Skip to main content

Lael Lee M Abaya

  Save
Avvo Rating9.7
  • South San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 8 years
  • Free consultation
See more South San Francisco Workers Compensation lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Lael

After spending over five years working as an attorney for a large insurance company, I felt a nagging feeling – a feeling that I wanted my legal work to stand for something more. Ultimately that feeling led me to a practice focused on representing injured workers from all walks of life. The son of Navy veteran and a registered nurse, I have been guided with three core values since birth – honor, commitment, and empathy.

 

I am a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minors in Business and Public Policy. I attended law school at the University of California at Davis (King Hall) where I served as Senior Articles Editor for the UC Davis Law Review. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my young family, traveling, camping, and hiking.

 

I've represented injured workers of all ages, backgrounds and professions. This includes helping secure six figure settlements for a mechanic in his fifties, a restaurant worker in her forties, and a construction laborer in his thirties. I am ready to represent you against insurance companies that want nothing more than to pay as little as possible for your injury.

Practice areas

Personal injuryEmployment and laborWorkers compensation
  1. Workers compensation: 90%

  2. Employment and labor: 5%

  3. Personal injury: 5%

Languages spoken

English, Tagalog, Spanish

Photos and videos

4069870 1533166247

Contact

405 Grand Ave Suite 207
address map

Law Office of Lael Abaya

405 Grand Ave Suite 207
South San Francisco, CA, 94080

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive201101/18/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers8
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuperLawyers2020
Diversity FellowshipSacramento County Bar Association2009
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyBuzzell Law Group2018 - 2018
Senior AttorneyLuna & Sutherland2017 - 2018
Staff CounselTravelers Insurance Company2014 - 2017
AttorneyBledsoe Law2013 - 2014
Staff CounselTravelers Insurance Company2011 - 2013
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay AreaN/A2019 - Present
San Francisco Lawyers NetworkN/A2019 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember2018 - 2019
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of California at Davis School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2011
University of California - BerkeleyBA - Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)2003
University of California - BerkeleyMinors - Business & Public Policy2003
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Ace Networking MeetingCommonly Asked Questions by Potential Workers' Compensation Clients2020
Ace Networking MeetingPsyche Injury Claims in Workers' Compensation2019
Ace Networking MeetingCommonly Asked Questions in Workers' Compensation Cases2018
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Applicant vs. Lucille Packard Children's Hosptial

Reviews

(16)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Lael Abaya

Awesome Lawyer!!!

Posted by

ATTY. LAEL ABAYA is amazing lawyer!!!! I’ve been hesitated to get an attorney, but when my workers comp kept declining my medical treatments, I’ve decided to get one. I’m stressing out to find a good Attorney but finally found Atty. Abaya!!! I don’t need to worry about anything, he is very professional, he response to all my Questions right away through call,text,and email!! Even though all the office our closed due to covid-19 Atty. Abaya makes sure that I am updated with my case, I am happy with the settlement I received...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

hardworking attorney with integrity

Posted by

Lael worked hard on my case, kept in touch, and answered my questions honestly. He listens to what's important to his clients and makes time for you. I talked to several different attorneys and decided to work with Lael because he has integrity and is also a genuinely nice guy. I'd recommend him without hesitation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lael Abaya, comes "Highly recommended" and my work comp attorney friend was right!

Posted by

Great representation Lael Abaya is easy to work with, acts very professional and knows his stuff. I felt like he was there for me all the way through the representation process. I would recommend Lael to anyone. What a nice guy as well.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding attorney!

Posted by

If you're looking for a worker's compensation attorney who genuinely cares and wants the best for his clients, then choose Lael Abaya! He was my attorney and I would recommend him without hesitation! Lael is hardworking, knowledgeable, professional, personable, nice and a man of principle. In addition, he responds to questions quickly. I'm so grateful Lael represented my case.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Workers Comp Injury Attorney

Posted by

God answered my prayers. Lael is THE MAN. My case was in the hands of the industry's most awful insurance companies. I had one of the most conservative doctors on my case. The adjusters were doing nothing but jerking me around. I knew I only had a shot if I hired an attorney. A very notable attorney turned me down. Lael took my case against all odds. I turned over my 3+ inches of evidence, he gave me his honest opinion, worked hard and ethically, explained everything in plain English, and got me a great settlement. His background working for "the other side" is helpful. He is professional, prompt, realistic, kind, and courteous. Not an ambulance chaser by any means. Good guy with a good heart (imagine that). If you are hurt, please don't go it alone. Call him ASAP! With a free consultation, what can it hurt?
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

My go-to workers' compensation attorney! Highly recommend.

Posted by

Lael is my go to attorney when it comes to workers' compensation questions! He will go above and beyond to assist, and is incredibly knowledgeable in this area.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Great Counsel!

Posted by

Mr. Abaya represented me with legal assistance in the most effective manner that I needed, and he will do the same for you. If you are in need of the highest level of effective assistance by a licensed attorney in the practice areas indicated above, Mr. Abaya more than definitely meets and exceeds the standard of great representation for his clients.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Looking for a good workers comp attorney? Mr. Abaya did great for me.

Posted by

Lael Abaya represented me in a workers comp case. He did a good job following up with me and representing me with the insurance companies that otherwise wanted to pay me nothing. He help me get a more than fair settlement and there's nothing more that I could ask for.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lael Abaya great!

Posted by

I had excellent service from Lael Abaya. He is caring and was very concerned about my situation. He responded quickly and professionally on every issue that arised. He answer all questions to his best knowledge. If he was unsure he researched information to be clear and knowledgeable.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Vic vs occ

Posted by

Atty Lael Abaya was very helpful. This is actually my 1st case and he thought a lot of things before executing my case. I hired him right away due to his honesty and experienced. I recommend him to all.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Robert Sullivan, Workers compensation Attorney on Nov 2, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lael is an excellent workers' compensation attorney. He has several years of experience in the field and he carries himself with a professional and friendly demeanor towards his clients.

Alice Cheng, Child custody Attorney on Jul 1, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Without reservation, I endorse Lael. He treats others with dignity and respect, and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients are taken care of.

Joseph Chun, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 21, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have talked with Lael regarding his insights on several workers compensation cases and I'm always very impressed with his knowledge. With experience working on the defense, Lael has a unique perspective on and firm grasp of his practice area. He's an excellent attorney, and I would definitely recommend him.

Anne Shiau, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 21, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lael is an attorney who is passionate about his work. He is empathetic, trustworthy, and very knowledgeable in his representation of his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer.

Brian Ito, Workers compensation Attorney on Aug 17, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Lael is a knowledgeable and aggressive advocate for his clients, and he's highly respected in our workers' compensation community because of his legal acumen and pleasant demeanor. The legal profession needs more practitioners like Lael. I highly endorse Lael.

Monelle Abaya, Real estate Attorney on Aug 10, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Joseph Franco, Workers compensation Attorney on Jul 29, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Abaya is a genuine, humble and hard-working attorney. He is a seasoned veteran and has handled all sorts of cases on both sides of the aisle and carries with him a unique perspective.

Eric Toscano, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Jul 23, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

In the ten years I've known Lael, I've found him to be a hard worker and relentless advocate. As a fellow consumer rights attorney, I have great respect for Lael for dedicating his practice to representing the injured. Highly recommended!

Nasir Adil, Litigation Attorney on Jul 20, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Lael. He is a quality lawyer and even better person. Lael is dedicated, hard working and loyal. He is respected in the community and a strong advocate for his clients.

Ginny Van, Workers compensation Attorney on Jul 19, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

It is clear that Lael is passionate about advocating for his clients. He is extremely professional and his experience working on the defense side helps him effectively communicate with opposing counsel since he understands the issues and obstacles that are unique to defendants. I strongly endorse Lael.

Randall Stoddard, Communications and media Attorney on Jul 18, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Peter Gimbel, Workers compensation Attorney on Jul 18, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lael is a thoughtful, caring and experienced Workers' Compensation litigator. He has a reputation for fighting hard for his clients while maintaining an excellent reputation with the Judges and opposing counsel--all valuable traits necessary to get anything done in the Workers' Compensation system. I strongly endorse Lael Abaya.

Anthony Luna, Workers compensation Attorney on Mar 23, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker

He is smart, witty, and the epitome of a zealous advocate. I highly endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.15%-20%