January 2026

Most adults who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not typically recognize that they’ve suffered an injury. They might feel “shaken up” or “off,” but the extent of their ailment may not be clear until they receive a formal diagnosis. Concussions and contusions are among the formal types of TBIs that you might suffer in a car accident, fall, workplace accident, or other unanticipated circumstance. You may be entitled to compensation fo... Read More

Most people who suffer whiplash do not immediately think about lawsuits. They think about getting over the pain as soon as possible, getting back to work, and getting their life back on track. Yet, recovery and stability become far more probable when a car accident victim receives fair compensation for their whiplash. A lawsuit can be one pathway to such fair compensation. Once they acknowledge their need for a fair settlement or judgment, ... Read More

If you live in or visit Newport Beach long enough, you get used to traffic being part of daily life. Even the scenic roadways of Pacific Coast Highway, Jamboree Road, and the turns around Balboa Island have traffic. While you can get used to this traffic, you can’t get used to being in an accident or suffering a potentially severe, lingering back injury during such a collision. There is no way for a victim to prepare for the jarring, painfu... Read More

When you have suffered an injury at work, you might face a series of pressing questions. Who is paying for medical care? How long will I be out of work? What happens if your body does not conform to the expected recovery timeline? How will I cover the financial costs and losses resulting from this injury? Here’s one more question that injured workers don’t always consider, but should: Can I file a third-party claim, or is a workers’ compens... Read More

Truck accidents caused by trucking company violations of FMCSA rules can have devastating consequences. These regulations exist to ensure driver safety, prevent fatigue, and maintain vehicle reliability. When companies fail to comply—by pressuring drivers to exceed hours of service, neglecting maintenance, hiring underqualified drivers, or encouraging falsified logs—the risks of serious collisions increase significantly. Victims of these accid... Read More

On January 10, 2026, Keith More had the immense honor of receiving the Presidential Legacy Award from the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. This award marks its first inaugural presentation, and Keith is deeply humbled to be recognized in this way.

The award celebrates years of dedicated service to our organization, alongside efforts that have made a significant impact in our community. Over the years, Keith has worked tirelessly alongside fellow members to raise over a million dollars for various charities, including the Jessie Rees Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment Disorders, and A Quarter Blue, among others. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in providing support and resources to those in need, and we are proud to have contributed to such noble causes.

In his journey with the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, Keith has had the privilege of serving as a Past President, as well as being recognized as the Board Member of the Year on two occasions and the Member at Large of the Year twice. These experiences have shaped his commitment to justice and community service, and they’ve allowed him to work alongside incredible individuals who share a passion for making a difference.

“Receiving this prestigious award is not just a personal achievement”, said Keith, “it reflects the collective efforts of everyone within our organization. I share this honor with my fellow members, who continually inspire me, and I look forward to continuing our work together to create positive change. Thank you to the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association and all those who have stood by me throughout this journey. Here’s to many more years of service and impact!”

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Commercial truck accidents in Southern California often have devastating consequences, especially when a negligent truck driver is to blame. These collisions can leave victims facing serious injuries, extensive medical treatment, and overwhelming financial stress. From distracted driving and fatigue to unsafe lane changes and violations of federal safety regulations, negligence behind the wheel of a commercial truck can quickly turn a routine ... Read More

Bentley & More LLP is proud to celebrate a historic milestone for our firm and the Orange County legal community: Partner Clare Lucich was officially installed as the 2026 President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) during the organization’s Installation & Judicial Awards Dinner held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the iconic Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.  It was an evening that brings together the most respected trial lawyers, judges, and legal leaders in Southern California.

 

This year’s event honored the Honorable Maria Hernandez for her extraordinary dedication to public service and her leadership within Orange County Superior Court, the third-largest court in California and the sixth-largest in the nation.

 

One of the most meaningful moments of the night was the presentation of a check for $285,000 to NEGU—an incredible charity dedicated to bringing joy and hope to children battling cancer. Each year, the OCTLA Board selects a charitable organization to serve as the focus of our annual fundraising efforts. Over the past five years alone, OCTLA has raised nearly $1.3 million for charitable causes.

 

Former OCTLA President and firm founder Keith More was honored by outgoing President Aaron Hicks with the Presidential Legacy Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the organization, the community, and his leadership in charitable fundraising.

 

A Leader Respected by Courts, Colleagues, and Clients

OCTLA is a nationally recognized organization that advocates for civil justice, courtroom excellence, and consumer protection. As President, Clare Lucich now leads an organization of more than 1,300 trial lawyers,  affiliates, and legal professionals dedicated to protecting the rights of injured people and holding powerful interests accountable.

 

For Clare, this installation represents the culmination of years of service, leadership, and commitment to elevating the profession. A highly accomplished trial lawyer and a respected voice in the courtroom, she has long been known for her integrity, advocacy, and mentorship within the legal community.

 

At Bentley & More LLP, Clare is a driving force behind the firm’s trial strategy, professional development, and commitment to justice. Her presidency is a reflection not only of her individual excellence—but also of the reputation Bentley & More has earned as one of California’s premier trial firms.

 

A Vision for OCTLA’s Future

As President, Clare’s vision—using our collective voice to make a difference both in the courtroom and in the community—will shape her presidency. She shared this message in her closing remarks, emphasizing that we are living in a moment when access to the courts is under real threat. Powerful interests and billion-dollar corporations are working to make it harder for injured people, including survivors of sexual assault, to seek accountability, making the role of trial lawyers more important than ever.

 

Her leadership will help guide OCTLA’s continued influence in legislative advocacy, judicial engagement, and the defense of civil jury trials—an increasingly critical mission in today’s legal climate.

 

Bentley & More LLP: Proud to Stand Behind Its Leaders

Bentley & More LLP has long been known for producing not just outstanding trial results, but also leaders who shape the profession. Clare Lucich’s installation as OCTLA President further solidifies the firm’s role at the forefront of California’s trial-lawyer community.

 

Managing Partners Greg Bentley and Keith More praised Clare’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to justice, noting that her presidency reflects the values that define Bentley & More: excellence, integrity, and relentless advocacy for clients.

 

Congratulations, President Lucich

We are incredibly proud of Clare Lucich and honored to support her as she leads OCTLA into 2026. Her installation is not only a personal achievement—it is a testament to the strength, credibility, and influence of Bentley & More LLP throughout the legal community.

Congratulations, Clare. The future of OCTLA is in exceptional hands.

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