Scott Johnson | Attorney with 20+ years of experience in Civil Litigation

• State Bar of California | Member
• American Bar Association | Member
• Consumer Attorneys of California | Member
• San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association | Member

Ruiz v. Merced Restaurant (Wrongful Death Action -- $2,500,000 settlement): Family's 16-year-old son was walking home after an evening of skateboarding with friends when a motorist (""JM""), driving under the influence of alcohol and at an excessive rate of speed, struck and killed the 16-year old. JM had allowed his auto liability insurance to lapse, and was subsequently prosecuted for vehicular manslaughter. Through extensive investigation and discovery, Mr. Johnson was able to develop evidence that JM worked as a waiter at a local restaurant; the restaurant's bartender would occasionally ""comp"" alcoholic beverages for wait staff after the close of business hours; after completing a dinner shift, JM was served 4 to 5 screwdrivers within a 2-hour period in the restaurant's bar; and JM was visibly impaired when he left the restaurant premises to drive home on the night of the incident. Based on the above evidence, Mr. Johnson pursued negligence claims against JM's employer and was able to obtain a $2,500,000 settlement for the family of the 16-year-old. The result represents one of the highest reported settlements for the wrongful death of a minor in the Central Valley. More importantly, the restaurant has changed its policies regarding consumption of alcohol by its employees after work hours. Mace v. United States of America (Federal Tort Action -- Confidential 7-figure settlement): Mace was enjoying the shade under a canopy of trees at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park (""Park""), when a large seed pod fell from above, striking Mace in the head, causing a traumatic brain injury. The trees in question were an exotic species (Araucaria Bidwilli) native to Austria and rarely found in the United States. Park Staff were aware that the exotic trees periodically produced large seed pods (weighing as much as 10 to 15 lbs.) that would fall to the ground, yet failed to provide any warnings to Park visitors or to prevent Park visitors from congregating beneath the trees. The Defense was buoyed by the absence of any other injury incidents involving the trees during the Park's 50-year existence and the fact that Mace was ""homeless"", had not been employed for more than 15-years, and had a lengthy history of alcohol abuse. After years of tenacious discovery efforts, and multiple mediation sessions, Mr. Johnson was able to recover a 7-figure confidential settlement for Mace and help Mace get his life back on track.

I have been able to build a successful law practice by adhering to several important principles, including the following: (a) limiting the number of clients/cases I handle at any given time so that I can provide my best efforts to each client/case; (b) building trust and respect with each client by being responsive to client communications, providing periodic case updates, and establishing reasonable expectations.

Significant experience in the subject matter for which the prospective client is seeking legal assistance; and direct access to the attorney, as opposed to the attorney's secretary, assistant, or other staff person.

Local knowledge -- specifically familiarity with the local court, local court rules and protocols, and opposing counsel -- are all beneficial in reaching a client's objectives.

Following an initial consultation, I can identify the various options available to a prospective client, recommend the option most likely to achieve a prospective client's objectives, and discuss reasonable expectations for pursing each option.

For a successful initial consultation on a personal injury claim, it is very beneficial if the prospective client can provide the following information: some personal background information, including employment status; availability of health insurance; summary of facts/circumstances surrounding the potential claim; description of injuries; and summary of medical treatment and expenses to date.

I develop a close and personal bond with each client, and make best efforts to achieve the client's objectives. Years after resolving a client's case, I am often contacted by friends and family members of the former client seeking legal assistance, which provides a great sense of pride and satisfaction in the work I do.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to work with a client who is struggling through a very difficult chapter in life; helping the client overcome the adversity; and seeing the client get their life back on track.

I have 3 young children, and am actively involved in Dublin's soccer & baseball leagues and also the local Jr. Warrior's Basketball League. In addition to family/children related interests, my hobbies include cycling and snow skiing.