MUNI ACCIDENTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Lawyers Association, Member
If You Are Wronged, We Will Make It Right. Schedule A Free Confidential Consultation At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we empower our clients. We take on the largest law firms, toughest insurance defense lawyers and largest companies with confidence. * Bold text labels are required for submission | We practice in California only.
Brad joined Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP in April 2022, with a desire to help those injured by the wrongful conduct of others obtain the substantial verdicts and settlements that they deserve. Brad's practice areas include Employment, Sexual Abuse and Harassment, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Products Liability. Brad also carries the designation of Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and handles Privacy issues related to HIPAA, the CCPA, and other information privacy laws.
Prior to starting his legal career, Brad obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. After law school, Brad began his legal career working at a national law firm where he defended medical malpractice, medical products liability, sexual abuse and harassment, and general liability actions. The invaluable experience gained defending large corporations and individuals has allowed Brad to use the defendant's strategies against them for the benefit of his clients.
After his time as defense counsel, Brad became an in-house trial attorney for a large workers' compensation and property/casualty insurance company. Brad practiced in Federal and State courts throughout California and the United States, pursuing, as a plaintiff, general products liability, trucking and catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and breach of contract actions. This position allowed Brad to see the inner workings of insurance companies, including becoming very knowledgeable on how claims are evaluated, coverage is determined, and settlements are paid. This exposure allows Brad to call defendants and insurance companies out for bad faith tactics to maximize the recovery for his clients. During his tenure, Brad tried numerous cases through verdicts and obtained millions of dollars in recoveries and benefit offsets against major corporations and insurance companies.
Following Brad's plaintiff work, winning million-dollar awards and settlements for his clients, he sees his job at WBS not so much as a career shift, but, rather, as another opportunity to represent severely harassed, abused, and injured individuals deeply in need of compensation for their often life and career-altering injuries.
In his free time, Brad enjoys spending his time with his wife, daughter, and dog. Brad enjoys ice hockey, golf, yoga, and traveling with his family.
Job Titles:
- Administrative and Intake Coordinator Assistant
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate With Winer
Elana R. Jacobs is a Senior Associate with Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP in their Oakland office where she primarily represents employees and other harmed individuals in harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual assault, and civil rights cases. Elana is dedicated not only to zealous representation of her clients, but also to ensuring her clients understand and have access to the judicial process. Elana has experience working with Spanish-speaking clients and speaks Spanish herself. (La abogada Elana Jacobs habla español). She is particularly passionate about representing women who have been sexually harassed and members of other traditionally marginalized groups.
While at the firm, Elana has gained experience in trial and arbitration, representing workers who were harassed and discriminated against, and even a child who was assaulted at school. Because of this experience, Elana is comfortable demanding full compensation for a client and arguing the case in front a jury if necessary. Prior to working for WB&S, Elana worked with other employment discrimination firms in the Bay Area, representing workers. She also worked in the Office of Campus Counsel at the University of California, Santa Cruz working on campus assault and discrimination issues (Title IX).
She has published an article on Intimate Partner Violence with D. Kelly Weisberg, entitled, Doctors Miss Signs of IPV in Certain Patient Groups, was recently published in Family and Intimate Partner Violence Quarterly.
Elana earned her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. She graduated cum laude. During law school, she won the Witkin Award for Excellence in her Domestic Violence and Criminal Sentencing classes; she also won an award for her Moot Court brief. Elana externed for a judge in the Superior Court of San Francisco and volunteered at the UC Hastings Civil Justice Clinic and Legal Aid at Work's (formerly Employment Law Center's) Workers' Rights Clinic. Additionally, she was a member of the Hastings Women's Law Journal and a research and teaching assistant. Elana graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts with a degree in sociology.
She is a licensed member of the State Bar of California, and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.
Job Titles:
- Member of the State Bar of California
Erika Scott rejoined Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP as a Senior Associate in July 2018 and is now a Managing Partner. She previously worked for the firm as an associate from 2008 to 2010. Erika's practice focuses on harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, sexual assault, and civil rights violations in the workplace as well as sexual abuse cases against health care providers.
Since returning to Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, Erika has gained trial experience as well as achieved extensive successes for her clients through the mediation process. Erika has litigated hundreds of cases from start to finish against the largest defense firms in California, achieving successful results for her clients in 99% of her cases. Erika is passionate about using the law to advance social justice work on behalf of individuals whose civil rights have been violated. Erika does not hesitate to use all of the tools available to secure the best possible results for her clients.
Prior to returning to Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, Erika's career focused on social justice, serving as the Executive Director of a women's health non-profit in Oakland and working with numerous national non-profits to protect the environment and to protect and advance the rights of historically marginalized populations.
Erika graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law with a certificate in Public Interest Law, awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to practicing law for the public good. In addition, Erika received numerous awards for her academic achievement, including a Merit Scholarship and a space on the Moot Court Board. Erika was also a recipient of the Foundation of the State Bar of California Scholarship, the Frederick W. Bradley Endowed Scholarship, was a Public Interest Law Scholar, and received the Paul S. Jordan Achievement Award for Service and Contribution. Erika received the CALI Excellence Award for both Employment Discrimination and Women and the Law as well as the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Civil Procedure. During law school Erika served as the Chair of both the Public Interest Law Foundation and GGU's chapter of Law Students for Reproductive Justice, clerked at Legal Aid of Marin, and volunteered with Equal Rights Advocates. Erika graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies.
Erika is a licensed member of the State Bar of California and admitted to practice in the United States District Court in the Northern District of California.
John D. Winer is recognized statewide by his colleagues as an outstanding litigation and trial attorney. He has obtained record-setting verdicts and settlements over the last 36 years, often in cases in which his client's economic survival and ability to overcome serious trauma and the death of a loved one were at stake.
John Winer is frequently asked to lecture to other attorneys in his areas of specialty and emphasis including wrongful death, serious personal injury, psychological injury, employment litigation, psychotherapist malpractice, healthcare provider sexual abuse, workplace sexual harassment, elder abuse, traumatic brain injury and catastrophic injury cases. See Practice Areas page for complete list.
Job Titles:
- Judge Trial Advocacy Program, Golden Gate University
Julia Crawford is an Associate with Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP in their Oakland office where she primarily represents employees and other harmed individuals in harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual assault, and civil rights cases. Julia is dedicated to vigorously advocating for her clients and desires to make a positive impact on the lives of those she represents. Julia is passionate about representing members of traditionally marginalized groups and helping level any imbalance of power for those wronged. Julia spent the beginning of her career fighting for worker's rights and civil liberties with no sign of changing course anytime soon.
Julia earned her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, where she graduated cum laude. During law school, she received the CALI Award for Excellence for Employment Law and Labor Law. Further, Julia made a tangible impact during her time at school earning her multiple merit scholarships, the Public Interest Achievement Award, and the Outstanding Contributions to UC Hastings Community-Student Organization Award. Julia volunteered for Legal Aid at Work's Workers' Rights Clinic and Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Clinic. Additionally, she was the president of the American Constitutional Society's UC Hastings Chapter, where she effected change on the university by implementing policies to support survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Julia was
also a member and Executive Productions Editor of the Hastings Gender and the Law Journal (formally the Hastings Women's Law Journal) and a research assistant, teaching assistant, and tutor. Julia graduated from University of Washington-Seattle with a degree in Political Science and minors in Human Rights and Law, Society, and Justice.
Kathy McCormac joined Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP in February 2020 to manage cases of Boy Scout Leader Abuse. Prior to becoming an Attorney, she was a Pediatric Registered Nurse and has been a long-time advocate of protection of children.
Kathy began her legal career in Los Angeles handling childhood sexual abuse cases. She maintains her own firm and has represented individuals in abuse claims since 1995. Kathy has litigated cases, successfully arbitrated, settled and tried cases for her clients since 1992. She has argued appellate cases related to discrimination before the California and 9th Circuit Courts. In addition, she represents health care workers in discipline matters.
Kathy graduated from the University of Missouri with a BSN and from Loyola Law School in 1991. She is a published author who regularly speaks on legal topics in her areas of expertise. Kathy is a member of the American Association of Nurse Attorneys, 2010 President and recipient of the Cynthia Northrop Distinguished Service Award; The AIDS Legal Panel Referral and recipient of the San Francisco Attorney of the Year in 1999; The Lawyers Club of San Francisco and Recipient of the Northern California Super Lawyer distinction.
Kelli Burritt has successfully represented injured employees and consumers in both state and federal court, and has helped those clients obtain multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
Ms. Burritt has dedicated her entire legal career to assisting individuals who have been injured or damaged by the negligence of others, including large national corporations and companies.
Prior to joining Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, Ms. Burritt has gained significant experience and prestige while working with two other well respected firms.
While an associate at the firm of Taylor & Ring, she focused on representing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and catastrophic personal injuries. She achieved great success for her clients, including numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. These settlements include a $5,6000,000 settlement to a man who became a paraplegic as a result of a defective product; a $1,860,000 settlement for two young female students who were sexually abused by their volleyball coach; a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman who had been sexually abused during her employment with a police department by two police officers; a $2,000,000 settlement for a woman whose doctor's negligence after she gave birth to triplets led to a catastrophic stroke; and a $1,350,000 verdict for a man whose doctor failed to timely diagnose his prostate cancer.
While an associate at another personal injury/employment litigation firm, Ms. Burritt also successfully represented her clients, including receiving the following settlements and verdicts: $500,000 verdict for a man who was sexually harassed by his male supervisor; a $400,000 settlement for a woman who suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of a defective roadway; a $250,000 verdict for a woman whose husband died due to the negligence of his doctor in failing to timely discover and treat his colon cancer; and a $200,000 verdict for a woman who was injured due to the negligence of a large retail store.
Ms. Burritt won numerous awards for her trial and appellate advocacy skills while at Pepperdine, including First Place in the Fall Individual Advocacy Tournament and Semi-Finalist in the National Appellate Advocacy Competition. She also competed on the National Trial Team and was a member of the Moot Court Board.
Ms. Burritt is excited to open the Los Angeles office of Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP. She will continue to advocate zealously to ensure the best interests of her clients while working to achieve justice for them through the legal process.
Job Titles:
- Senior Writer / Senior Paralegal
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel With Winer
Matt Vandall is Senior Counsel with Winer, Burritt and Scott, LLP, in their Oakland office where he represents employees that have been treated unlawfully by their employers. His primary focus is on harassment, discrimination and retaliation matters, but Matt represents employees in all aspects of the employment relationship. Matt began his career as a defense attorney representing management in employment matters at some of California's largest law firms, including a long term role as a partner at the world's largest law firm dedicated exclusively to employment matters. Nearly a decade ago, Matt had a change of heart and decided to help employees fight for justice when wronged by their employer. Matt has extensive experience in trial and arbitration and is skilled at working with clients through every step of the litigation process.
Matt earned his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. During law school, he won awards for academic excellence in Civil Rights and Employment Discrimination. He was also a contributing author to the Hastings International and Comparative Law Journal. Matt graduated from Lafayette College with a degree in Economics & Business. He is a licensed member of the State Bar of California and admitted to practice in the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California.
Michael joined Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP in February 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Michael gained extensive experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of cases, including employment cases involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wages claims, and personal injury cases. Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants, Michael brings a unique perspective to addressing the needs and concerns of wronged employees and injured individuals. Michael is dedicated to providing clients with professional, detail-oriented representation, zealous advocacy, and equal access to justice.
Before leaving Ohio to start his legal career, Michael received his B.A. from the University of Mount Union in 2006 with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and his J.D. from the University of Dayton, School of Law in 2011. Michael became a licensed member of the State Bar of California in March 2012.
In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, jogging, playing with his two cats, and relaxing with his partner.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Trial Lawyer 's Association
Shannan Dugan is a former Assistant District Attorney in the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and has specialized primarily in criminal defense for the last 20 years. She has handled hundreds of criminal cases from pre-filing negotiations to jury trial. She has helped clients in all types of cases, from driving under the influence, possession and sale of narcotics, theft, domestic violence, assault and battery, sexual assault, multi-defendant federal drug and conspiracy cases to homicide. Ms. Dugan has represented clients throughout California, including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Napa, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, Solano, Sacramento, and Los Angeles counties, as well as in select out-of-state cases.
Ms. Dugan has been a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Trial Lawyer's Association for over ten years and the editor of its quarterly magazine, "The Trial Lawyer." She has published articles on various criminal law issues, and has also been a featured speaker on topics such as cross examination.
Ms. Dugan is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible. The "AV" rating identifies a lawyer with very high to preeminent legal ability, and is a reflection of their expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence. It indicates the highest professional and ethical standards and is the result of extensive peer review by other lawyers.
Ms. Dugan has her own firm and also handles the criminal cases that are referred to Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP. This allows the firm to take on significant criminal cases when a client or client's friend or family member develops problems in this area of the law.
Ms. Dugan is known as a tenacious and passionate advocate who always goes the extra mile for her clients. Her knowledge from being both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and her extensive courtroom experience, allow her to get the best possible result for people facing criminal charges.
Ms. Dugan can be reached through Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP or at: