JG

J. Gary Gwilliam

Practicing civil rights in Oakland since 1963.

63+
Years practicing
9
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

J. Gary Gwilliam is an attorney based in Oakland, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Litigation. J. has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer.

Based in
Oakland, CALIFORNIA
Experience
over 63 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Employment · Litigation
  • Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Litigation matters from Oakland, CALIFORNIA.
  • Over 63 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Individuals (Oakland) (2025).

About J. Gary Gwilliam: J. Gary Gwilliam is an attorney based in Oakland, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Litigation. J. has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer.

Areas of practice

Practice focus

J. Gary Gwilliam represents clients in Oakland, California across the following areas of law. Each area links to other verified attorneys with the same focus.

Biography

About J. Gary Gwilliam

Founding Partner

On January 16, 2025,, Gary Gwilliam received the first ever, Legend of The Law, Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Alameda Contra Costs Trial Lawyers Association.

Gary Gwilliam is considered one of the best consumer trial attorneys in the state. His reputation and skill in representing seriously injured plaintiffs is well known. He has tried over 180 jury cases, of which almost 150 were plaintiff civil personal injury cases. He has handled major cases in every area of consumer law, including serious automobile and construction accidents, products liability, medical malpractice, bad faith insurance, civil rights (including police misconduct), wrongful termination and employment discrimination and harassment, and has recently concentrated more in employment law.

A noted lecturer and motivational speaker, he has conducted seminars and workshops around California and the United States for many years. He is the author of numerous articles on California consumer law and is frequently called upon to serve as an expert witness on the standard of care for lawyers’ conduct. He frequently lectures on the topics of substance abuse, stress reduction, improving the quality of life as well as topics related to his practice.

Credentials

Education

  • University of California Berkeley

    J.D. · 1963

Jurisdictions

Bar admissions

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

  • California, The Stat

    1963 · ACTIVE

Recognition

Awards & honors

  • Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Individuals (Oakland)

    2025

  • Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Individuals (Oakland)

    2019

  • Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Individuals (Oakland)

    2017

  • Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Champion of Justice award

    2026

Locations

Office locations

Main office

Gwilliam, Ivary, Chiosso, Cavalli & Brewer

1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1600

Oakland, California 94612

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews

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Frequently asked

Common questions

  • What areas of law does J. Gary Gwilliam practice?

    J. Gary Gwilliam focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, Litigation, and Personal Injury.

  • Where is J. Gary Gwilliam located?

    J. Gary Gwilliam primarily serves clients in Oakland, California, with an office at 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1600.

  • How experienced is J. Gary Gwilliam?

    J. Gary Gwilliam has 63 years of legal practice, having been licensed since 1963.

  • Is J. Gary Gwilliam a verified attorney?

    J. Gary Gwilliam's profile is listed but has not yet been claimed by the attorney. Verification status is pending.

  • How can I schedule a consultation with J. Gary Gwilliam?

    You can book a consultation through LawyersListed directly from this page. Initial outreach can also be made by phone at 510-823-0323.