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Lael Lee M Abaya

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Avvo Rating9.8
  • South San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 9 years
  • Free consultation
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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.

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Practice areas

Workers compensation
  1. Workers compensation: 100%

Languages spoken

English, Tagalog, Spanish

Photos and videos

4069870 1533166247

Contact

Law Office of Lael Abaya

405 Grand Ave Suite 201
South San Francisco, CA, 94080

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive201102/03/2021
    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 AreaMember2019 - Present
    San Francisco Lawyers NetworkMember2019 - 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

    (20)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Lael Abaya

    Excellent Representation!

    Posted by

    From my first meeting with Lael, I felt completely at ease and walked away from that first meeting knowing I made a good choice in picking him to represent me during the long process of my 2 cases. He was always hands-on and always kept me in the loop of what was going on with my cases. At the end, he got me what I felt were very good settlements and for that reason I would recommend his services.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    EXCELENTE ABOGADO

    Posted by

    Hola, soy Leticia Castañeda. Lael Abaya me representó, como mi abogado en el caso del accidente de trabajo en el que mi hijo Alex falleció hace 2 años. Su trabajo fue excelente, humano y muy profesional. Finalmente obtuve mi cheque de compensación. Muchas gracias Lael!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Lael is awesome!

    Posted by

    Lael won my workers comp claim against an insurance company that fights hard. Lael fought back harder. He is experienced and knowledgeable. He is professional, polite and friendly. He explained everything to me clearly in terms I understood. I trust Lael and recommend him wholeheartedly.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Life Saver

    Posted by

    I was injured at work and was put on workers comp by the company. I thought they would help me get through this as it being my first time dealing with workers comp, but I was wrong. The insurance company isn’t on your side and will do anything to not pay you what you deserve. After months of not receiving any pay or treatment I decided I needed a lawyer. That’s when I was very lucky to find Lael. The insurance company did everything in their power to deny my claim and pay me the least amount they could the at the very latest they could. The biggest thing Lael did for me was expertly pick my QME and providing doctor. Those two doctors are so important to the success of your claim and he got it done. It took a little longer then I would have wanted to get paid, only because the insurance company pushed back so hard, but I did get paid and with penalties attached to a portion of it. After that it was smooth sailing and I was able to get shoulder surgery and never had an issue with the insurance companies again. I can’t thank Lael enough for the way he handled me as a client, and how he was able to put me in a position to get everything that I was eligible to receive under the CA workers comp system. He really cared about me as a client and If I ever need a work comp lawyer again I will not hesitate to call Lael.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    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
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (13)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Robert Sullivan, Workers compensation Attorney on Nov 1, 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, Workers compensation 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, Workers compensation Attorney on Sep 20, 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, Workers compensation 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, Workers compensation Attorney on Aug 10, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Joseph Franco, Workers compensation Attorney on Jul 28, 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, Workers compensation 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, Administrative law 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 18, 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, Workers compensation 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 needs
        30 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%
      PAYMENT METHODS