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Many people ask "Why did your become a trial lawyer?"
I grew up in simpler times. There was more of the feeling of "helping the other guy" and "care for those less fortunate." As a child in the 1950s and 1960s I was surrounded by organizations that embodied that spirit and philosophy, from the Red Cross to the March of Dimes to Good Will to United Way. Organizations dedicated to help those less fortunate.
I watched televison about trial lawyers, Perry Mason, The Defenders and other shows in which lawyers represented the downtrodden and underdogs.
Living in a lower middle class city environment and growing up in apartments, I quickly learned how difficult it was for regular people to "get justice."
As a child, I remember the story our black mail man told us. His son had been injured and he rushed him to the hospital and they refused to treat his son because of insurance issues. Fortunately the boy did not die and he ultimately got care. But some events did not have happy endings. One of our neighbors was shot and killed because of poor security. My best friend’s dad died of undiagnosed cardiac condition my friend and I were 5 or 6 and his dad was in his 30s. Two young friends who lost their lives on a rafting trip because of unsafe equipment. A neighbor whose child died by drowning in an unprotected swimming pool.
I learned at a young age that bad things happen to good people. I also learned that a lot of my friends and neighbors lives were changed dramatically and forever because of events. Most did not have resources or access to good legal advice. I often thought why can’t they get a Perry Mason to help them. Ah the musing of a child. But these events, motivated me to envision a future in which I could help others in their time of need. In the coming decades I decide to go to college, the second in my family and attend law school.
Many years (decades) later while at Whittier College School of Law, I found that I was intrigued by case law that protected the rights of the injured. I participated in Law Review and advocacy classes. Quickly I realized I had a talent for trial work and that is wanted to do. Following graduation I went to work for senior trial attorneys. And soon I found myself trying personal injury cases and participating in trying medical malpractice cases.
It wasn't long before I became a junior partner. We handled all types of complex personal injury cases such as medical malpractice, product liability, sports injuries, head injuries and catastrophic automobile injuries. Through the handling and successful conclusion of these cases, I learned that not only did we recover compensation for clients but often defendants changed the way they did things to prevent injuries in the future. Litigation led to changes for the better, a safer world.
Through the years as a trial lawyer I have been exposed to many types and varieties of complex personal injury cases. I have successfully tried to verdict a great variety of complex tort cases.
If I can help you in any way, even if only to discuss your case and give you some ideas and input as to your options, I would be happy to do so. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
I always enjoy speaking to potential clients and trying to assist them. Thank you. Please call. I look forward to hearing from you.
5
Practice Areas
46 years | 2,000 cases
46 years | 1,500 cases
46 years | 1,500 cases
46 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
33%-40%
State: California
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
1122 E Green St, Pasadena, CA, 91106
lawyer-personal-injury-law.com/
Other places you can find Richard online.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Ashley | April 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I definitely would recommend this lawyer. He cares about people he honestly thinks about what you or you’re family has went through, he answered all my questions and I’m truly thankful for all the time and hard work he put into our case .
Posted by Joseph | October 29, 2013
I had a very, very tricky Personal Injury ("slip and fall") case that my own attorney eventually rejected. It's got a lot of risk, it involves attorney-expense, time, etc. It's against a Major Bank who vigorously defends such claims, etc. For so many reasons it's WRONG for the top attorneys in thi...
Posted by Jesus | September 23, 2013
I recently got into a car accidnet and needed advixe on my cas. Not only was Mr. Katz very informative but also went above and beyond what i was expecting. Even though it was just a consultation he told me to give him another call if i needed any more advice even though im sure he didn't have to do ...
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2008
Some years ago Richard was my lawyer. He is a very good lawyer, he returned phone calls to him, always kept me informed and is a VERY hard worker, he truthfully made me feel as if I was his only client with his personal touches. I honestly feel win or loose a case Richard will ALWAYS give 100 percen...
"Mr. Katz just wrote one the finest Avvo answers I have read in 4 years. It was detailed, accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client should and would look for when hiring an attorney."
"Mr. Katz is a valuable asset to this community. His dedication to the law and his clients is admirable."
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has a strong knowledge of the law and regularly offers sound (free) legal advice on this site."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a true asset to the legal community and a diligent advocate for his clients."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
"Richard's expertise covers so many areas of the law. I can safely say that if you're injured, call Richard. He is a very knowledgeable and kind attorney."
"Mr. Katz is an experienced and well respected lawyer in the legal community. He consistently offers sound and practical legal comments in the Avvo forum."
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2022
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Lawyers In California - Highest in Ethical & Professional, The Legal Network
1994 - Present
Managing Partner, LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD M. KATZ
1991 - 1994
Managing Partner, BERMAN KATZ & WEISS, A Law Corporation
1984 - 1991
Partner, BERMAN & KATZ, A Law Corporation
1979 - 1984
Partner, MARTIN M. BERMAN, A Law Corporation
1977 - 1979
Associate, BERMAN and HANOVER, A Law Corporation
2003 - Present
American Board of Trial Advocates (Los Angeles chapter)Member
1979 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1978 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
Member - Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)
$667,000.00 seventeen days before trial.
$895,000.00 to Claimant and Claimant's Husband
Case Settled for $479,000.00
Settlement $400,000.00
$3,100,000.00 (3.1 Million Dollars) Jury Verdict
$1,700,000.00 (1.7 Million Dollars)
1978
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2013
Trial Presentation
2011
Trial Presentation
2010
Trial Presentation
2009
Trial Presentation
2008
Trial Presentation
2008
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2007
Trial Presentation
2007
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2006
Trial Presentation
2006
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2005
Trial Presentation
2005
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2004
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2003
Case Presentation From Inception To Jury Trial
2006
Spanish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Richard earned significant contribution points in 2016.
I was wondering if I can record the caregiver to prove that she is verbally abusing my dad?
02 Oct 2020
I broke my ankle on 8/20 My contract ended with ABM and was offered a job at same facility but job was rescinded.
07 Oct 2020
After a slip and fall should he have to use his vacation time for surgery. and pay out of pocket expenses?
08 Oct 2020
Top Tips for Handling Your Small Claims Court Matter for California
10 Dec 2013
Small Claims Guide For California
08 Dec 2013