June 19, 2008 WK Partner Named to Hall of Fame by Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
Gary M. Paul Honored as One of Southern California’s “Legendary” Plaintiffs’ Attorneys of the Last Half Century
LOS ANGELES – June 19, 2008 – Waters & Kraus partner Gary M.Paul has been named to the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles’ (CAALA) Hall of Fame. Paul will be recognized at an induction dinner on June 26 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize the most distinguished members of Southern California’s plaintiffs’ bar.
According to former Consumer Attorneys President Ray Boucher, “Those selected exhibit the highest integrity and standards in the legal profession. They have distinguished legal careers, made significant contributions to the law and to society, and have given back to the community and legal profession.”
Paul, who began his law career in 1974, currently serves as treasurer for the Amercian Association of Justice (AAJ) and will become secretary on July 15, 2008. He has been named to the Super Lawyers list four times and is a Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles Trial Lawyer of the Year who has been recognized with numerous accolades over the years. Paul has more than 100 jury trials to his credit, and is known for his legal acumen and engaging courtroom manner.
Andy Waters, co-founding partner of Waters & Kraus, said, “Gary is a man of great character as well as an exceptional attorney. His respect for the law and passion for righting wrongs for those he represents are evident in his long and distinguished record of service to the bar, his clients, and the community at large.”
“Everyone who knows Gary – regardless of which side of the table you sit – is proud to be associated with him,” said WK co-founder Peter Kraus. “He is the epitome of a plaintiff’s attorney: intelligent, articulate, honest and tenacious, yet always respectful and compassionate. He truly represents the best of the best in our profession, and is so deserving of this honor.”
In addition to Paul, the 2008 Hall of Fame class includes Thomas Girardi, Lawrence Grassini, and Elmer Low. The four men join inductees Ned Good, Browne Greene, Raoul Magaña, Charles O’Reilly, Robert Steinberg and the late Sam Shore. In 2006, Ian “Buddy” Herzog, Stan Jacobs, Bill Shernoff and the late Daniel Fogel.
Says Paul of his Hall of Fame status, “It’s humbling, really. I’m just doing what I know best and respect most – the law of this great land and advocating for evryday folks who deserve justice. This honor really honors those I’ve served.”
About Gary M. Paul
Gary Paul is a partner at Waters & Kraus’ Los Angeles office. He has more than three decades of trial experience in complex civil matters. He has represented plaintiffs in more than 100 jury trials, including cases involving consumer and medical product liability, medical and professional malpractice, commercial and insurance litigation, and employment and labor law.
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in Tempe, and his Master of Science degree from UCLA. Prior to beginning his law career in 1975, Paul was a missile and space engineer. He worked in electronic design and systems engineering for a number of prominent aerospace organizations, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His work involved the design of spacecraft that both orbited and landed on Mars.
Paul earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University in Los Angeles in 1974. He was admitted to the State Bar of California the same year. He is co-author of California Tort Practice Guide, a five-volume law treatise published by Clark Boardman Callaghan. He is also a frequent presenter at legal symposia and continuing legal education seminars.
Paul is a long-time member of Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA). He currently serves as treasurer of the American Association of Justice (AAJ). In 2006, he was President of the Pound Civil Justice Institute, a think-tank of accomplished trial attorneys who help to strengthen the practice of trial law through educational programs, publications and research grants. The Institute works to present judges, academics and others with a balanced view of the U.S. civil justice system.
Paul is also a member of the Stats Bar of California, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been recognized on numerous occaisions for outstanding serv ice to the legal profession and his community by the CAALA and CAOC, including being selected as trial Lawyer of the year by CAALA. He has been recognized on the list of Southern California Super Lawyers in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
About Waters & Kraus, LLP
Waters & Kraus, LLP, is a plaintiffs’ firm concentrating on complex product liability and personal injury/wronful death cases. The firm’s diverse practice includes toxic tort (mesothelioma) litigation, pharmaceutical product liability, negligence, and consumer product liability, as well as qui tam (whistle-blower), commercial litigation. With offices in California, Texas, and Maryland, Waters & Kraus has litigated cases in jurisdictions across the United States on behalf of individuals from all 50 states, as well as foreign governments.
