Meet Brian.
Brian Panish is one of the most respected and accomplished trial attorneys in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, he has secured some of the largest jury verdicts in American history, including a record-setting $4.9 billion in Anderson v. General Motors. Over the course of his career, Mr. Panish has achieved more than 100 verdicts and settlements exceeding $10 million, and over 500 that surpassed the $1 million mark—results that have solidified his reputation as a multi billion dollar attorney.
His expertise spans personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and mass tort litigation. He has served in leadership roles on some of the most significant cases in recent years, including the Southern California Gas Leak ($1.8 billion settlement), California wildfire litigation, and multiple national aviation and medical device lawsuits. Whether representing victims of catastrophic injuries or fighting for families devastated by corporate negligence, Mr. Panish is known for his relentless advocacy, strategic clarity, and deep commitment to justice.
As a core faculty member of Trial Lawyers University, Brian Panish brings his trial-tested insight directly to attorneys across the country. His lectures—covering everything from voir dire and opening statements to cross-examination and summation—are packed with practical tools, real case examples, and the high-level strategy that has made him one of the most influential trial lawyers of his generation. For those serious about trial work, learning from Panish is not optional—it’s essential.
Legal knowledge.
Education
- B.S., California State University, Fresno J.D., Southwestern School of Law
Legal and Professional Associations
- Inner Circle of Advocates Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers International
- Society of Barristers American Board of Trial Advocates (former chapter president)
- The State Bar of California
What trial lawyers say.
“Spencer and Brian were right there, encouraging me, supporting me, helping me to know the things I needed to know to make good decisions. They were solid rocks of confidence in telling me the advice that I needed to know to make a good decision, and that advice was good advice because it helped me to make the right decisions for Patrick.”
Mike Freeman
“I knew I had found the right attorney for my son when I met Brian Panish at the hospital after Mike’s catastrophic accident and saw tremendous compassion and concern on Brian’s face. But I had no idea that Brian and Spencer Lucas would care so much and work so hard to get the life-changing settlement that has allowed Mike the best quality of life possible after his brain injury.”
Terry Nelsen
“Today I am grateful for the chance to move forward in my life with my dreams still intact after being in a terrible car accident. My team, led by Tom Schultz, Spencer Lucas, and Erika Contreras, was phenomenal – both in and out of court. Thank you Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for the kind way you treated me during the most trying time of my whole life and for getting me a great verdict. Now I am able to rehab my injuries and have enough savings to feel very comfortable moving forward in my life.”
Byron Whetzel
“When we lost our Dad from substantial injuries to negligence we were devastated. Even though we knew that the Defendants accepted fault, it was still a fight like David and Goliath with us going against the City of Bakersfield at trial. Yet we had the strength and courage with Brian Panish and Deborah Chang on our side. They fought this battle with professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Through perseverance and prayer, Goliath went down and we won the victory with one of the highest wrongful death verdicts in Kern County… On behalf of the Morataya family, words cannot explain the gratitude. Thank you to the most warmest staff a legal firm can have. You were all very welcoming from the beginning to the end. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for believing in us.”
Erika and Cindy Morataya
“Looking back over our trial, one thing really stands out from all the other details and events. The dedication, hard work, and thorough investigation done by the attorneys and staff made all the difference in enabling the jury to speak in our favor. The care that was given, and the respect that was shown to our family, will never be forgotten. The trust we put in them was not misplaced and we know why their organization is ranked among the best in the country. Not only has their work made a difference in our lives, but also in the lives of those with various “challenges” nationwide! We pray that their efforts continue to help justice be served!”
Colen Cuthbertson
“I thank god that he led us to you after the death of my son Cameron. The combination of your perfectionism and personalism made the ordeal much better. The final verdict was a result of your steadfast legal work. You didn’t leave a stone unturned. I was impressed with how you made the “top” people accountable. You respected us as clients and treated us as “family”. I can never thank you enough. Many will benefit from your great work.”
Mary Cuthbertson
“Brian and Spencer, Thank you both for everything you did to help my case! I am eternally grateful to you both. Chrys and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Abby Nichols
“I always felt like the lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP were fighting for ME — my health, my children, and my future. They worried more about me – and not about how much money they were going to make. I always knew they had my back. Deborah [Chang] made me feel like I was more of a friend than a client.”
Andrea Martinez
“Their honest and professional approach was just what we needed during this difficult time. From the partners to the junior staff, they walked us through each step of the way and fought for us.”
Joe and Didi Powers
“Attorney Robert Glassman handled my case from the beginning to the end. He met with me at the initial client meeting, we had a follow-up meeting once the case had been filed, and then we met again at mediation. Robert explained everything to me in great detail and was always very professional during our meetings as well as during our telephone calls. He kept me updated on my case, worked hard, and effectively advocated for me. More importantly, Robert was able to obtain a very favorable result for me. I am so grateful for his skills as an attorney and his dedication to his clients. Thank you, Robert, for all you did for me.”
Robert Harutyunyan
“Thank you Tom for your hard work, I hope someday I will be able to reach the same level of skill, thoroughness, and compassion as an attorney that you and your firm displayed with my mother. All the best.”
Salar Hendizadeh
tlu podcasts - with brian panish
The Winner’s Guide to Being a Trial Lawyer
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