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About Lael
Biography
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
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
15%-20%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 14 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Lael M. Abaya PC - A Professional Law Corporation
405 Grand Ave Suite 201, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
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Lael Lee M Abaya's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 38 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Juana | March 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Service and Dedication !
I’m so happy to share my experience with the Law Office of Lael Abaya – Bay Area Work Comp ! I found them on Google, and even though my case seemed like a long shot, Lael took it on with determination. From the beginning, he was honest and transparent, never giving me false hope, but always fighting ...
Posted by Kelly Kay | February 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
This is the way!
Lael and his team ensured I understood each step of the workman's compensation case, and settlement process, emphasizing that it would be a long journey. They checked in on me periodically, though I tended to reach out more frequently about my case. I was a bit of a nag, but they never showed any ann...
Posted by Leo A | November 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Lawyer & Team.
Amazing Lawyer! Very Compassionate, Straightforward. Lael and his team worked hard for me, my medical needs and benefits i am entitled to. Trustworthy. Highly Recommended if Work Comp Lawyer is needed
Posted by Jonathan-Dat | November 9, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Good Lawyer Firm
I was injured at job. He was help me to settle my compensation through Worker Comp. He did excellent jobs. Thank you Mr. Abaya !
Posted by Aileen | October 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank you!
It was a pleasure working with attorney Lael Abaya. Although my case was a bit complicated, he was with me throughout the whole process and was very attentive whenever I needed him. Would highly recommend.
Lael Lee M Abaya's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"Without reservation, I endorse Lael. He treats others with dignity and respect, and works tirelessly to ensure that his clients are taken care of."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"He is smart, witty, and the epitome of a zealous advocate. I highly endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2009
Diversity Fellowship, Sacramento County Bar Association
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Attorney, Lael M. Abaya P.C.
2018 - 2018
Attorney, Buzzell Law Group
2017 - 2018
Senior Attorney, Luna & Sutherland
2014 - 2017
Staff Counsel, Travelers Insurance Company
2013 - 2014
Attorney, Bledsoe Law
2011 - 2013
Staff Counsel, Travelers Insurance Company
Associations
2019 - Present
Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay AreaMember
2019 - Present
San Francisco Lawyers NetworkMember
2018 - 2022
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Applicant vs. Lucille Packard Children's Hosptial
Education
2011
University of California at Davis School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
University of California - Berkeley
BA - Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
2003
University of California - Berkeley
Minors - Business & Public Policy
Speaking Engagements
2022
INJURED WORKER RIGHTS MEETING
TREATMENT RIGHTS OF INJURED WORKERS
2020
Ace Networking Meeting
Commonly Asked Questions by Potential Workers' Compensation Clients
2019
Ace Networking Meeting
Psyche Injury Claims in Workers' Compensation
2018
Ace Networking Meeting
Commonly Asked Questions in Workers' Compensation Cases
Languages
English
Tagalog
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is getting sent from my QME to get finally treated for my injury help my case or delays my case or hurts my case?
30 Aug 2018
Q&A
How would I get medication for my workman comp case that was settled some years back?
27 Aug 2018
Q&A
Can an employee sue the employer for an additional benefit provided for Labor Code 4533 after a claim in Workers' Compensation.?
12 Feb 2018