Andrew R. Gillin

Practice areas

Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Animal Bites, Brain Injury, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury – Plaintiff, Premises Liability – Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death

Attorney Andy Gillin serves as a founding partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys. Originally from Southern California, he relocated to Northern California to pursue his education at U.C. Berkeley during the late 1960s. While at U.C. Berkeley, Andy was fortunate to study under the mentorship of two distinguished legal scholars, Jacobus tenBroek and Al Bendich, whom he held in great esteem. Following the attainment of his bachelor’s degree, he opted to further his studies at the University of Chicago, where he successfully earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Upon completing his studies, Andy returned to the Bay Area and joined the San Mateo County Legal Aid Society, embarking on his legal career as a public service attorney, primarily assisting low-income families and individuals. A few years later, a former mentor approached Andy with the proposition of venturing into personal injury law. This marked a pivotal shift as personal injury law became a central focus, stemming from his dedication to aiding those in need, culminating in the establishment of GJEL in 1972.

Throughout his professional journey, Andy has contributed prolifically through writing and speaking engagements on subjects related to personal injury law, encompassing settlement strategies and trial practices. His audience includes various organizations, among them the California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) and other professional associations. He even authored a guide for fledgling attorneys, detailing the initial hundred days of a major case, which was featured in the California Trial Lawyers Syllabus.

With experience in both state and federal courts, Andy maintains active involvement in numerous legal associations, such as the American Association for Justice, the State Bar of California, and the California Trial Lawyers Association. His outstanding accomplishments and commitment to ethical standards have earned him an esteemed AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, alongside recognition in prominent listings like Super Lawyers and the Best Lawyers in America.

Since the inception of GJEL, Andy has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of countless injured plaintiffs. His portfolio boasts several settlements and verdicts exceeding $1,000,000, illustrating his grasp of the transformative impact of personal injuries. A noteworthy case involved a class action against Tenet Healthcare Corporation, addressing unnecessary surgeries conducted at Redding Medical Center in 2002. The lawsuit encompassed a total of 769 claims, with GJEL contributing 183. The successful outcome secured $117 million in damages for GJEL clients and prompted a significant overhaul of Tenet’s corporate governance. Through this collective effort, Andy and the GJEL team brought about positive change to Tenet’s practices, subsequently mitigating the risk of similar incidents.

As the managing partner, Andy dedicates his days to advising on various cases undertaken by the firm, engaging in strategic discussions with fellow partners. He derives immense satisfaction from his deep involvement in cases and collaborative work with colleagues. Outside of work, he cherishes moments spent with loved ones and indulges his passion for classic rock music. Spot him in the early morning hours strolling around his neighborhood, immersed in tunes from Janis Joplin and The Youngbloods through his headphones.

*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are trademarks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., employed in line with Martindale-Hubbell’s certification procedures and standards. Martindale-Hubbell administers a peer review rating process, with ratings reflecting the anonymous assessments of legal professionals and members of the judiciary. These assessments pertain to legal ability and general ethical standards.

Furthermore, Mr. Gillin is renowned as the author of the widely acclaimed Personal Injury Lawsuit Timeline, a resource that outlines the anticipated duration of an average case.