Articles written by this author:
After 36 years, he finds satisfaction representing clergy abuse victims and he’s still banging around the hockey puck
Stephen Ellison
2012 September
Nationally recognized trial lawyer stands up against corporate greed and government bullies
Stephen Ellison
2012 October
Former defense attorney says respect for the other side goes a long way in settling cases
Stephen Ellison
2011 December
A childhood of hard times leads to a life of alcohol abuse until a spiritual awakening changes this hard-charging plaintiff's lawyer
Stephen Ellison
2008 April
Standing for Truth, and Justice, and the American Way is more than just a catchphrase
Stephen Ellison
2008 June
Sensitivity proves to be a road to empathy for this accomplished attorney
Stephen Ellison
2008 August
Attorney embarked on a mission to be a protector of people
Stephen Ellison
2008 September
From $50 public defender cases to million-dollar lawsuits, Sal Liccardo’s career spans 40 years — and he’s still in the courtroom
Stephen Ellison
2008 October
Stretching the legal mind: Attorney’s quest spans the worlds of art and law.
Stephen Ellison
2008 November
The gift for playing guardian embodies her life’s work
Stephen Ellison
2008 December
Landmark Title IX verdict leads to top honor, banner year for Fresno lawyer
Stephen Ellison
2009 January
Persistence pays: A top lawyer learns not to take “no” for an answer
Stephen Ellison
2009 February
Here’s a look at some of the more interesting after-hours activities pursued by legal minds
Stephen Ellison
2009 March
Central Valley lawyer provides a strong and persuasive voice for equality
Stephen Ellison
2009 April
This “true believer” was a pioneer of asbestos litigation in the 80s, earning the respect of defense lawyers. Today, he’s busy managing the firm and making wine
Stephen Ellison
2009 May
AAJ decides to avoid political clash in San Diego; relocates convention to San Francisco
Stephen Ellison
2009 June
South Bay sole practitioner makes a career of taking cases others passed on, being the ‘go-to guy’ on liens
Stephen Ellison
2009 June
East Bay attorney wields influence; garners respect throughout the legal community
Stephen Ellison
2009 July
Retired Central Valley attorney helped take down Enron, the Catholic church
Stephen Ellison
2009 August
Sacramento area sole practitioner specializes in employment and labor law
Stephen Ellison
2009 September
Second-generation plaintiff lawyer is a zealous advocate in his own right
Stephen Ellison
2009 October
San Mateo attorney always fought for the underdog — now he’s in the fight of his life
Stephen Ellison
2009 November
Small-town lawyer has built a state-wide reputation for protecting consumer rights
Stephen Ellison
2009 December
A prolific asbestos litigator and a would-be race car driver shows no signs of slowing down after 25 years
Stephen Ellison
2010 January
Santa Clara trial lawyer believes “it’s not about winning awards, it’s about helping others get back on their feet.”
Stephen Ellison
2010 February
Sole practitioner has been protecting federal employees for 30 years
Stephen Ellison
2010 March
“I love the contingency-fee model, where someone with $50 in the bank can take on General Motors.”
Stephen Ellison
2010 April
State Bar Hall of Fame litigator boasts 222 trials in 51 years – and he’s not done yet
Stephen Ellison
2010 June
After “smoking out” the tobacco industry, litigation pioneer strives to improve work-life balance – for everyone
Stephen Ellison
2010 July
Sole practitioner, shrewd businessman and public servant advises lawyers to figure out what area of law they like in order to be successful
Stephen Ellison
2010 August
A pivotal event turns a would-be environmental lawyer into top employment attorney
Stephen Ellison
2010 September
The son of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez has long since emerged from his famous father’s shadow
Stephen Ellison
2010 October
Practice life balance; take your cases seriously but yourself not so much. Remember that no case is worth compromising your integrity
Stephen Ellison
2010 November
“Fierce and committed,” she’s taken on big pharma and other giants over 28 years at Hersh & Hersh
Stephen Ellison
2010 December
The president-elect of Consumer Attorneys of California is a seasoned litigator, philanthropist and fundraiser
Stephen Ellison
2011 January
Solo practitioner wants to bring clients’ lives back to normal — or as normal as possible
Stephen Ellison
2011 March
Shrewd litigator picks his battles – and ultimately wins the war
Stephen Ellison
2011 April
Russian immigrant runs her own firm, raises two children and takes on insurance companies
Stephen Ellison
2011 May
Studious trial lawyer and longtime champion of key plaintiff-law issue
Stephen Ellison
2011 June
Courtesy and generosity have molded the so-called “dean” of trial lawyers in Sonoma County
Stephen Ellison
2011 July
“Be passionate about your case, but remain skeptical”
Stephen Ellison
2011 August
Veteran trial lawyer hits the ball out of the park
Stephen Ellison
2011 October
Daughters of a law school dean, this sister act brings a passion for trial work to employment law
Stephen Ellison
2011 November
“With us, it’s our client’s only case. We have a much more personal connection.”
Stephen Ellison
2012 January
Sacramento trial lawyer believes that behind every case, there’s a story dying to be told
Stephen Ellison
2012 February
Forty-year veteran embraces new technology, urges a return to civility and remains passionate about the law
Stephen Ellison
2012 April
President-elect of the SFTLA was fired from his first job – and plaintiffs couldn’t be happier
Stephen Ellison
2012 June
Pioneering trial lawyer strives to stay composed and confident without being cocky
Stephen Ellison
2012 July
Veteran employment attorney still going strong after five decades of practicing law
Stephen Ellison
2012 August
Veteran public interest lawyer trains trial lawyers at California Rural Legal Assistance to win non-injury cases. Hint — become your own best expert
Stephen Ellison
2012 November
Pioneer in employment law – and UCLA football star – credits “perseverance” for his 40-year career
Stephen Ellison
2012 December
Answering a “calling,” a top trial lawyer continues to make the biggest impact he can
Stephen Ellison
2013 January
Political and social advocate finds her legal niche as an elder-abuse specialist
Stephen Ellison
2013 February
Aviation-law specialist takes flight from big defense firm to make his mark in plaintiffs’ trial law
Stephen Ellison
2013 March
The economy, the Supreme Court and HMOs combine to accelerate the use of medical liens in personal injury cases
Stephen Ellison
2013 April
Passionate advocate for the American jury system takes her message across international borders
Stephen Ellison
2013 April
Employment rights specialist makes her mark in civil rights, public service law and the appellate bar
Stephen Ellison
2013 May
Prolific trial lawyer made a bold jump from the defense side – and never looked back
Stephen Ellison
2013 June
Central Valley native returns home to become one of the state’s top trial lawyers
Stephen Ellison
2013 July
Fortunate accidents and friendships pave a successful path for this trial lawyer.
Stephen Ellison
2013 August
A trial lawyer and a “genuine human being”
Stephen Ellison
2013 September
Forty years in practice at a “24/7 job” and this lawyer still loves insurance bad-faith law
Stephen Ellison
2013 October
Life-altering accident is driving force behind lawyer’s fight for rights of people with disabilities
Stephen Ellison
2013 November
Never a dull moment for veteran trial lawyer
Stephen Ellison
2013 December
Once an aspiring politician, the idea of helping those who couldn’t help themselves drew him into plaintiffs’ law
Stephen Ellison
2014 January
Record-setting trial lawyer remains humble and competitive
Stephen Ellison
2014 February
Trial lawyer makes transition from criminal defense look easy because he loves what he does
Stephen Ellison
2014 April
Public-service attorney breaks new ground in social justice and workers’ rights
Stephen Ellison
2014 May
Prolific veteran trial lawyer wields his power of influence
Stephen Ellison
2014 June
Veteran trial lawyer maintains balance in his profession, in life and on the bike
Stephen Ellison
2014 July
Belli protégé carves own path against big corporations
Stephen Ellison
2014 September
Rebellious son of a plaintiffs’ lawyer finds his own way into the profession
Stephen Ellison
2014 August
Trial lawyer pays her dues, makes her own success and shows others the way
Stephen Ellison
2014 October
He becomes a trial lawyer by chance, but goes on to become a legend of the medical-malpractice bar
Stephen Ellison
2014 November
Be true to yourself, work hard, persevere – and stay out of the fruit and vegetable business
Stephen Ellison
2014 December
Trial lawyer becomes a disciple of visual advocacy in the courtroom
Stephen Ellison
2015 January
Former fighter pilot says accountability matters
Stephen Ellison
2015 February
This activist at heart holds insurance carriers accountable
Stephen Ellison
2015 March
Product of Motown builds a niche practice focused on injured and abused children
Stephen Ellison
2015 April
Oklahoma school teacher turned employment lawyer says find good cases and prepare each one as if it’s going to trial
Stephen Ellison
2015 May
Employment law specialist escaped the world of high-tech to become a steward for employee and civil rights
Stephen Ellison
2015 June
Accomplished trial attorney, avid cyclist, relishes a diverse trial practice and says that to a client “you’re their knight…”
Stephen Ellison
2015 July
Prolific asbestos trial lawyer became youngest member of ABOTA
Stephen Ellison
2015 August
Veteran litigator and mediator takes a step back from a decorated, fast-paced career
Stephen Ellison
2015 September
A passion for the underdog fuels his practice as a plaintiff’s attorney just as it did in criminal defense. And if he talks about getting into a “boxing match,” you might want to take him literally “boxing match,” you might want to take him literally
Stephen Ellison
2015 October
“[Today], it really has to be a perfect storm of bad things happening in a case for it to go to trial.”
Stephen Ellison
2015 November
After 40 years of lawyering, he’s trying to slow down the workload: “But it seems like the more I slow down, the faster I get.”
Stephen Ellison
2015 December
Full-fledged advocate with a busy practice bucks the stereotypes, still manages to find balance in her life
Stephen Ellison
2016 January
Tells new lawyers, “It’s not about you…it’s always about the client.”
Stephen Ellison
2016 February
Knowing the importance of what she is doing gets the future president of CAOC through long days and nights
Stephen Ellison
2014 March
She made the transition from defense, enjoyed some early success and never looked back
Stephen Ellison
2016 March
Employment attorney made his mark early in the now-crowded specialty of wage-and-hour litigation
Stephen Ellison
2012 March
This asbestos pioneer helped create the trust funds that compensate victims and their families. And he’s not ready to “sit back and let somebody else screw it up”
Stephen Ellison
2016 April
Veteran trial lawyer embraces a more team-oriented approach to help achieve the coveted work-life balance
Stephen Ellison
2012 May
Insurance and bad-faith lawyer with a strong sense of community
Stephen Ellison
2010 May
She not only loves researching the facts, but knows how to make them understandable to a jury
Stephen Ellison
2016 May
Since meeting as associates at Lieff Cabraser, the two women have become masters of class actions
Stephen Ellison
2016 June
Avid cyclist and bicycling advocate steered his way from the City Attorney’s Office to a partnership at the Walkup firm
Stephen Ellison
2016 July
The public defender was not hiring, so he threw himself into personal injury law and never looked back
Stephen Ellison
2016 August
Track down all the incident reports, videos and maybe even a witness to better understand what happened
Stephen Ellison
2016 October
From To Kill a Mockingbird to finding success through technology, teamwork and a passion for helping clients
Stephen Ellison
2016 December
Employment law specialist, she fosters a nontraditional relationship with clients as she continues to fight for them as a solo practitioner
Stephen Ellison
2017 January
The former prosecutor enjoys challenge of tough liability cases
Stephen Ellison
2017 February
35-year veteran thrives on holding bullies accountable while remaining human
Stephen Ellison
2017 March
It’s all about symmetry for this pair of employment lawyers at the top of their game
Stephen Ellison
2017 April
Influenced by her strong faith and personal family struggles, lifelong Fresno resident keeps her focus on the client’s best interest and keeps her ego out of it
Stephen Ellison
2017 May
Ukrainian immigrant cherished her chance at success in the U.S. and developed a passion for products-liability cases
Stephen Ellison
2017-June
Shrewd, passionate trial lawyer embraces challenges in the courtroom and on the bike
Stephen Ellison
2017 July
Insurance bad-faith specialist follows his passion, not the money, to success
Stephen Ellison
2017 August
Thinking outside the confines of law-school teachings helped jump-start a long, successful career for this civil rights advocate
Stephen Ellison
2017 September
Personal injury specialist refuses to back down, even when faced with improbable odds; still takes med-mal “250 cases” when the client “gets to me”
Stephen Ellison
2017 October
Immigrant from Peru draws on personal experience to ensure Latinos are treated fairly in employment and housing
Stephen Ellison
2017 November
Fourth-generation lawyer from rural Tennessee makes his own way in the big city
Stephen Ellison
2017 December
A blue-collar upbringing provides personal-injury attorney with motivation to level the playing field
Stephen Ellison
2018 January
Third-generation attorney comes full circle with his solo plaintiff law practice
Stephen Ellison
2018 February
She hates to lose, but it happens when you take cases that other PI attorneys won’t touch
Stephen Ellison
2018 March
He never set out to be a med-mal lawyer – and then that Kaiser case landed on his desk and he was hooked
Stephen Ellison
2018 April
Practicing law wasn’t what he had hoped for, until losing a job led to his “light-bulb moment”
Stephen Ellison
2018 May
Indian-Brazilian immigrant overcomes barriers to establish herself as a top advocate in employment law
Stephen Ellison
2018 June
“You have to have faith and follow your heart” — and become fully invested in your clients
Stephen Ellison
2018 July
Young partner at old firm makes her mark in employment law
Stephen Ellison
2018 August
“Make sure the focus is on the client and not on you, because it’s not about you.”
Stephen Ellison
2018 September
Whether it’s suing Uber over employment status or proving that the weed killer Roundup causes cancer, he thrives in complex litigation
Stephen Ellison
2018 October
Former labor union rep goes all in as a ‘proactive’ lawyer for the underdog
Stephen Ellison
2018 November
Would-be marine biologist uses her scientific expertise to litigate against Big Pharma, medical-device firms
Stephen Ellison
2018 December
Trial lawyer helps people shake the blues before he hits the stage to play them
Stephen Ellison
2019 January
Multidistrict litigator stares down Big Pharma, others with help from her anthropological background
Stephen Ellison
2019 February
Employment law specialist has a keen ability to put himself in his clients’ shoes
Stephen Ellison
2019 March
A knack for engaging, listening to and helping people. And winning big verdicts by focusing on key issues
Stephen Ellison
2019 April
Small-town lawyer succeeds through diligent studies and a passion for taking down Goliaths
Stephen Ellison
2019 May
A second stint in law school helps academic find his path into personal-injury law
Stephen Ellison
2019 June
From organizing a fifth-grade walkout to hammering away at Big Tobacco, no fight is too big or small
Stephen Ellison
2019 July
Bay Area native doesn’t travel far to come a long way in 47-year career
Stephen Ellison
2019 August
Stanford grad forsakes corporate practice to advocate for consumers and take down scheming insurance companies
Stephen Ellison
2019 September
Working at prominent plaintiffs’ firms and finding a mentor leads to successful solo practice
Stephen Ellison
2019 October
Longtime prosecutor makes a smooth transition into personal-injury law
Stephen Ellison
2019 November
As a defense lawyer, decisions on resolving a case were “out of my hands.” Not anymore
Stephen Ellison
2019 December
Palestinian native makes good on the immigrant dream, keeping it small, simple and successful
Stephen Ellison
2020 January
PI lawyer defies the odds – and the MICRA cap – in a big medical-malpractice case
Stephen Ellison
2020 February
Early career includes both insurance-defense work and mass-tort litigation for breast-implant plaintiffs
Stephen Ellison
2020 March
Quiet by nature, her meticulous preparation moves defendants towards substantial settlements, often in catastrophic cases
Stephen Ellison
2020 April
Taking sexual-harassment cases to a new level for lower-wage earners
Stephen Ellison
2020 May
Tenant lawyer keeps landlords in check across the rent-happy Bay Area
Stephen Ellison
2020 June
Long hours feel a lot different when you’re working on something you care about
Stephen Ellison
2020 July
Employment law and discrimination specialist continues the fight for basic human liberties
Stephen Ellison
2020 August
Out of order is how this insurance-bad-faith lawyer approaches trials
Stephen Ellison
2020 September
Collaboration is key for PI lawyer handling cases from maritime to wildfires
Stephen Ellison
2020 October
Running her own firm at a young age – and her own life
Stephen Ellison
2020 November
Hard work, honesty and a little luck have been the pillars of success for 48-year veteran of the bar
Stephen Ellison
2020 December
Change of course leads a once aspiring journalist on the road to elder law
Stephen Ellison
2021 January
Five-day trial by Zoom results in $1.37 million verdict
Stephen Ellison
2021 February
Science and math education are the drivers for East Bay solo PI practitioner
Stephen Ellison
2021 March
Workers’ rights advocate learned fast how to utilize the plaintiff’s law community
Stephen Ellison
2021 April
After a decade in the Caribbean, he advocates for PI victims by telling human stories
Stephen Ellison
2021 May
It’s not enough to do well, but you have to do good, for others
Stephen Ellison
2021 June
After years in defense, child of Taiwanese immigrants makes her mark in the plaintiff’s bar
Stephen Ellison
2021 July
Asbestos lawyer battles a silent, invisible killer and its enablers
Stephen Ellison
2021 August
Veteran trial lawyer bucks the plaintiff’s bar trend and successfully focuses on medical malpractice cases
Stephen Ellison
2021 September
Former prosecutor and defense attorney finds career fulfillment in plaintiffs’ firm with his name added to the door
Stephen Ellison
2021 October
Activist turned advocate goes all in for low-wage and immigrant workers
Stephen Ellison
2021 November
Seasoned employment law specialist says it never stops being interesting and enjoyable work
Stephen Ellison
2021 December
Moscow native maintains focus on a singular mission: Helping those harmed by the actions of others
Stephen Ellison
2022 January
Tenants’ rights lawyer loves advocating for the basic human right to safe, stable housing
Stephen Ellison
2022 February
“People have biases against PI attorneys and our clients. We have to be a beacon of integrity.”
Stephen Ellison
2022 March
Medical-malpractice specialist says it’s a collegial legal community, very different from PI
Stephen Ellison
2022 April
Elder abuse specialist of 20 years remains a steadfast advocate for a marginalized population
Stephen Ellison
2022 May
Stepping out of his father’s shadow to make a name for himself serving clients
Stephen Ellison
2022 June
Women’s rights, employment law advocate and her partners show there’s strength in numbers
Stephen Ellison
2022 July
Class-action employment attorney takes on Walgreens for its role in opioid epidemic
Stephen Ellison
2022 August
From working on the landmark FedEx case to the San Bruno explosion, he’s compiled big results in employment and mass torts
Stephen Ellison
2022 September
She always loved arguing for other people, and now she’s built an eight-attorney employment and PI practice
Stephen Ellison
2022 October
Being his authentic self, he carves a path as a civil rights advocate in his hometown
Stephen Ellison
2022 November
An advocate by nature, she leaves defense law to go it on her own for sexual abuse and tenants’ rights victims
Stephen Ellison
2022 December
Advocacy is job one for Central Coast traumatic brain-injury specialist
Stephen Ellison
2023 February
She found personal-injury law at just the right moment, and it led to a stunning career
Stephen Ellison
2023 March
Products-liability case taught her to be a discovery hound, leaving no stone unturned
Stephen Ellison
2023 April
Sexual-abuse specialist practiced personal-injury law until she found her passion in speaking for abused children
Stephen Ellison
2023 May
Third-generation San Franciscan launched firm with law school buddies after years of experience on both sides of the aisle
Stephen Ellison
2023 July
Trial lawyer and appellate specialist genuinely enjoys fighting for the little guy
Stephen Ellison
2023 August
Curiosity leads to confidence and big wins
Stephen Ellison
2023 September
Husband-and-wife civil rights lawyers make huge strides in the fight against police misconduct
Stephen Ellison
2023 October
Trial attorney strives to keep it simple, and human, as she takes on complex and challenging cases
Stephen Ellison
2023 November
Iranian immigrant found a fair judicial system in the U.S. and built a satisfying professional life around it
Stephen Ellison
2023 December
Personal-injury stalwart coming into her own as a voice for clients, wins $10 million dog-bite verdict
Stephen Ellison
2024 January
Appellate specialist helps keep plaintiffs’ trial lawyers on their game
Stephen Ellison
2024 February
Talk about jumping into the law: From paratrooper to plaintiff’s trial attorney
Stephen Ellison
2024 March
Trial lawyer often represents the underprivileged, achieves success through her persistent, competitive nature
Stephen Ellison
2024 April
Her background in human rights helps her to humanize her clients and tell a more compelling story to jurors
Stephen Ellison
2024 May
Longtime criminal-defense lawyer says trial skills helped her make a seamless transition to PI practice
Stephen Ellison
2024 June
Beer maker or difference maker: Catastrophic-injury attorney makes the right choice
Stephen Ellison
2024 July
