On February 13, 1995, Paul Zuckerman and I officially started Carpenter & Zuckerman. Paul and I met on the first day of law school at Southwestern in Los Angeles. We graduated together in 1991, studied and took the bar together, and then shipped our Harley Davidsons to Europe where we toured the continent on our bikes while waiting for our bar results. I still like to do motorcycle cases.
I am an experienced jury trial lawyer. Over nearly 30 years, I have won more than $100 million for individuals with life-altering injuries. My practice focuses on helping clients with the gravest injuries – especially traumatic brain injuries – recover the money they need to re-establish their lives.
I am a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. I pride myself on trying tough but meritorious cases; I do not take the easy cases to trial and then brag about the results. I started out handling and trying cases other law firms rejected. I know how to try tough cases and get good results. In 2017, I was nominated for “Attorney of the Year” by the prestigious Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA). In addition to trial work, I also have an active appellate practice. Twice the California Supreme Court has granted my petitions for review. I have been selected as a Top 100 Attorney and have had work recognized by VerdictSearch’s “Verdict of the Week.”
Personal Life
I was raised by a single mother from the age of 6 months in Los Angeles County. My mom worked two jobs, one as a legal secretary and the other as a waitress to support me. My mom met and eventually married a lawyer named Greg Larson when I was in the 4th grade. It was the first time I had a father in my life. Greg turned out to be the most influential person in my life. Greg is my dad and I am the man I am today very much because of him.
I am very passionate about the welfare of children; I have two youngsters of my own. My daughter Charlotte was born in March of 2011. My son Jack was born in November of 2016. I waited to start having a family because I was afraid I wouldn’t be a good father because of all the time I spent working on and trying cases. So, I waited until I knew I had the time to do a good job and be present for my kids. Getting married and having kids is the best decision I ever made. I love being a husband and father; it is the best part of my life. In my spare time I love the ocean, sailing and surfing.
