Clay Robbins

Clay Robbins III: Leading Transportation Accident and Mass Disaster Attorney

For over 35 years, Clay Robbins III has been a dedicated champion for victims and their families nationwide, securing significant compensation in complex commercial transportation accident and mass disaster litigation. As a shareholder in the Los Angeles office of Wisner Baum (formerly Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman), Clay brings a wealth of experience and a deeply ingrained commitment to justice to every case he handles. A third-generation California attorney, he specializes in securing justice for individuals injured in devastating accidents involving commercial vehicles – tractor-trailers, buses, airplanes, boats, and auto defects – often stemming from negligence and product liability.

Clay's career is built on a proven track record of success, consistently achieving substantial outcomes for his clients. He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a relentless advocate driven by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those impacted by serious accidents. His expertise extends across a wide range of jurisdictions and complex legal issues, including federal and general maritime law, significantly bolstering his ability to represent clients effectively.

Prior to joining Wisner Baum, Clay’s 20+ years as a partner at Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy provided him with invaluable experience handling high-profile catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He demonstrated his strategic acumen and courtroom skills by successfully representing plaintiffs in an aviation insurance bad faith action, resulting in the recovery of over $9 million in compensatory and punitive damages – a testament to his ability to challenge corporate misconduct and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Another significant victory involved representing the heirs of a trucker who tragically lost his life in a highway accident involving another long-haul truck. Clay secured a seven-figure resolution on behalf of his clients, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the rights of those affected by preventable accidents. He has also successfully represented a young woman who sustained life-altering injuries – including brain damage and hemiplegia – following an airbag failure during a vehicle collision, ultimately securing a multi-million-dollar verdict at trial and retaining that judgment through successful appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. This case highlighted his expertise in complex product liability litigation and his ability to hold manufacturers accountable for defective designs and faulty components.

Clay’s commitment to justice extends beyond individual cases. He notably represented the interests of a bus company and manufacturer involved in a devastating bus crash, resulting in a multi-million-dollar award for the represented parties and reinforcing his ability to navigate complex legal battles within the transportation industry. He has also consistently achieved favorable outcomes in numerous boating accident cases, litigating personal injury and wrongful death claims for passengers injured on tour boats, pleasure craft, cruise ships, charter boats, and competitive fishing boats, as well as representing seaman injured on commercial ships.

Currently, Clay is representing several passengers injured in Hawaii while on a lava boat that came too close to the active lava flow from the Kilauea volcano, where passengers were injured when lava bombs rained down on them. This case highlights his extensive experience with federal and general maritime law and his ability to handle unique and challenging situations.

Throughout his distinguished career, Clay Robbins III has consistently been recognized for his exceptional legal abilities and ethical standards. He has earned the coveted Peer Review Rating of A.V. Preeminent (5.0 out of 5) from Martindale Hubbell, the national directory of attorneys, a testament to his sustained excellence and commitment to client satisfaction. Furthermore, he has been appointed Judge Pro Tem by the Los Angeles County Superior Court, reflecting his respected standing within the legal community. His dedication to his craft and unwavering pursuit of justice have made him a trusted and respected legal counsel for individuals and families facing devastating injuries.

Practice Areas: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Aviation Law, Maritime Law

Awards & Recognition: Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Recognized: Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Practice Area: Aviation Law, California Regional Powerhouse, Law360 Regional Powerhouse Series, 2021, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers, Listed, The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™, AV® Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating - Martindale Hubbell®

Education & Credentials: Clay Robbins III is a third-generation California lawyer with a deeply rooted understanding of the legal landscape. He's consistently recognized as a leading attorney through numerous accolades, including his A.V. Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, which underscores his high level of legal ability and ethical standards. His appointment as Judge Pro Tem by the Los Angeles County Superior Court further validates his respected standing within the legal community.

In His Free Time: Clay enjoys traveling with his wife, Kimberly, spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, and pursuing his passions for running and fishing in the Pacific Northwest, often alongside his brother. He is also a devoted fan of UCLA athletics, passionately supporting the Bruins.