Gary Dordick

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Riverside • Civil Litigation

Pursuing plaintiff's personal injury cases since 1987, Gary Dordick's recent career has been highlighted by the largest verdict in history for a sexual abuse case and is believed to be the largest single plaintiff compensatory damage personal injury verdict ever recorded: $2.28 billion.

The female victim was raped and sexually assaulted by her stepfather during her childhood from the ages of five through 14. Doe v. Fitzgerald, CVR12100419 (Riverside Co. Super. Ct., filed Jan. 28, 2021).

"It is important because it brings awareness to the community that juries will punish those who commit acts of sexual misconduct and those who enable them," Dordick said. "A trial of this nature allowed our client to tell her story in court as part of her healing process and to enjoy the vindication of a record award. She was heard."

His professional ethos extends to the culture he cultivates at his firm, where he works alongside his children, Michelle, Taylor and Dylan. The intermingling of familial and professional relationships has brought its own set of dynamics, with Dordick balancing the dual roles of a father and a mentor, guiding his children to focus particularly on sexual assault cases and taking pride in their development as skilled attorneys.

Dordick's collaborative work with his son Dylan on the Minnifield case resulted in an $8.447 million jury award. Minnifield v. State of California, 19SYCV24850 (Los Angeles Super. Ct., filed July 17, 2019). They represented a man struck in a marked crosswalk by a vehicle whose driver was a government employee.

Such experiences are cherished by Dordick, who values not only the legal victories but also the opportunity to mentor his children in their professional growth.

From his perspective, Dordick said he's seeing many young and talented trial lawyers with diverse backgrounds obtaining great trial results.

"I think the results are going to continue to get better and better with more new lawyers breaking records and raising the bar for everyone," he said. "On the not-so-great side, I do see a growing lack of civility between the younger lawyers and the defense. I think there is a misconception that some lawyers think they must be aggressive and uncooperative to be effective, but the opposite is true. Lawyers tend to be more effective if they master the art of civility and cooperation."

Dordick's achievements extend into the educational sphere as well. In recognition of his contributions, Loyola Law School is set to rename its Advocacy Center building in his honor, establishing "The Dordick Family Trial Advocacy Center."