Law Firm Overview

I was born Nov. 21, 1947 in New Jersey and was graduated from Rutgers University with an A.B. degree in 1969. I received my Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Law School, Newark, N.J. in August of 1974 and was admitted to the New Jersey Bar that same year. I was then admitted in California in 1977. I am married with four children and maintain my law offices in San Francisco and San Rafael.

My law practice began in a law firm where I did general civil and criminal cases, including personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, and litigation. In 1975, I began a two year term as Assistant Prosecutor in Passaic County, New Jersey, where I immediately began trying felony cases for a year. I then served as Chief Counsel for Grand Jury presentations. In early 1977, I organized and was Supervisor of one of the country's first child support enforcement units

In August of 1977 I moved to San Francisco where I worked for the firm of Gunheim & Yturbide, where my primary responsibility was as a personal injury attorney and wrongful death attorney, handling claims and litigation. In 1981, I opened my own law offices in San Francisco, which I have maintained ever since. I have now handled hundreds of personal injury and wrongful death claims, and tried about a hundred jury trials in my career.

My cases have been varied and sometimes complex. In addition to a great number of auto accident cases, I have litigated trip and fall cases, falls from heights, civil liability for sexual offenses, gunshot liability, construction accidents, and product liability, among others. Due to the current unreasonable state of medical malpractice laws, only the most severe medical malpractice cases are considered.

I have published legal articles numerous times, have served for many years as a judge pro tem for the San Francisco Courts, and serve as an arbitrator in civil cases. Skills and life experiences which I have occasionally found to be an advantage as a wrongful death attorney and personal injury attorney include auto mechanics, auto body work, and construction work in the areas of electrical, plumbing, concrete, wood, painting, and roofing. I also have first hand experience with climbing safety equipment and scaffolds.

I live in Marin County with Mary, my wife of 33 years, and we have four children, Matt, Luke, Alex and Katie.

Areas of Practice

• Consumer Protection
• Nursing Home
• Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
• Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
• Products Liability Law
• Medical Malpractice
• Car Accident
• Truck Accident
• Motorcycle Accident
• BART Accident
• Slip and Falls
• Falls From Heights
• Civil Liability for Sexual Offenses
• Gunshot Liability
• Construction Accidents
• Dog Bite and Dog Mauling
• Domestic Violence
• Expugements

Pro Bono Activities

• Supervisor, Country's First Child Support Enforcement Units

West Practice Categories

Consumer Protection, Construction Law, Criminal Law, Sex Offenses, Victims' Rights, Nursing Home, Insurance Law, Litigation & Appeals, Personal Injury -- Defense, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Defense, Slip and Fall -- Defense, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Products Liability Law, Medical Malpractice, Transportation Law, Trucking