Lots of times when we meet new clients they want to know who decides when to settle and when to go to trial. I tell them, “You do.” They sometimes seem surprised by that response but it’s true. Our job is to maximize the value of their case – either for settlement or trial, and to provide our advice...
May 4 was Anti-Bullying Day. As a law firm, we are deeply committed to the fight to end bullying altogether. On May 4, we showed our support for victims of bullying and raised awareness by wearing our own custom-made “Bullying Stops Now” t-shirts. That text is made up of empowering and inspirational quotes. Our team members spread the message...
As Gomez Trial Attorneys approach our tenth year as a law firm, I reflect upon our founding principles and core values. I opened the firm in 2005 with three files, a folding table, and one employee. Today, our firm employs more than 40 amazing professionals and represents thousands of consumers and families nationally. People sometimes ask me why we...
According to Wikipedia, Paper tigers is a literal English translation of the Chinese phrase zhilaohu (紙老虎). The term refers to something that seems threatening but is ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge. The expression became well known in the West as a slogan used by Mao Zedong's Chinese communist state against its opponents, particularly the U.S. government. I suppose...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
