Kazan Law Attorneys

Gordon Greenwood, Principal

Gordon Greenwood Mesothelioma Lawyer

Admitted

  • California (1988)

Education

  • George Washington University School of Law (J.D., 1988)
  • Morehouse College (B.A., 1985)

I have made a career of representing real people. In 1998, I began working as an Associate at Kazan Law. For more than a decade, I have represented hundreds of persons who either worked with or around asbestos containing products, or whose families worked with these toxins. Also, I have prosecuted claims on behalf of victims of construction accidents and victims of medical malpractice. I have represented clients located throughout the United States, and who worked in various industries, including commercial construction, residential construction, auto maintenance and repair, military service, oil refineries and power plants.

Prior to joining Kazan Law, I spent eight (8) years as a Trial Attorney in the San Francisco Public Defenders Office, defending the rights of those accused of criminal offenses. During my tenure, I conducted more than fifty (50) jury trials, in addition to countless hearings and other administrative proceedings, representing criminal defendants. I count my experience as a Public Defender as career-defining and life-changing—the experience that developed my compassion for representing the under-served and the under-represented.

In addition to maintaining an active practice representing victims of asbestos disease, I also maintain a caseload of pro bono cases. These cases are primarily focused on defending and prosecuting claims related to elder financial abuse. I am also active in fundraising for numerous Democratic political candidates.

I am a member of the State Bar of California, having been admitted in 1988. In addition to the demands of my practice, I have also lectured thorough the United States on subjects related to my practice. Some of my presentations have included:

  • Adjunct Professor, Hastings College of the Law (1996 - 2000)
  • National Co-Chairman Mealey's Asbestos 101 Seminar (2003 - 2005)
  • Presenter, American Law Institute-American Bar Association (Ali-Aba) - Asbestos Litigation: The Changing Landscape (New Orleans, LA - 2007)
  • Guest Lecturer, National Medical Association National Convention (2005 - 2008)
  • Presenter, Emerging Trends In Asbestos Litigation - Marina Del Rey, CA - (2010)
  • Presenter, (Washington DC Seminar 2006)

My participation in the community is extensive. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the following organizations:

  • West Bay Local Development Corporation (Chair)
  • Oakland Babe Ruth Baseball Association
  • Northcoast Express AAU Basketball Association
  • Destined 2 Dance Performing Arts Company
  • Mentor, Chabot Community College Daraja Project
  • Lecturer, Fremont High School Street Law Program
  • Lecturer, Willie Brown Academy Career Symposium

Additionally, I hold memberships in various other organizations:

  • Charles Houston Bar Association (Life Member)
  • National Bar Association (Life Member)
  • American Bar Association
  • Alameda County Bar Association
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Alameda/Contra Costa County Trial Lawyers Association
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • National Association For The Advancement of Colored People (Life Member)
  • Morehouse College Alumni Association (Life Member)

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morehouse College in 1985, and Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University in 1988. At Morehouse, I was active in several student organizations, including being initiated into Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Life Member). At George Washington University, I served on the Moot Court Board, and was President of the Black Law Students Association.