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
Languages spoken
English, Tagalog, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2011 | 02/06/2022 |
Legal answers | 8 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2020 |
Diversity Fellowship | Sacramento County Bar Association | 2009 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
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 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
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 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
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 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Applicant vs. Lucille Packard Children's Hosptial |
Posted by anonymous
May 13, 2022
Posted by Gerardo
April 26, 2022
Posted by Lindsey
November 7, 2021
Posted by Mabel
March 2, 2021
Posted by Leticia Castañeda
January 25, 2021
Posted by Bridget
October 2, 2020
Posted by Phillip
September 29, 2020
Posted by Jobelle
May 13, 2020
Posted by anonymous
December 30, 2019
Posted by chris
December 13, 2019
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.
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.