Brian S. Kabateck

"I think it's all about trying to make a difference and being part of a community," said Kabateck of his motivation for the work he does. His cases continue to have broad impacts beyond the courtroom.

In 2014, Kabateck's case against Justmugshots.com prompted the California Legislature to pass Senate Bill 1027 that prohibits websites from posting mug shots and then charging a fee to remove the photos. Kabateck represents Zim Rogers, who was denied a job when his potential employer discovered his mug shot. Rogers was never charged in connection with the arrest. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law in August 2014.

Kabateck also represents a class of plaintiffs against 28 California wineries that make and sell wines with high levels of inorganic arsenic. "We filed this case because we believe the public has the right to know when there's excessive arsenic in their wine. We think also, and most importantly, the wine industry has to clean up its business and has to be more responsible to consumers."

- HETERT-QEBU WALTERS