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Lael Lee M Abaya

Workers compensation Attorney at South San Francisco, CA

5.0   26 reviews

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About Lael

Learn Lael’s areas of practice.

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.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 11 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2011
Updated 11/28/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Lael

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Law Office of Lael Abaya
405 Grand Ave Suite 201
South San Francisco, CA, 94080

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Atty. Abaya is very attentive, discuss issues in detail, very professional in a manner that is polite and courteous, very knowledgeable and use a tactical approach in handling my case, he'll always give you the best options possible. He was able to settle my case the way i want it and im so thankful and satisfied with the outcome.
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Posted by M. T. | October 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best Attorney in the bay!
Lael is the best lawyer I've ever worked with. He helped me get win the most important case of my life. My injury was life altering and he got the job done. Very professional and the communication is second to none.
Posted by Joshua | July 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My experience with Lael Abaya
Lael has to be one of the most selfless/caring attorneys I have ever had the pleasure to have represent me. I am still amazed with the results. Nothing but good things can only be shared when it comes to my experience with the law office of Lael Abaya.
Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Lael fought tooth and nail for my workers comp case I am very pleased and thankful for the outcome !
Posted by Gerardo | April 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
Mr Lael Abaya has helped me through the toughest uphill fight in my life so far. He fought through an outstanding 4yrs with my case. With all that hard work, patience, and strong faith in my injury being worth fighting for, Mr Lael Abaya successfully settled a near impossible case. For context and transparency, I am a former EMT who responded in one of the 911 systems in the Bay Area. I was diagnosed with PTSD after the exposure of so many scenes you would think only existed in movies. Many lawyers told me this would be a tough case to fight, especially not being a physical, but mental injury and never took the time to review case. Lael, didnt steer me away, he took my case on, and never showed any indication of dropping me as client over the 4 years. That dedication to one person, says a lot about his character work ethics. Mr Lael, I would like to publicly thank you for all your hard work and dedication that you have shown me, and also to all of your past and current clients.
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Posted by Lindsey | November 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend!
My Abaya was an absolute pleasure to work with! He was able to negotiate more medical treatments for me, from specialists that workers compensation would not have approved otherwise. He worked tirelessly for over two years on my case, and got a much bigger settlement than what they had offered. He was always prompt, polite, professional, open, honest, clear, and compassionate. I highly recommend him!
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Posted by Mabel | March 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation!
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.
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Posted by Leticia Castañeda | January 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXCELENTE ABOGADO
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!!
Posted by Bridget | October 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lael is awesome!
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.
Posted by Phillip | September 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life Saver
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.
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Posted by Jobelle | May 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome Lawyer!!!
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!!!
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Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
hardworking attorney with integrity
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.
Posted by chris | December 13, 2019
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!
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.
Posted by Mona | June 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding attorney!
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.
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Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Workers Comp Injury Attorney
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?
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Posted by Navruz | August 13, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
My go-to workers' compensation attorney! Highly recommend.
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.
Posted by Erik | February 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Counsel!
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.
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Posted by Shane | February 9, 2018
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.
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.
Posted by Michelle | February 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lael Abaya great!
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.
Posted by Vic | February 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Vic vs occ
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.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Contingency 15%-20%

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Buzzell Law Group
  • 2018 - 2018
  • Senior Attorney
  • Luna & Sutherland
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Staff Counsel
  • Travelers Insurance Company
  • 2014 - 2017
  • Attorney
  • Bledsoe Law
  • 2013 - 2014
  • Staff Counsel
  • Travelers Insurance Company
  • 2011 - 2013
View all work experience

Education

  • University of California at Davis School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2011
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
  • 2003
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • Minors - Business & Public Policy
  • 2003

Legal Cases

  • Applicant vs. Lucille Packard Children's Hosptial

Associations

  • Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • San Francisco Lawyers Network
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • San Mateo County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2018 - 2019

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Tagalog
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Diversity Fellowship
  • Sacramento County Bar Association
  • 2009

Speaking Engagements

  • Ace Networking Meeting
  • Commonly Asked Questions by Potential Workers' Compensation Clients
  • 2020
  • Ace Networking Meeting
  • Psyche Injury Claims in Workers' Compensation
  • 2019
  • Ace Networking Meeting
  • Commonly Asked Questions in Workers' Compensation Cases
  • 2018

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (24)
Endorse Lael
Workers compensation Attorney | Nov 01
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 01
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Sep 20
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Aug 21
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Aug 17
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 28
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 23
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!"
Administrative law Attorney | Jul 20
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 18
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 18
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."
Workers compensation Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Co-worker
"He is smart, witty, and the epitome of a zealous advocate. I highly endorse this lawyer."
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