Gary Steven Casselman

Gary Steven Casselman

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 47 years

Civil rights Lawyer at Venice, CA
Practice Areas: Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense

P.O. Box 539, Venice, CA

About Gary

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Civil Rights 40%

Representing victims of police misconduct against police officers and their departments for over 30 years.

40%
Personal Injury 35%

Serious auto accidents, negligent and intentional torts (individual misconduct)

35%
Criminal Defense 25%

Felony and misdemeanors in California state court

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 47 years

State: California

Acquired: 1978

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Gary Steven Casselman

P.O. Box 539, Venice, CA, 90294

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Gary Steven Casselman's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sabrina | September 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Where do I begin...

When you think of an attorney will not think of Gary Casselman. Gary Casselman is more of a friend and family member type of character. He is honest, funny, hard-working, a family man, and gets the job done the right way. I can’t count precisely how many times I have been represented by Gary Casselma...n but he was there for me at the worst time in my life. He represented me in a lawsuit involving an assault at a rehabilitation center and successfully got me me a aHey handsome settlement. We only had one meeting and got the offer within a week. We did not have to go to court. He also got me off of a serious charge while I was a minor 15 years of age from the accessory to murder down to a misdemeanor battery charge. This was justified considering the circumstances but Gary did it. Gary is so approachable and so thorough and easy to talk to. You will feel like your friend isIs right there by your side representing you rather than a cold attorney that’s only in it for the money. His family is a reflection of himself. His daughter, amazingly well spoken, kind, mature and amazing. His wife Danny, also an attorney who is amazing the same. If you need an attorney, there is simply no search involved. You do not need to look. Gary Casselman will do the job and do the best job that can be done. Thank you Gary for everything you’ve done for me and my family. Is right there by your side representing you rather than a cold attorney that’s only in it for the money. His family is a reflection of himself. His daughter, amazingly well spoken, kind, mature and amazing. His wife Dani, also an attorney who is amazing the same. If you need an attorney, there is simply no search involved. You do not need to look. Gary Casselman will do the job and do the best job that can be done. Thank you Gary for everything you’ve done for me and my family. I will forever be grateful for you and your family.

Gary Casselman

Replied last March 15, 2025

Thank you for the kind words Sabrina. You and your family have been through a lot. Wishing you the best for the future.

Posted by Angelique | September 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Most Honest Attorney

When I say, Mr Casselman is the most honest attorney, maybe the most honest attorney, in all of Los Angeles, I say this because, I had the unfortunate experience, of being in need, of an attorney, in numerous cases. In one case, I paid over $1.5 million dollars, to greedy uncaring attorneys, that dr...agged the case out, for over a decade, with no resolve, so they could continue, to charge their outrageous fees. Since then, Mr. Casselman has represented me in numerous different cases, and in different areas, of the law, and in each case, Mr. Casselman’s fees were reasonable. Not only were Mr. Casselman’s fees reasonable, but I knew, at all times, he truly wanted the very best outcome, for me. I am forever grateful, to Mr. Casselman, and his lovely wife, who is also an attorney, for all their help, over many years. I could not, more highly, recommend Mr. Casselman, in whatever case there maybe.

Gary Casselman

Replied last March 15, 2025

Thank you Angelique. What you have been through is almost biblical in its tragic circumstances. Hopefully, you have found peace and happiness.

Posted by AirCombat | September 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

Professional Skilled Trial Lawyer - Honesty, Integrity, & Class

If you are reading this, you are someone who needs legal help, and are most likely experiencing the worst time of your life. Entering into a legal battle, as a plaintiff who has been injured either financially, physically or both is a life changing choice worthy of diligent decision making. This can ...be hard to do when you are in duress from what has happened it is happening to you. When I called Mr Casselman, I was in dire need of a trial lawyer when I realized that my attorney was not able to actually perform a jury trial due to his lack of trail experience and his inability to communicate effectively (due to poor English speaking skills) before the Court. I had very legitimate concerns that the trial would fail if I did not hire someone quickly with the proper training and skills that 40+ years as a Civil Rights Trial Lawyer would certainly have. I made the best choice of my life hiring Mr Casselman just 2 days before trail began in February 2020. Mr. Casselman skillfully executed what most lawyers would have never attempted, putting on a jury trial with very little preparation against the City of Fullerton for a significant Breach of Contract case that due to the actions of a government employee, Brandan O’Reilly, the City of Fullerton Airport Manager, destroyed my Father’s 30 year aviation business. Mr Casselman, found the truth, laid out a timeline, and proved to a jury of 9 that the City in fact breached our contract early, by “anticipatory repudiation” and caused our company to be deprived of our rights to extend our 35 year lease for 30 more years as the City of Fullerton was required to honor, per the lease. Mr Casselman proceeded to earn a UNANIMOUS VERDICT from 9/9 Jurors for a 7 figure award in September 2020. Thank you Mr Casselman for doing what you do. You are a professional, with integrity and fight for what’s right... even when doing so seems nearly impossible... protecting the rights of the little guy, like David v Goliath, against a City who clearly had the upper hand with vastly more resources, strength, money and time. You still chose to fight them for us, and beat them handily, despite their ruthless tactics and below the belt style. You are a class act. We are forever grateful.

Posted by Jack | September 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Experienced Trial Attorney with a good personality

I'm a plaintiff attorney and started a civil case in Oct 2017 but need some help to finish the jury trial. A prestigious OC Law Firm quoted $750K for the task in Dec 2019, where my client can't afford it. Luckily that we found Attorney Casselment who brought his integrity, experiences, and trial... skills to finish the job. It is the first jury trial finished after the COVID-19 in OC, as announced by the presiding Judge. Hat off to Attorney Casselman, an excellent, experienced, and skillful trial attorney with a likable personality, who truly brings value to the table.

Posted by Mr B | March 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Let The Rules of Engagement began

I on my own accord first located Mr. Casselman back in 2001 when I was Amped up to sue someone. I was reading about various Civil Attorneys as well as some former ones (i.e. Steven Yagman) and Mr. Casselman agreed to meet w/me. Although I had much more serious matters on my plate over the yrs. Mr. Ca...sselman has been there when I could and could not afford his up scale wage billing fees. He has gotten on Bail bondsman heads to seek out my release, (w/my own funds of course and w/o any property being put up) when I was facing three (3) different felony charges w/a bail totaling 240K. He got each one down to 30K apiece in one day to 90K. ';-} He keeps U very informed on what's going on, but you do have to do your part and pay close attention to any & all court matters. You have to play a role yourself in order 2b able to understand what function everyone else is playing, be it a Civil Matter or especially a Criminal Charge against U. It has become in my experience that if you can't afford who U want @ least pay something for that person's time to hear U out. It could be the best $300-500 dollars for information that you will get spending it on some Atty's for that One Full Hour of their total attention with only you, and it could turn out to be better than U would have expected. Oh, and by the way, never lie or hide anything from any attorney that U may end-up hiring it is the most Quickest way for them to fail you b/c you failed them by not telling them everything potentially fatal no matter how small it is too you. It could very well, just the same have a much larger impact than you may not think that it would by keeping it to yourself. Don't drive your Atty into a dead end issue that he/she can't back out of b/c they didn't see it coming possibly around the corner or straight up ahead from the other side. I have never kept anything from Mr. Casselman and for this reason is probably Why (& I'm not even sure of this myself) that he even still takes on any further interest in my various cases. I have dealt w/him this long b/c he won't sugar coat his client's skin. It is what it could be @ that time. If U can afford a car note, car insurance, and a rental property than you can afford Mr. Casselman. He has even been later hired by some others who he once went up against. I don't understand that one, but it is what it is. Google his name & see what you can come up with yourself. Don't get me wrong I still do use and consult w/other attorneys besides Mr. Casselman and he has had no hard ill feelings about it. This is what I do when I may believe that for one reason or another that if he either tells me that's his plate is currently to full or that I can't wait for his load to lighten up then I will move on myself as my time may be of the essence too due to my situation @ that given point of time in my life. And, though Mr. Casselman did agree to meet w/me back in 2001, I did run his name through the California State Bar to see if there was any flaws and I hadn't found any even to this date. I would recommend that anyone looking to hire any attorney, to do a State Bar Check or even a Google run of the name and see what you "CAN" find out. Remember, this is your $$$ and any $$$ well earned should also be $$ well spent if and whenever need be for yourself, a love one or even on the family pets. Any attorney can take your $$ in this State of California but if you want just any attorney than answer a flier that you may get in the mail or by some word of mouth friend or relative who had hired the attorney that you now want b/c he/she can take on you case @ an affordable beginning rate but as time goes on, If you don't pay attention or read your retainer agreement than not only are you going to be out of that New Attorney $$, you may not have anymore $ to get another one on the 2nd, go round, So it does pay off very much so to do your research and homework on Mr. Casselman or any other attorney for that matter.

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Gary Steven Casselman's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gary
Blake E Lynch headshot
Blake Lynch

Unknown lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Friend

"Gary is an incredibly thoughtful and diligent man and I gladly endorse him."

Arnold Hernandez headshot
Arnold Hernandez

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I personally know Mr. Casselman, he is hardworking, very experienced and knowledgeable. He is very experienced and skilled in handling cases in federal and state court."

Andrew B. Delaney headshot
Andrew Delaney

Civil rights lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Gary is a wonderful human being and a damned fine advocate. I endorse him wholeheartedly."

Gabriel Herrera Avina headshot
Gabriel Avina

Civil rights lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Casselman is one of the top trial lawyers in Southern California."

Jack Enrique De La Piedra headshot
Jack De La Piedra

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Gary is a leader in the law profession where his reputation precedes him. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with him on some cases at Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, WY. Gary is one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. I could not proffer a higher endorsement of him."

Merritt Lori Mckeon headshot
Merritt Mckeon

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He was my attorney in two matters. I am pleased with his excellent, brilliant work. I have worked with him on several matters and he is wise, ethical, hard working, and really gutsy. Happy to give him five stars if that is the standard for a great lawyer."

Rostyslav Saciuk headshot
Rostyslav Saciuk

Unknown lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been following Mr. Casselman's stellar professional career for decades and can only speak of him in superlatives. He is the only attorney I would use in Los Angeles, and the only Los Angeles attorney I would trust with my family, friends, and clients."

View All Endorsements
Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Licensing lawyer

Vlad Raul Ghenciu headshot
Vlad Ghenciu

Litigation lawyer

Blake E Lynch headshot
Blake Lynch

Criminal defense lawyer

Arnold Hernandez headshot
Arnold Hernandez

Personal injury lawyer

Andrew B. Delaney headshot
Andrew Delaney

Unknown lawyer

Jack Enrique De La Piedra headshot
Jack De La Piedra

Nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Gradutate, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

2014

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2010

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1981 - Present

Attorney/ Owner, Casselman Law Offices

Associations

1990 - Present

Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles

1981 - Present

AV Preeminent Rated

Martindale-Hubbell

Sample of Legal Cases

People v Ortega

Through listening carefully to the client, investigation and numerous motions, argument and negotiation, the entire case (5 count felony) was dismissed without a trial.

Schulman v. GI Leasing dba American Riggers, et al

Verdict $690,000

Friedman v. City of Los Angeles

Pre-trial settled $3.25 million

Covin v. City of Inglewood, et al.

Plaintiff verdict over $2.7 million

Chrisman v. City of Los Angeles

Case settled, termination reversed on initial appeal.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1977

Southwestern University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

University of Michigan

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2005

Police Liability

Experts, Wrongful Death & Precautionary Probate Measures

2001

“POLICE LIABILITY IN CALIFORNIA”

HIGH TECH PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE

Publications

1997

The Advocate: Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles DISCOVERY ACROSS THE STREET: A Short Primer on Federal v. State Procedures

Languages

Portuguese

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution