Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers are the top attorneys in their respective practice areas, selected by their peers. The Super Lawyers selection process begins with a survey conducted by Los Angeles Magazine that was sent to more than 65,000 attorneys in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Attorneys were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed in action. Each lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes received and the source of those votes (votes of lawyers from other firms carry more weight than those from lawyers in the same firm). Only the top five percent of attorneys in Los Angeles and Orange Counties make it to the list. In 2005, Los Angeles Magazine named both Gerald A. Klein and Mark B. Wilson "Super Lawyers." Below is the article the magazine published about Klein & Wilson.
Most Lawyers in Orange County Say Klein & Wilson may be a small Newport Beach law firm — but it packs a big punch. The firm has recovered over $50 million in such areas as business and real estate disputes and copyright claims. Despite its size, Klein & Wilson takes on big cases in areas as diverse as entertainment and toxic waste. Its adversaries are often the world’s largest law firms.
TRIAL LAWYERS, NOT LITIGATORS
If Klein & Wilson specializes in any area, it is trial practice. Asked about the firm’s trial experience, Mark Wilson said, “Many lawyers call themselves ‘litigators’ rather than ‘trial lawyers’ because they’ve never tried a big case. It is amazing how many ‘litigators’ have never seen a jury trial, let alone tried one. We are trial lawyers, not litigators.”
A SMALL FIRM WITH BIG MUSCLE
But Wilson admits trials do not always go as planned. When the firm loses, Klein & Wilson knows its way around State and Federal appellate courts. Wilson explained why the firm handles its own appeals, “Many lawyers argue trial lawyers should leave appeals to specialists. But picking up an appeal after trial is like coming to a battle site after the battle is lost. You cannot appreciate what went wrong if you were not there.”
And Klein & Wilson’s appellate record speaks for itself. The firm has won virtually every writ and appeal it has handled, including reversing two trial court judgments with one published opinion.
COURTROOM CLOUT
Klein & Wilson is admired for its cutting edge courtroom technology. Gerald Klein lectures to some of the largest firms and government agencies in the country on the subject. “Jurors watch television more than they read books,” Klein said. “Using video and animation keeps jurors engaged. Trials should be more ‘show’, less ‘tell’.”
Because the jury system creates uncertainty, Klein & Wilson conducts mock trials to learn what typical jurors think of a case. After reviewing mock trial results, the firm and its clients can evaluate settlement and trial strategy. In fact, law firms throughout the United States hire Klein & Wilson to conduct mock trials on their behalf.
BEST BET
What do the firm’s clients say? Said one company president, “When we have a bet-the-company case, the only firm we would ever consider hiring is Klein & Wilson.”
Klein & Wilson - Southern California Super Lawyers (PDF)
KLEIN & WILSON
326 Old Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
PH: 949-631-3300
FX: 949-631-3703
www.kleinandwilson.com
Reprinted from the February 2005 issue of Southern California Super Lawyers® magazine.
© 2005 Key Professional Media, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All Rights Reserved. Super Lawyers® is a registered trademark of Key Professional Media, Inc.
The Firm |
Attorney Profiles |
Super Lawyers |
Trial Lawyer of the Year |
Martindale-Hubbell Rating
Areas of Practice |
Appellate Practice |
Fee Structures |
Significant Case Results
Client List |
Publications |
Media |
Mock Trials |
Contact Us |
Maps |
Home