Congratulations, J. Gary Gwilliam!

Master of Ceremonies, Rick Simons, recounted the instrumental efforts lead by Gary Gwilliam in 1988 while Gary was president of the ACCTLA.

In 1988 the insurance industry backed proposition 106, an initiative to cap Plaintiff’s attorney fees at 10%. That year the insurance industry invested over 170 million in defeating this key proposition in California…more than was spent on the 1988 national presidential race.

Under Gary’s leadership, his committee raised $15 million and defeated this state-wide proposition.

Gary’s Partner Jayme Walker, recounted, “ Gary preserved our practices that allow us to take on the risks of fighting for those who have been wronged and can’t afford to pay for access to justice”.

Jayme continued, “Gary has spoken to trial lawyers publicly about his redemption from substance abuse and how to deal with the stress of this profession. He is also one of the few lawyers who has publicly written and spoken about losing – and when you’ve tried over 180 jury trials – you know a thing or two about losing. But Gary also knows a lot about winning, because his successes in the courtroom have set records in CA, including getting some of the largest verdicts in Contra Costa, San Mateo and Alameda Counties. I talked to all of Gary’s current and former partners in anticipation of presenting this award and the consensus is that Gary is a fearless legend in the courtroom, but he is also an extraordinary human being – a self-described holistic lawyer that looks out for his clients and his colleagues as a whole person and what is best for them spiritually and emotionally as well as at work and in trial”.