Rick Gazipura – Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer

I was born in Santa Cruz County and went to high school in Monterey. I received my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cell Biology and a Minor in Business. After college, I got a job in San Diego working as a research assistant in a biotech lab doing gene sequencing using mass spectrometry. I also taught English at a technical university in China.

I went to Santa Clara University School of Law where I received the Witkins Award (top of the class) in my Trial Techniques course. I also received a Pro Bono Award for volunteering at the Katherine and George Alexander Free Legal Clinic, helping a client with his asylum petition in Immigration Court. I was on the School’s Trial Team as well, traveling to other schools to compete.

In 2008 I graduated and passed the bar. I worked as a public defender (and also handled some private criminal defense work) in Inyo County from 2009-2012. When I left Inyo County, I was awarded a plaque for “Exemplary Service to Inyo County and its Community.”

I worked as a public defender in Tulare County from 2012-2013. And then as a public defender in Santa Cruz from 2013-2017. As a public defender and private attorney, I’ve handled thousands of cases and tried many misdemeanor and felony cases.

I’m also a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and on the Board of the Santa Cruz County Bar Association.

I’m proud to be a native of Santa Cruz and have served my community in the legal field since 2008.