Debra Crawford Annis is a certified family law specialist (certified by the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California). Debra is also a family law mediator. Debra’s practice consists primarily of family law matters. She also practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. Debra has been practicing law for over 26 years. Debra attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles where she graduated cum laude. Debra’s family law experience has been enriched by her service to the Women's Legal Clinic where she served as a volunteer attorney and as the President of the Board of Directors. Debra received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Mayor Bradley for her valuable service to the community with the Women's Legal Clinic. Debra has lectured on the subject of 'move away' custody cases and independent adoptions. Debra is also a family law mediator. She has been on the mediator panel of the innovative Mosten Mediation Centers. Debra enjoys mediation and helping families structure their new lives apart instead of tearing each other apart in litigation and protracted court battles. Debra is also a tough and seasoned litigator if that is the avenue you choose. Debra has also handled appellate cases. Debra has been a colunmist in the Carmel Valley Newletter and is the author of the newly revised Cal Divorce 123, Your Guide to California Divorce. Cal Divorce 123 is a guide for people who want to understand the California divorce process and actively participate in their cases -- whether as their own legal representative or an active partner with their attorney. The Guide is now available in separate modules or as a complete kit. Debra is devoted to the concept that people can help themselves and make informed decisions in their legal matters. She strives to provide education to people so that they can achieve this objective. She also helps you decide the tone of your case.

Monterey Peninsula Law Inc. is devoted to our clients. We are knowledgeable, expedient, and meticulous about details. We are honest and provide our clients with a realistic evaluation of their case. Our firm is extremely competitive when it comes to fees. Our main purpose is to be in your corner all the way. ​ Dutch Meyer, Attorney

As a second-generation personal injury lawyer, I grew up with an understanding of the uphill battle faced by injured Californians. Still, I had much to learn about the difference we could make in an individual’s life. It didn’t take long. One of my first clients was a sweet 80-year-old woman who had been in a terrible wreck and suffered multiple fractures. The insurance company, taking advantage of her trust, attempted to egregiously underpay her. Overwhelmed with anxiety, she contacted me, and I increased her offer by almost 20x. That result changed so much for both of us. For her, it gave her the power to afford a safe replacement vehicle, to change her living space to accommodate her new limitations, and to obtain additional in-home care. For me, it cemented my desire to serve individuals and families who find themselves at the mercy of an insurance company’s business practices. I have been proudly doing so ever since. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me jumping on a trampoline or singing along to the latest Disney hit with my wife and three young kids. If not that, I’m probably training for a triathlon, where I enjoy pushing the limits of my endurance.

As a former insurance claims adjuster, I appreciate the emotional toll an accident has on the injured person. Empathy and compassion are hard to come by in this world, but it is my primary focus to fill that need for every one of our clients while we handle their personal injury claim. I consider the conclusion of every case to be a defining career moment. Every client deserves to receive everything they are entitled to receive, and each time that happens, I find satisfaction. Whether it is a multi-million dollar case, or the conclusion of a case with minimal treatment and a sore neck, it is the satisfaction that I did everything that could be done. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I participated in many sports, lettering in football, soccer, and baseball, and playing college football for two years. I enjoy the outdoors and spend as much time as possible hiking and walking. My love of the theater brings me to as many performances that I can take in, and I work as a volunteer backstage, or in the technical booth frequently.

Over the span of my life, I have watched my father represent countless injured Californians. During these years, I met many kind and well-meaning people and witnessed regular abuses by insurance companies that refuse to adequately compensate individuals. I feel a deep compassion for those whose lives were dramatically impacted in a moment, and I am lucky to devote my career to fighting for justice on their behalf. I enjoy getting to know my clients and understanding the impact their injuries have had on their lives. The insurance companies regularly marginalize injured victims’ struggles and injuries, and it is my goal and passion to bring their personal experiences to light and be their advocate and voice. In my spare time, I can usually be found on a hiking trail or a local beach with my dog.

Mr. Phillips joined The Worthington Law Centre in 1995 after graduating from Monterey College of Law. He currently handles an active case load of misdemeanor and felony cases, both adult and juvenile, with additional work in administrative law issues stemming from criminal charges before the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services, and the California Labor Board. Mr. Phillips routinely handles cases in the courts of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties, and the Federal District Court for Northern California, San Jose. Mr. Phillips is an integral part of the defense team at The Worthington Law Centre. In addition to handling his own case load, he works closely with Mr. Worthington on all of Mr. Worthington's major felony cases, focusing on the legal research, writing, and strategy that is essential to the successful conclusion of complex cases. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, the California Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Monterey County Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Bar of the United States District Court for Northern California. He is also a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and California Public Defender's Association. Before becoming a lawyer, Mr. Phillips had a long and distinguished career in the United States Army. He was a Commissioned Officer from 1972 to 1992 with assignments in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. He held positions of increasing responsibility over a 20 year career as a combat arms officer, with a secondary specialty as a Foreign Area Officer (Latin America). He held a Top Secret clearance throughout service. Mr. Phillips helped author a number of security plans and contingency plans used at the national level during wartime. His final assignment was as Associate Dean, Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Phillips was commissioned as a Major. During his career transition, Mr. Phillips taught elementary school in bilingual (English-Spanish) classrooms in Salinas. Mr. Phillips holds a J.D. degree from Monterey College of Law; a Master of Arts Degree, Management from Webster University, St. Louis, MO; and a Bachelor of Science Degree, National Security and Public Affairs from U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. In addition to his career as a trial attorney, Mr. Phillips has served as Commissioner pro tempore in the Marina and King City courts for traffic, truancy, and small claims matters. He served as prosecutor in U.S. Magistrate's Court at Fort Ord for approximately 18 months while still in the U.S. Army. He has handled Pro bono cases in the Superior Court of Monterey County. Mr. Phillips has lived in Monterey County for the past 14 years.

Marcela Mercado is a dedicated Monterey County personal injury attorney and co-founder of Mercado Kramer LLP, committed to helping injury victims and their families pursue justice throughout California. With a powerful personal story and a relentless work ethic, Ms. Mercado brings both compassion and tenacity to every case she handles. A native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ms. Mercado immigrated to the United States with her mother at the age of 6. Growing up speaking Spanish and working in restaurants from a young age, she developed a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance — values that continue to define her legal practice today. Ms. Mercado worked full-time while attending San Jose State University before earning her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law. She also obtained a Master’s degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution, equipping her with advanced skills in negotiation and creative problem-solving. She leverages this training to secure strategic, effective resolutions in even the most challenging and complex injury cases. Before founding Mercado Kramer LLP, Ms. Mercado gained valuable experience at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, handling high-stakes, multi-million-dollar cases. She has since successfully litigated and resolved hundreds of cases across California, earning a reputation for obtaining top settlements in matters that other attorneys are often unwilling to take on. Her practice focuses on personal injury cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, Lyft and Uber accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall incidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death claims. Known for her fierce advocacy and unwavering dedication to her clients, Ms. Mercado is committed to fighting for maximum compensation and meaningful results for those she represents.

John W. Amos, II has represented injured workers in the State of California since 1979. His tireless work and legal expertise has helped many clients in both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims throughout his many years of practice collect the compensation to which they are entitled. Mr. Amos graduated from the Monterey College of Law, wherein he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1980, and from the University of California Berkeley (Ph.D.) in 1972. He is admitted to practice before all California State Courts.