Encino, CA

James Bergener

“Sweet” James Bergener set out to create a different kind of law firm - one built around helping you recover from your injuries and to get the maximum possible compensation. As a founding principal of Sweet James Accident Attorneys, James has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. His career is dedicated to helping anyone who has been injured because of someone else’s negligence. From seemingly simple claims to the most complex cases, Sweet James will make sure you get the justice you deserve. Mr. Bergener is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. The forum makes up less than 1 percent of lawyers in the United States. Mr. Bergener, who practices law in Newport Beach, California, was selected to Super Lawyers for 2016 - 2020. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. Prior to founding the firm, Mr. Bergener defended insurance carriers against personal injury and workers compensation claims filed by injured plaintiffs. With this unique knowledge of defense strategies, he’s been able to resolve cases other attorneys found impossible. When insurance companies won’t play fairly, Mr. Bergener aggressively pursues them and their associated corporations for “bad-faith” actions. This often results in settlements that extend well beyond the original accident and damages. Mr. Bergener is passionate about fighting for accident victims. He is a powerful negotiator, excelling in mediation and arbitration. These methods are often preferred by clients who wish to avoid trial. Recognized by fellow accident lawyers, he has been one of the best law essay writers, guest lecturer at conferences, legal seminars, and law schools on topics involving injury tort litigation and practice management. Aside from his numerous academic and professional interactions, “Sweet James” Bergener provides weekly commentary as a legal expert on KLAC AM 570 LA Sports Radio. He has sponsored KFI Law Day with attorney and radio host Bill Handel and has appeared on a number of radio shows to help listeners get the legal assistance they need. As an avid motorcyclist and MotoGP racing enthusiast, Mr. Bergener’s legal experience is supplemented with his experience on the road. Motorcycle accident victims represented by the firm benefit from the insight of a skilled professional and fellow rider.

Paul Sommer

Paul Sommer, in memoriam (1947-2023), was an attorney at Sommer and Bear, focusing on personal injury, medical malpractice, and other claims. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of California in 1976. He was a co-author and speaker for the Beverly Hills Bar Association Family Law Symposium and held memberships in numerous professional associations.

Bradley Wallace

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bradley Wallace is at the forefront of the consumer advocacy industry and has committed his professional career to helping injured clients receive monetary compensation from insurance companies for the negligent and reckless conduct of people and corporations. Following his service in 2024, he was recently elected to again serve on the Board of Directors for Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) in 2025. Mr. Wallace was recently selected as a “2025 Southern California Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine for the sixth consecutive year, after seven (7) consecutive selections as a “Southern California Rising Star” dating back to 2013. This is an extremely prestigious honor, as no more than 2.5% of attorneys in California are named to this list. Bradley Wallace is also the Immediate Past-President of the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities, a non-profit founded and run by Plaintiff Trial Attorneys committed to giving back to the greater Los Angeles community, after having served as the organization’s President in 2024.

Michael Ghozland

Michael Ghozland is an experienced trial lawyer and founder of Ghozland Law Firm, focusing primarily on personal injury. He has secured significant jury awards and settlements, including multi-million dollar cases. He was nominated for the 'Street Fighter of the Year Award' in 2014 and has been recognized in the California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list from 2014-2017. He is also a certified member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®.

Jeffrey L. Bear

Jeffrey L. Bear is a managing partner at Sommer and Bear, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of California in 1972 and has extensive experience in various legal areas including wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, and felonies. He is a co-founder of the Community Legal Assistance Center and a member of several professional associations.

Gregory A. Yates

Gregory A. Yates is a renowned personal injury attorney and a member of the California State Bar since 1974, with over 45 years of experience. He is known for his tenacious litigation and high success rates in complex cases, including catastrophic injuries, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, and attorney malpractice. Mr. Yates was lead counsel in the LAPD Rampart corruption scandal, recovering over $20 million for clients, and was involved in a $144 million settlement for Native American tribes. He graduated from the University of South Dakota’s School of Law.

Dennis J. Sherwin

Los Angeles personal injury lawyer Dennis J. Sherwin has dedicated his practice to representing the injured in personal injury cases. He has successfully tried dozens of cases to verdict and obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements, including for families of deceased victims in wrongful death cases. Mr. Sherwin received his BA from Cal State Northridge in 1969 and his JD from Loyola University School of Law in 1972. He is a member of the California and Los Angeles Bar Associations, the Inland Empire Bar Association, the Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Consumer Attorneys of California and as a Superior Court Arbitrator and independent mediator.