Member Profile

Martindale-Hubbell A-V rated trial lawyer and business consultant with expertise in all modes of transportation services. Thirty-five years as an attorney assisting the transportation industry in establishing and maintaining its business relationships with customers, competitors, and governmental interests. We are recognized internationally as experts in transportation law, representing airlines, motor carriers, railroads, ocean carriers, ocean transportation intermediaries, and logistics providers in contract and litigation matters.

We represent the transportation industry and its customers in dispute resolution, litigation, insurance questions, and contract review and drafting. In addition, we advise clients regarding commercial real estate, construction, insurance coverage, and cargo loss and damage claims. We have been designated by Canadian law firms as expert witnesses in U.S.Transportation Law. We also have served as mediators in more than 100 law suits.

35-years legal experience representing the transportation industry and its customers as a business attorney and trial lawyer. Expertise in maritime, aviation, rail, motor carrier, warehouse, port terminal operations, logistics, brokerage and freight forwarding contracts, insurance and litigation. Also served as a mediator in more than 100 cases. Argued three cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Counsel of Record in fourteen published decisions in state and federal court.

Abbott Labs; FedEx Custom Critical; Unigroup; International Marine Underwriters; American Fast Freight; Landstar Transportation Logistics; North American Van Lines; Saia Motor Freight; Vanguard Logistics; Joyce Van Lines; Unishippers; Nor-Cal Moving & Storage

2010-Present: Of Counsel, Williams & Gumbiner, San Francisco Bay Area

2007-2010: Assistant General Counsel, The Pasha Group (Worldwide Transportation Services)

1999-2007: Equity Partner, Hanson Bridgett law firm, San Francisco, Head of its Transportation and Logistics Practice Group

1985-1999: Partner, Reisinger & McAuley (litigation defense)

1982-1985: Associate, Reid & Axelrod, San Francisco (aviation law firm)

1970-1973: U.S. Air Force Air Traffic Controller in England and Germany

Juris Doctor 1981- University of San Francisco Law School

B.A. Philosophy 1977- University of California at Berkeley

A.A. Economics 1975- Chaffey College

2000-Advanced mediator training (8-hr. course)

1998- Certified Neutral Mediator, U.S. District Court for Northern California (16-hr. course)

1996- Commercial Mediator Certification (40-hr. course)

“The Mighty Sword of FAAAA Lost Its Edge” The Transportation Lawyer, 2014

“Federal Pre-emption of State Wage and Hour Regulations” The Transportation Lawyer, 2014

“Mediation: A Mature Technology” The Transportation Lawyer, 2010

“McAuley on Sompo” Lexis/Nexis Expert Commentaries, 2007

“A Matter of Trusts” The Daily Journal (San Francisco), 2007

“Second Circuit Vacuums Kirby Into A Void” Benedicts Maritime Bulletin, 2006

”A Train Travels on a Narrow Gauge Ocean” Benedicts Maritime Bulletin, 2005

California Bar Association

Transportation Lawyers Association

Conference of Freight Counsel

Marin County Bar Association

Mensa

2014- AVVO 10.0 “Superb” rating.

2013-Chair, Marin County Bar Association ADR Section.

2009- President, Transportation Lawyers Association.

2005-2014: Bay Area Super Lawyer in Transportation/Maritime Law.

2003-Distinguished Service Award, Transportation Lawyers Association.

2003- Recognition Award as a Neutral Mediator in U.S. District Court for Northern California.

2001-Chair, Freight Claims Committee, Transportation Lawyers Association.

1996- Certificate of Achievement as a Commercial Mediator.

1982- Earned Private Pilot’s Licence.

Board Member, Marin County YMCA (2013-2016)

Facilitator, Youth Court, Marin County YMCA (2014-present)

Coach, Terra Linda High School Mock Trial Team (2005-present)