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Brett A. Borah
also known as "Mad Dog"
About Brett
Biography
I have dedicated my life to helping those who need help. Professionally, this means that since 1980, I have been helping the working men and women of California who have been injured on the job. The California workers' compensation system is extremely difficult to navigate and without the help of a good attorney, injured wokers risk losing everything. Very often we are able to help our clients with their state disability claims, their Social Security claims, third party personal injury claims and coordinate benefits.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Workers Compensation
100%
45 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
15%-34%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Borah & Shaffer
20111 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste. 230, Cupertino, CA, 95014-2345
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Brett A. Borah's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 29 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jennifer | November 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best attorney we ever hired
My husband and I were out with some friends that told us about the SIBTF program, and Mr. Borah. We called him, made an appointment and went in and talked to him. He explained everything to us thoroughly making sure we were completely informed. We were so impressed,we hired him. He told us it could t...
Posted by Rosemary | August 20, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Advise
Very helpful advise my issue is very complex. Thank you. Appreciate your advise I need answers from a attorney where my workers comp is located in NJ
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Can we give him a TEN STAR review!!
Great SOLID Lawfirm. As a retired Sheriff I highly recommend Brett Borah. His communication with his clients is clear and regular. He is VERY thorough. He is not only a STELLAR Attorney who did incredible with my case, but a true kind hearted person! Well worth the investment of time and Contingent o...
Posted by Denilda osmani | August 23, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Advice!!
Mr. Borah was very helpful. He even called me 2 time and gave me professional advices. I appreciate his help!!
Posted by Michael | June 1, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Michael M.
Since 1988 Brett has represented me with several types of matters with 100% success. Thank you sir, we love your compaction and dedication to your love of justice for all.......
Brett A. Borah's Lawyer Endorsements
"I had the pleasure of speaking with Brett Borah after he kindly reached out to introduce himself through Avvo. In a brief but insightful call, he took the time to explain a nuanced issue involving the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund—something that may significantly impact my practice down the line. His willingness to share knowledge and offer guidance, without any ask in return, speaks volumes about his professionalism and generosity. Brett is clearly a dedicated and collegial advocate in the applicant-side workers’ comp community, and I’m grateful for the connection."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse and highly recommend Attorney Borah."
"I endorse this lawyer. Anyone that goes by Mad Dog is going to fight for you."
Steven Perrigo
Social Security & Disability lawyer | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer based on his thorough and knowledgeable responses on Avvo."
"Mr. Borah is a knowledgable leader in our workers compensation community. Not only is he an excellent resource for fellow attorneys, he is a great lawyer for his clients. I highly recommend him for injured workers"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Brett Borah for more than a decade and he is the consummate professional. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and will fight hard to get his clients the benefits they deserve."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Borah is an excellent very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I see "Mad Dogs" answers frequently on AVVO and he freely gives of himself without regard to payment. His answers demonstrate insight and knowledge of the law. You cannot go wrong by asking for his assistance."
"I endorse this lawyer. Maddog is awesome!"
"I endorse this attorney, who provides so generously to the AVVO community and gives sound legal advice."
"Mr. Brett is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Borah has demonstrated a high degree of knowledge about the workers compensation system. I have no reservations recommending injured workers in his community consult with him for advice."
"The answers of Mr. Borah are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I've worked with Mr. Borah on a number of matters over the years. On those fortunate occasions, I have been involved in the third party case with Mr. Borah involved in the companion workers compensation case. His clients always speak highly of him both as a person and as a professional. He is creative, collaborative, and achieves the best possible results for his clients. I do not hesitate to endorse Mr. Borah. If you need an experienced attorney in the area of worker's compensation, this is your guy!"
"I endorse this lawyer: I've known (another) attorneys known as "Mad Dog," and Mr. Borah deserves the "also known as." He "gets" how the system works [/is rigged]. (Edit- And having looking at his other responses, I'd endorse him twice if possible.)"
"I endorse this lawyer."
Mary Rutkowski
Workers compensation lawyer
G. Lauren Belger
Workers compensation lawyer
Nancy Wallace
Workers compensation lawyer
Heather Siles
Workers compensation lawyer
Marc Wiesner
Workers compensation lawyer
Braid Pezzaglia
Personal injury lawyer
Christopher Carlo
Workers compensation lawyer
Benjamin Helfman
Workers compensation lawyer
Nooshin Dalili
Workers compensation lawyer
Michael Sabbeth
Workers compensation lawyer
Barbara Mendenhall
Workers compensation lawyer
Arthur Johnson
Workers compensation lawyer
John Herrera
Workers compensation lawyer
Bradley Jones
Workers compensation lawyer
Herbert Stanek
Workers compensation lawyer
Arthur Navarette
Workers compensation lawyer
Steven Cohn
Employment and labor lawyer
Michael Grimes
Workers compensation lawyer
James Butler
Workers compensation lawyer
William Clark
Workers compensation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Co-recipient, Lawyer of the Year, Law Office of Borah & Shaffer
2025
Best Lawyer, BestLawyers, Northern California
2025
Best Law Firm, Best Lawyers in America
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2024
Top Lawyers in Northern California, American Registry
2024
Best of the Bay Area - Curator's Pick, SF Gate
2024
Co-recipient, Lawyer of the Year, Law Office of Borah & Shaffer
2023
Co-Recipient, Lawyer of the Year, Law Office of Borah & Shaffer
2023
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2023
Top Rated Lawyer, AVVO
2023
Best Lawyer, AVVO
2023
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2022
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2022
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2022
Hall of Fame, California Applicants' Attorneys Association
2022
Co-recipient, Lawyer of the Year, Law Office of Borah & Shaffer
2022
Top Rated Lawyer, AVVO
2021
President's Award (LIfe-time Recognition), California Applicants' Attorneys Association
2021
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2021
Best Lawyers in Northern California, San Francisco Chronicle
2020
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2020
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2020
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers - Northern California
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers, Northern California
2019
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2018
Top Lawyer, AVVO
2018
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2018
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2018
Best Lawyer, Northern California Best Lawyers
2018
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2018
Best Lawyer, U.S. News & World Report
2017
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2017
Top Rated Lawyer, AVVO
2017
Super Lawyer, Northern CaliforniaSuper Lawyers
2017
Top Contributor, AVVO
2017
Best Law Firm, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers, Northern California
2017
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyer, U.S. News & World Report
2016
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2016
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers, Northern California
2016
Best Law Firm, U.S. News and World Report
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2015
Top Contributor, AVVO
2015
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2015
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
Best Law Firm, U.S. News & World Report
2014
Top Lawyers in San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle
2013
Victor Beauzay Life-Time Recognition Award, California Applicants' Attorneys Association
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Top Attorney, San Francisco Magazine
2013
Commendation, Santa Clara County Workers' Compensation Attorneys Association
2013
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2012
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Northern California's Best Lawyers, San Francisco Chronicle
2012
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2011
Commendation, California Applicants' Attorneys Association, Santa Clara Chapter
2011
Above and Beyond, California Applicants' Attorneys Association
2011
Northern California's Best Lawyers, San Francisco Chronicle
2011
Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News and World Report
2011
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2010
Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News and World Report
2010
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2007
5/5 pre-eminate, lawyers.com
2006
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2004
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
1999
A-V rating - Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
1997
Wiley Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California
1994
Certlified Specialist in Workers' Compensation, State Bar of California
1990
Arbitrator, Workers' Compensation Appeals Board
1990
Certificate of Appreciation, Santa Clara County Bar Association
1989
Certificate of Appreciation, Santa Clara County Bar Association
1989
Certilficate of Commendation, City of Saratoga
1988
Certificate of Appeciation, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara
1988
Certificate of Appreciation, Santa Clara County Bar Association
1986
Certilficate of Commendation, County of Santa Clara
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Attorney, LAW OFFICE OF BORAH AND SHAFFER
1980 - 2007
Attorney, Law Office of SCHER & BASSETT
Associations
2016 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationMentor to Chapter Presidents
2015 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationMember, Education Committee
2010 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationChair, Membership Committee
2007 - Present
Bar Association of San FranciscoMember
1997 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationGovernor
1985 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarMember
1980 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
1980 - Present
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationMember
1980 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1980 - Present
Sunnyvale Cupertino Bar AssociationMember
Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member
Consumer Attorneys of California
Member
Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2013 - 2016
Social Security Reps, San JoseFounding Chair
2009 - 2012
Santa Clara County Workers' Compensation Attorneys AsssociationFounding Chair
2009 - 2012
California Applicants' Attorneys Association, Santa Clara chapterFounding Education Committee Chair
2008 - 2010
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationChair, Management Committee
1999 - 2008
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationChair, Membership Committee
1995 - 1996
State Bar of California, Workers Compensation SectionChair
1989 - 1992
State Bar of California, Committee on SpecializationChair
1989 - 1991
California Applicants' Attorneys AssociationChair, Communications Committee
1988 - 1990
City of Saratoga, Public Safety CommitteeChair
1988 - 1990
Santa Clara County Bar Association, Workers' Comp. SectionChair
1988 - 1989
Sunnyvale Cupertino Bar AssociationPresident
1987 - 1988
Santa Clara County Grand JuryForeman
1987 - 1988
California Applicants' Attorneys Association, Santa Clara ChapterFounding President
1985 - 1986
Sunnyvale Chamber of CommercePresident
1981 - 1984
City of Sunnyvale, Parking Advisory CommitteeChair
Sample of Legal Cases
Veronica vs. S.I.B.T.F.
100%
Hugh vs. S.I.B.T.F.
100% permanent disability Award
John vs. Bosco Oil
100% disability Award so John gets his TTD rate for life with COLA.
johnny vs. S.I.B.T.F.
100%
Mort vs. S.I.B.T.F.
100%
Shelby vs. S.I.B.T.F
100%
Brad vs. S.I.B.T.F.
100% Award
Sanchez vs. Starbuck's Coffee
100% disability Award so temporary disability rate as interior designer for life with COLA
James vs. S.I.B.T.F
100%
Yolanda vs. Urology Associates
C&R for $17,500.00
Jackie vs. American Airlines
Stipulated Award for 20%
Lori vs. Xxxx Xxxxx DDS
C&R for $245,000.00
Claudia vs. S.I.B.T.F.
Findings and Award: 100%
Gina vs. Micro-Chem
C & R: $250,000.00
Phoebe vs. Stanford University
Stipulated Award
Pauline vs. S.I.B.T.F.
Stipulation to 100%
Steve vs. S.I.B.T.F.
Settled: $50,000.00.
Deepa vs. Stack Plastics
Settled by Compromise and Release: $60,000
Melvin vs. Social Security Administration
Fully Favorable Award
Pauline vs. Aguilar
Settled for policy limits
Steve v. Trend West
Stipulated Award for 55% disability ($65,200.00) plus life-time medical care.
Noel vs. Comforce
Settled by Compromise and Release: $70,000.00
Al vs. Subsequent Injuries Fund
100% Award
Crystle vs. Verizon
$113,333.33
Kay vs. Rambus
Compromise and Release of over $120,000
Mohammed vs. 4 M
Favorable judgement
Bonnie vs. Aetna
Multiple settlements all in favor of Bonnie
Claudia vs. Calpine
$270,000.00+
Carol vs. Social Security Administration
Fully Favorable Award
Charles vs. Kaiser
Compromise and Release
Education
1979
University of California, San Francisco School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
University of California - Berkeley
Teaching Certificates 4x
1972
University of California - Berkeley
A.B.
Speaking Engagements
2025
C.S.I.M.S. Tricon
S.I.B.T.F. For Beginners ~ Doctors Edition
2025
C.S.I.M.S. Tricon
S.I.B.T.F. For Beginners ~ Lawyers Edition
2024
CAAA Chapter Meeting
S.I.B.T.F. for Dummies
2024
CAAA Chapter Meeting
U.R. ~ IMR Best Practices
2022
CAAA Maui Conference
Settlement of the SIBTF Case
2021
C.S.I.M.S. Convention
Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund for Doctors
2021
C.A.A.A. Convention
60 Tips in 60 Minutes
2019
C.A.A.A. Maui Conference
Trial Seminar: Perfecting your Skills for Trial Mastery
2018
C.A.A.A. Michael Rucka Memorial Rating Seminar
Establishing Permanent Total Disability Before the W.C.A.B.
2017
C.A.A.A. Harbor Chapter (Long Beach)
S.I.B.T.F. for Dummies
2016
C.A.A.A. Summer Convention
Enforcing the Defendant's Duty to Investigate - Regulation 10109
2016
C.A.A.A. Santa Clara Chapter Seminar
S.I.B.T.F. for Dummies
2016
C.A.A.A. San Francisco Chapter Seminar
S.I.B.T.F. for Dummies
2015
ExamWorks
Report Writing for Psych QME/AME's
2015
C.A.A.A. Summer Convention
Penalties & Sanctions on U.R. & I.M.R.
2014
CWCDAA Winter Convention
Issues and Techniques in the Trial of Workers' Comp Cases
2014
California Society of Industrial Medicine & Surgeons
Understanding U.R. & I.M.R.
2011
C.A.A.A. Seminar
Law Office Management Seminar
2010
Community Forum
What You Need to Know About Your Workers' Compensation Claim
2009
American Dental Association
Workers' Comp. Law for California Dentists
2007
C.A.A.A. Winter Convention
Labor Code 4062.2 discovery
2006
C.A.A.A. Seminar
Para-legal Seminar
2005
C.A.A.A. Seminar
Para-legal Seminar
2004
C.A.A.A. Seminar
Para-legal Seminar
2003
C.A.A.A. Seminar
Para-legal Seminar
2002
Sunnyvale-Cupertino Bar Association
Hidden Workers' Compensation Issues in Your Caseload
2002
C.A.A.A. Winter Convention
Tenet vs. W.C.A.B.
1989
CAAA Winter Convention
Ancillary Benefits to Workers' Compensation
Publications
2023
2023 Cal. Wrk. Comp. P.D. LEXIS 194
Thomas Butts vs. Butts & Johnson
2019
2019 Cal. Wrk. P.D. 61
Robertson vs. Bosco Oil
2018
83 Calif. Comp. Cases 1452
Sanchez vs. Starbucks Coffee Company
2013
79 Calif. Comp. Cases 100
Sharma vs. Lam Research
2000
California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Chapter on Temporary, Total, Disability Indemnity
1996
Workers' Compensation Quarterly
Report from the Chair
1996
Workers' Compensation Quarterly
Annual Report
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Legal malpractice work comp attorney/calif
06 Dec 2025
Q&A
Is redacted information given to my attorney as discovery, legal to use if it becomes known?
30 Nov 2025
Q&A
What does it mean in a WC settlement case if the court website OAH states Open-Stricken?
01 Dec 2025