal prosecutor, and now, as a plaintiffs trial attorney. During that time, a number of mentors have been there to help and encourage my growth, and so, I thought I...
I write this from the veranda of my room in Costa Rica. It is Monday morning, my first full day here. I obtained a favorable jury verdict for a great family last Thursday. The trial outcome was not only very personally fulfilling, but it also confirmed my faith in God. And so, I thought, I would write about it...
Trial work can be very tough on the trial lawyer. As I mentioned in a recent blog about trying my 50th case to jury, trials can punish you both physically emotionally. Both before and after the 8 hours spent in court comes preparation for the next day. It is not uncommon for me to log 16 hour work days...
I am in the middle of trial. We represent a great young guy, Jesus. When Jesus was 7, his mom bought a Ralph Lauren shirt for him from Macy's. The tag of the shirt said, “100% Cotton.” A while later, unfortunately, Jesus was playing with a lighter. He burned a piece of plant which fell on his shirt. He...
I believe very strongly in the power of pause and reflection. For that reason, I cherish the often-quiet time between Christmas and New Year as a time to set goals, resolutions and aspirations. I invariably set goals for myself and Gomez Trial Attorneys. This year, however, inspired by my good friends at Hughes Marino, who do an outstanding job...
