10 Largest Personal Injury Law Firms in California’s Inland Empire

Power Briefing Source: kampf schiavone & associates, Attorneys

The legal landscape of California is often viewed through the lens of Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the Inland Empire, encompassing the bustling counties of Riverside and San Bernardino, has its own class of legal titans. This guide delves into the powerhouse firms serving this rapidly growing region.

Firm Name	Photo	Pros	Cons	Link
Kampf, Schiavone & Associates		San Bernardino’s largest specialty firm since 1985. Strong focus on workers’ comp and personal injury. High rate of referrals from former clients.	Primary focus is on the Inland Empire, which may be a limitation for clients elsewhere.	Visit Website
McCune Wright		Over $1 billion recovered for clients. Claims to be the largest PI firm in the Inland Empire. Handles class actions and commercial litigation.	Broad practice areas might mean less specialization compared to boutique firms.	Visit Website
BD&J, PC		Over $2 billion recovered collectively. Described as a National Juggernaut. Extensive media features on major news outlets.	Large size could potentially lead to less personalized client attention on smaller cases.	Visit Website
Dordick Law Corporation		Specializes in catastrophic injury and trial litigation. Numerous high-value verdicts, including one for $2.28 billion. Founder is a nine-time Trial Lawyer of the Year.	Highly selective caseload means they may not take on smaller injury claims.	Visit Website

Navigating Justice in the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire’s growth has brought with it an increase in traffic and industrial activity, leading to a corresponding rise in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. This complex environment demands law firms with deep local knowledge, substantial resources, and a proven ability to take on large insurance companies. A CalMatters investigation revealed that nearly 40,000 people have died on California roads over the past decade, prompting local attorneys to call for stronger DUI enforcement in the region. This surge underscores the critical need for powerful legal advocates to secure justice for victims. The firms on this list have been evaluated on criteria that demonstrate their ability to navigate this challenging landscape effectively.

To identify the region’s leading firms, we evaluated them based on several key criteria that reflect both their success and their commitment to the community:

• Total Compensation Recovered: A direct measure of success and experience in securing significant client outcomes.
• Years of Operation: Longevity often correlates with a deep understanding of the local courts and legal community.
• Client Testimonials & Reputation: Strong referral rates and community trust are indicators of excellent service.
• Notable Verdicts: The ability to win substantial, multi-million dollar cases demonstrates a firm’s litigation prowess.
• Local Presence: A dedicated physical presence and focus on serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

1. Kampf, Schiavone & Associates

A cornerstone of the Inland Empire’s legal community, Kampf, Schiavone & Associates has been a dedicated advocate for the injured since 1985. As San Bernardino’s largest specialty law firm, they have honed their expertise in the critical areas of workers’ compensation, personal injury, and medical malpractice. In 2024 alone, San Bernardino County saw 41,786 work-related injuries, highlighting the immense need for specialized local representation. With a legacy of recovering over $250 million for clients, their results speak volumes. The firm is known for tackling complex cases and securing landmark verdicts, including a $6.1 million product liability and a $3.1 million workers’ compensation award.

What truly defines Kampf, Schiavone & Associates is their unwavering client loyalty. Nearly half of their cases stem from referrals by satisfied former clients—a powerful testament to the personalized attention and direct attorney involvement they guarantee. This level of trust is rare, as studies show only 60% of clients would recommend their lawyer to friends or family. By operating on a contingency fee basis, they ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This client-first philosophy has solidified their reputation as a trusted ally for those seeking rightful compensation for medical bills, lost income, and suffering in the heart of the Inland Empire.

2. McCune Wright

Claiming the title of the largest personal injury law firm based in the Inland Empire, McCune Wright is a litigation heavyweight with over $1 billion recovered for its clients. For more than 30 years, the firm has combined the extensive resources of a national practice with the personalized care of a local office. Their attorneys are consistently recognized among the Top 100 trial lawyers and have a proven history of success against major corporations, a critical skill given that corporations and their insurers have vast resources to fight claims. With a strong local presence in Ontario, San Bernardino, and Rancho Mirage, they are deeply invested in the community. Their victories, like the $16.5 million verdict for a family devastated by a drunk driver, demonstrate their commitment to achieving justice for those harmed by negligence.

3. The Dominguez Firm

With an astonishing 96% success rate for cases that go to trial, The Dominguez Firm is an award-winning powerhouse serving all of Southern California. This statistic is particularly impressive when considering that only about 2% of federal civil cases are resolved by trial. Since its founding in 1987 by CEO Juan J. Dominguez, the firm has secured over $1 billion for its clients. Their large team of over 120 professionals, including skilled trial lawyers, investigators, and paralegals, works collaboratively to handle complex litigation in-house. While headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm maintains a significant presence in the Inland Empire, offering its formidable resources to residents of San Bernardino and Riverside. Their commitment to serving diverse populations is exceptional, with support available in more than 10 languages.

4. Anand Desai Law Firm

Serving clients across Riverside and San Bernardino, the Anand Desai Law Firm is a boutique practice that brings a trial-ready, aggressive approach to every case. The firm’s edge comes from founder Anand Desai, who spent over 13 years as a Los Angeles County Public Defender, where he honed formidable litigation skills in thousands of cases. Public defenders often handle caseloads far exceeding national standards, providing them with an unparalleled volume of courtroom experience. This extensive background translates into a powerful advantage for his personal injury clients. The firm champions transparency and clear communication, ensuring clients are informed and empowered at every step. Operating on a no fee unless we win basis, they provide dedicated advocacy without any upfront financial burden.

5. BD&J, PC

Often described as a National Juggernaut, BD&J, PC has collectively recovered over $2 billion for clients across California in its 20+ years of operation. The firm’s high-profile cases have earned it features on major news networks like CNN, ABC, and Fox News, and its attorneys have received top ratings from Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell. Positive media coverage can significantly impact a firm’s reputation and client trust, as media relations are a key component of modern legal marketing. They handle a wide spectrum of personal injury cases, from catastrophic car accidents to police brutality. A key part of their service includes providing comprehensive support, connecting clients with medical providers, and expertly negotiating medical liens to maximize the net compensation clients receive.

6. Dordick Law Corporation

Known as The Trial Virtuoso, Dordick Law Corporation is a highly specialized firm focused on catastrophic personal injury cases. Founder Gary A. Dordick, a nine-time Trial Lawyer of the Year, personally oversees every case, ensuring each client receives unparalleled attention. This boutique approach means they maintain a highly selective caseload to dedicate maximum resources to achieving justice for those who have suffered the most severe injuries. Cases involving catastrophic injuries often result in significantly higher awards, with traumatic brain injury cases averaging settlements well into six or seven figures. Since 1987, the firm has achieved staggering verdicts, including awards of $125 million for personal injury and $72.6 million for a dangerous road condition case. With an office in Riverside, they are formidable litigators who exclusively fight for plaintiffs against powerful corporations and government entities.

7. Aitken Aitken Cohn

Aitken Aitken Cohn is a nationally recognized, family-led firm renowned for its aggressive advocacy and record-setting verdicts. With a dedicated office in Riverside, they are deeply committed to serving the Inland Empire community. The firm is led by founder Wylie Aitken and his children, creating a unique multi-generational team of legal experts who bring a collaborative and deeply personal commitment to their clients. Family-run firms often boast a unique culture that can translate into higher levels of client trust and long-term strategic thinking. They operate on a contingency fee basis, removing any financial risk for clients seeking justice. Their reputation is built on taking complex cases to trial and winning, making them a powerful choice for individuals facing life-altering injuries.

8. Ochoa & Calderon

With over $100 million recovered and 20 years of combined experience, the Riverside-based firm of Ochoa & Calderon is a trusted specialist in personal injury and workers’ compensation. A key differentiator is their fully bilingual platform, providing seamless and empathetic service to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. This is crucial in a diverse region where over half the population of both Riverside and San Bernardino counties is Hispanic. Their expertise is especially vital as complex regional issues, such as workers’ comp fraud investigations, can sometimes complicate legitimate claims. By guiding clients through complex claims while aggressively negotiating with insurance companies, their contingency fee model ensures that expert legal help is available to all members of the community.

9. Sanford A. Kassel, APLC

Representing clients in the Inland Empire since 1981, Sanford A. Kassel, APLC is a trusted, plaintiff-focused trial law firm with a remarkable multi-generational legacy in San Bernardino. Carrying on a family tradition that began in 1957, founder Sanford A. Kassel is a seasoned litigator who has taken over 100 cases to trial. This is a significant number, as the average civil litigator may only try a handful of cases to verdict in their entire career. This extensive courtroom experience allows the firm to achieve major verdicts in complex medical malpractice and wrongful death matters. The firm prides itself on delivering the personal, dedicated attention of a local practice while possessing the experience of a powerful trial firm. This blend of community roots and courtroom prowess makes them a formidable advocate for the injured.

10. The Ledger Law Firm

Considered one of the biggest personal injury firms in California, The Ledger Law Firm boasts an impressive success rate of 95-98% and has recovered over $100 million for its clients. With a large team of over 80 legal professionals, they have the scale and experience to manage highly complex cases, including difficult pharmaceutical product liability lawsuits. Litigation against pharmaceutical companies is notoriously complex and expensive, with the industry spending billions annually on legal defenses and lobbying. The firm’s client-centered approach emphasizes constant communication and compassionate service, ensuring clients feel supported and informed throughout the entire legal process. This combination of size, success, and service makes them a top contender for personal injury representation in the region.

Choosing the Right Advocate for Your Case

Selecting a personal injury law firm in the Inland Empire is a critical decision that can shape your financial and physical recovery. While large recovery numbers and national accolades are impressive, the right firm for you will also offer personalized attention, transparent communication, and a deep understanding of the local legal system. The process of choosing a lawyer is one of the most important decisions a client makes, as research indicates clients prioritize responsiveness and understanding above all else. Whether you are dealing with a workplace injury, a car accident, or a catastrophic event, the firms on this list have demonstrated the experience and dedication required to fight for the justice you deserve.