Free Initial Consultation

(Main Office)

Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP, founded in 1947, is one of the oldest personal injury trial firms in San Diego. Members of the firm were part of the trial team in the Exxon Valdez case. Members also represented California Governor Gray Davis against the tobacco industry, and represented Honda automobile dealerships throughout Southern California that were harmed as a result of fraudulent misallocation practices. The firm has obtained eight-figure results in trial on behalf of business clientele in tort litigation. The firm has a long standing history of handling serious personal injury cases including areas such as: brain injury, spinal cord injury, wrongful death, aviation, maritime, highway design, asbestos, products liability, design defect litigation in automobiles, automobile litigation, premises liability, copyright and trademark infringement, as well as consumer class actions, whistleblower litigation, wrongful termination, pharmaceutical cases, medical malpractice, insurance bad faith, breach of contract and fraud cases. Most of the work performed on behalf of businesses and individual clients is done on a contingent fee basis. References can be supplied upon request.

The firm's members and founders include two past presidents of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, a past president of the California State Bar Association, a past president of the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly known as The California Trial Lawyers Association), a past president of the Western Trial Lawyers Association and five past presidents of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (formerly the San Diego Trial Lawyers Association). Firm members have received numerous awards from trial lawyers associations, both for trial results and for contributions to California's civil justice system. Members of the firm are featured in "Best Lawyers in America" and "Super Lawyers." Based on the contributions of the firm, an award was set up in perpetuity by Consumer Attorneys of San Diego named "The David S. Casey, Jr. Consumer Advocacy Award" which is given out each year to lawyers who contribute to consumer rights in California. Also, the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego have honored the founding member of the firm, David S. Casey, Sr., by naming its prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year Award after him.

Statement of Practice

Automobile and Truck Accidents and Injuries, Slip and Fall, Trucking Accidents, Brain and Spine Injury, Dog Bites, Products Liability, Drug and Medical Devices, Airplane Crashes, Consumer Law, Class Actions, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination, Insurance Bad Faith, Environmental Law, Premises Liability, Asbestos, Business Fraud, Highways, Legal Malpractice, Maritime Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation, Pharmaceutical Litigation.

Reference:

San Diego National Bank.

Rate Information

Free Initial Consultation

Address

110 Laurel Street
San Diego, CA 92101, (San Diego Co.)

Phone

Phone: 619-238-1811
Fax: 619-544-9232
URL: http://www.caseygerry.com

Website

http://www.cglaw.com

Firm/Affiliate Offices

Carlsbad, California Office: 1901 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 121, 92008. Telephone: 760-431-9900.

MEMBERS OF FIRM

David S. Casey, Jr. (Partner) born San Diego, California, May 4, 1949; admitted to bar, 1974, California. Education: Trinity College (B.A., 1971); University of San Diego (J.D., 1974). "Best Lawyers in America" (2006-2010); Los Angeles Daily Journal's "Top 100 Lawyers in California"; Law Dragon's "500 Leading Lawyers in America (2006-2009); Southern California Super Lawyers (San Diego Edition), 2007-2009; Lawyer of the Year Award from San Diego Bar Association (2002); Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from the San Diego Trial Lawyer Association; Peacemaker Award from San Diego Mediation Center (2002); Harry M. Philo Award from Association of Trial Lawyers of America (2005); Daniel T. Broderick Memorial Award recognizing high standards of civility, integrity and professionalism (2004); A Perpetual Consumer Advocate Award is presented each year in the name of David S. Casey, Jr. from the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (1997). Member: State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of California (Past President, 1996-1997); Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Past President, 2004-2005); Western Trial Lawyers Association (Past President, 1997-1998); San Diego Trial Lawyers Association (Past President, 1983-1984). Fellow: International Society of Barristers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Practice Areas: Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Premises Liability; Business Fraud; Breach of Contract; Highway Design Liability; Legal Malpractice; Maritime Litigation; Personal Injury; Products Liability; Bicycle Accidents; Boating Accidents; Brain Injury; Spinal Injury; Wrongful Death; Motorcycle Accidents.Email: David S. Casey, Jr.

Frederick Schenk (Partner) born New York, N.Y., September 14, 1953; admitted to bar, 1979, California. Education: University of California at Los Angeles (B.A., Communication Studies, 1975); University of San Diego (J.D., 1978). California Member, 1992, Electoral College. Recipient, Chapter President of the Year Award, Consumer Attorneys of California (1994); Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, September, 2000. Consulting Editor, Matthew Bender Legal Publications, California Pleadings and Practice. Co-Author, "California Automobile Collision Handbook," Lexis Publishing, 2000-2006. Listed in "Best Lawyers in America" 2005—. Listed in "Super Lawyers" 2008, 2009; San Diego Daily Transcript Top Attorney, 2006-2007. Member, Board of Directors, Alumni Association, University of San Diego School of Law, 1984-1989. Member: San Diego County Bar Association (Member, Client Relations Committee, 1995-2005); State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of California (Member, Board of Governors, 1995—); Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (Member, Board of Directors, 1987-1995; President, 1994); The American Association for Justice (Member, Board of Governors, 2009); Civil Justice Foundation (Trustee, 1998—; President, 2005-2006); 22nd District Agricultural Association (Member, Board of Directors, Del Mar Fair Board, 2002-2006; Vice President, 2006); California Governor's San Diego County Judicial Selection Advisory Committee; Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center of San Diego (Member, Board of Directors, 1994— President, 2000-2002). Fellow: National College of Advocacy. Languages: Hungarian. Practice Areas: Asbestos Litigation; Products Liability; Personal Injury; Truck Accidents; Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA); Premises Liability.Email: Frederick Schenk

Robert J. Francavilla (Partner) born Los Angeles, California, May 4, 1957; admitted to bar, 1983, California and U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. Education: University of San Diego (B.B.A., 1980; J.D., 1983). Recipient of four Outstanding Trial Lawyer Awards, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego. Co-Author, "Anatomy of a Civil Jury Trial," CTLA-California Litigation Techniques; Listed in: 2007, 2008 and 2009 Southern California Super Lawyers (San Diego Edition) for Plaintiffs Personal Injury; San Diego Daily Transcript's Top Attorneys, 2007, 2008 (Top 50 Attorneys in San Diego 2008); Best Lawyers in America, 2008-2010; Finalist, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorney of the Year, 2007-2008. Member: State Bar of California; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (Board of Directors, 1995-1999; Executive Board, 2000-2005; President, 2005); Consumer Attorneys of California (Member, Board of Governors, 1998); American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Construction Accidents; Industrial Products; Premises Liability; Government Tort Liability; Highway Design Liability; Products Liability; Wrongful Death.Email: Robert J. Francavilla

Gayle Meryl Blatt (Partner) born Brooklyn, New York, March 16, 1960; admitted to bar, 1985, California; 1986, U.S. District Court Southern and Northern Districts of California. Education: Hofstra University (B.A., 1982); California Western School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1985). Staff Writer, 1983-1984 and Editor, 1984-1985, California Western School of Law International Law Journal. Recipient: American Jurisprudence Award, Torts, 1983; Outstanding Trial Lawyer Awards, San Diego Trial Lawyers Association, February, 1993. Selected, San Diego Super Lawyer, 2007—. Listed: Top 25 Women Lawyers in San Diego, 2007 and 2009; Top Attorneys in San Diego, 2007 and 2009; Top Lawyers in San Diego, 2006 and 2009; Southern California Super Lawyers (San Diego Edition), 2007-2009. Member: San Diego County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (President, 2007; Member, Board of Directors, 1996—); Consumer Attorneys of California (Member, Board of Governors, 2008—); The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Practice Areas: Personal Injury Law; Products Liability Law; Class Action.Email: Gayle Meryl Blatt

Thomas D. Penfield (Partner) born Burbank, California, September 2, 1949; admitted to bar, 1974, California and U.S. District Court, Southern District of California; 1982, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 1983, U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, Nebraska, 1997, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Education: United States International University (B.A., 1971); California Western School of Law (J.D., 1974). Peer Selected as San Diego County (Personal Injury) "Top Attorney," San Diego Daily Transcripts, 2009. Listed, Top 5% of Personal Injury Attorneys, San Diego Super Lawyers Magazine, 2009. Recipient, Environmental Law Award, Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter, 1996. Author: "Toxic Torts and Equitable Indemnification," Trial Bar News, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Vol. 15, Issue 1, January 1992, Reprinted in California Trial Lawyers Forum, Vol. 22, No. 4, May 1992; "Asbestos In Buildings: What to Do?" 1991 San Diego County Office & Business Parks Guide, San Diego Building Owners & Managers Association, Inc. and Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 1991; "Representing the Innocent Mother in Child Sexual Abuse Case," Trial Bar News, Vol. 9, Issue, 1986; "Preparation for Cross Exam of the Child in Sexual Abuse Case," Trial Bar News, Vol. 8, Issue 9, November-December 1985; "Motion to set aside Information," California Defender, Vol. 2, No. 3, 1988. Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Trial Advocacy and Criminal Clinic, University of San Diego Law School, 1986-1988. Adjunct Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law, 2001, 2003, 2004-present. Chairman and Member, San Diego County Juvenile Justice Commission, 1983-1988. Protem Judge, Juvenile Court, 1982-1988. Arbitrator, San Diego Superior Court, 1985-2006. Member: San Diego County Bar Association (Chairman: Criminal Justice Committee, 1984; Juvenile Law Committee, 1983-1988); North San Diego County Bar Association (Resident Secretary, Board of Directors, 2009; Member, Board of Directors, 2005—; Co-Chairman, Personal Injury Section, 2002; Chairman, Personal Injury Section, 2004); State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; Consumer Attorneys of California; American Association for Justice (Officer, Bicycle Litigation Committee); American Bar Association (Member, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section; Chair, Task Force on Plaintiff's Involvement; Member, Continuing Legal Education). Reported Cases: City of San Diego v. U.S. Gypsum, 30 Cal.App. 4th 575 (1994). Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Products Liability.Email: Thomas D. Penfield

Thomas Luneau (Partner) born New York, N.Y., July 30, 1958; admitted to bar, 1989, California. Education: San Diego State University; Western State University (J.D.). Licensed Private Investigator, California Department of Consumer Affairs; Past Board Member, Crusader Soccer; Past President, Mission Valley Toastmasters Club; Board Member and Secretary, East County Posse. Member: State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; Consumer Attorneys of California; American Association for Justice, Lawyers Club of San Diego, San Diego County Bar Association. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Electrical Injury; Industrial Accidents; Dog Bites; Elder Abuse; Highway Design; Premises Liability; Products Liability; Civil Rights; Police Misconduct.Email: Thomas Luneau

ASSOCIATES

Jeremy K. Robinson (Associate) born Louisville, Kentucky, October 20, 1968; admitted to bar, 1997, California. Education: Rice University (B.A., 1993); University of Kentucky (J.D., 1996). Recipient, CALI Excellence for the Future Award, Constitutional Law Topics Seminar. Finalist, Consumer Attorney of the Year, Consumer Attorneys of California, 2008. Co-Author: "Removal to Federal Court," Chapter in ATLA's Litigating Tort Cases Treatise. Speaker, "What's New in Trial and Tort," 2007—. Member, Trial Advocacy Board Trial Competition Team. Tort Law Column Editor, "Trial Bar News," Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, 2006—. Member: The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (Member, Board of Directors, 2009); Consumer Attorneys of California. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Civil Appeals; Class Actions.Email: Jeremy K. Robinson

Wendy M. Behan (Associate) admitted to bar, 1998, California and U.S. District Court, Southern District of California; 1999, U.S. District Court, Central District of California; 2000, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California; 2000, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Education: University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A., 1994); California Western School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1998). Member: San Diego County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of California; American Association for Justice; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; Lawyers Club of San Diego; California Women Lawyers. Practice Areas: Products Liability; Civil Litigation; Personal Injury.Email: Wendy M. Behan

Juan Ordaz (Associate) born Chula Vista, California; admitted to bar, 2007, California. Education: California Lutheran University (B.A., Political Science and English); University of San Diego (J.D.). Member: South Bay, San Diego County and American Bar Associations; State Bar of California; American Association for Justice; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; La Raza Lawyers of San Diego. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Products Liability; Premises Liability.

Jessica E. Klarer (Associate) born Fountain Valley, California; admitted to bar, 2007, California. Education: University of California, Irvine (B.A., English, 2002); University of San Diego (J.D., 2006). Member: San Diego County Bar Association (Board Member, Young New Lawyers Division, 2008-2009; Secretary, 2009); American Inns of Court (Associate Member, Honorable J. Clifford Wallace Chapter); Consumer Attorneys of California; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; American Association for Justice, New Lawyers Division, Member, Board of Governors; La Raza Lawyers Association; Lawyers Club of San Diego. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Products Liability; Asbestos Litigation; Dog Bites; Premises Liability.

Stephanie S. Baril (Associate) born Los Angeles, California, 1982; admitted to bar, 2008, California. Education: University of California at Santa Barbara (B.S., Biology Sciences, 2004); University of San Diego (J.D., 2008). Member: San Diego County Bar Association; American Association for Justice; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego; Lawyers Club; American Institution Society. Practice Areas: Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents and Injuries; Products Liability; Premises Liability.

OF COUNSEL

T. Michael Reed (Of Counsel) born Upland, California, August 13, 1945; admitted to bar, 1975, California. Education: University of California at Riverside (B.A., with high honors, 1967; M.A., 1970); University of San Diego (J.D., cum laude, 1975). Recipient: San Diego Trial Lawyer of the Year, 1985 and 1992; Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, December 1983, October 1989, July 1991 and April 1992. . Member, Board of Directors, Alumni Association, University of San Diego School of Law, 1980-1981. Member: San Diego County Bar Association; State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (Member, Board of Directors, 1985-1995; Treasurer, 1992); Consumer Attorneys of California; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; American Board of Trial Advocates. Practice Areas: Personal Injury Law; Products Liability Law.Email: T. Michael Reed

David S. Casey (1915-2003).

Richard F. Gerry (1923-2004).

Scott C. Cummins (Of Counsel) born Bellflower, California, June 19, 1949; admitted to bar, 1974, California and U.S. District Court, Central and Southern Districts of California. Education: University of Southern California (B.A., cum laude, 1971); Loyola University (J.D., 1974). Member, City of San Diego Small Business Administration Board; Member, Todd Inn of Court; President and Co-founder of Insurex (a national insurance brokerage); Board Member, La Jolla Youth, Inc.; Secretary and Board Member, La Jolla Youth Soccer League. Member: State Bar of California; Consumer Attorneys of California. Practice Areas: Insurance; Products Liability.Email: Scott C. Cummins

Mitchel J. Olson (Of Counsel) born Great Falls, Montana, September 25, 1953; admitted to bar, 1978, California and U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. Education: Dartmouth College (B.A., summa cum laude, 1975); Stanford University (J.D., 1978); University of California at San Diego Medical School (M.D., 1987). Phi Beta Kappa. Medical Doctor, California, 1988—. Practice Areas: Medical Negligence; Pharmaceutical Law.Email: Mitchel J. Olson