Firm News

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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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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When a sudden disaster, utility failure, or access restriction interrupts your business operations or forces tenants out of your property, the financial fallout can be immediate and overwhelming. Business interruption insurance and loss of rent insurance exist to protect your income during these difficult periods, but determining which coverage applies—and proving the value of your losses—is not always straightforward. Many policyholders disco... Read More

A Powerful Recognition of Excellence in Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Advocacy Bentley & More LLP is proud to announce that founding partner Gregory Bentley has been honored as a 2025 Daily Journal Top Plaintiff Lawyer, one of the most prestigious recognitions for plaintiff trial attorneys in California. This elite distinction spotlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and success while fightin... Read More

At Bentley & More LLP, our mission has always been simple: stand up for injured workers and fight for the justice they deserve. Every case is personal, and every client’s story matters. Recently, we received a powerful review from a workers’ compensation client whose journey reflects exactly why we do what we do. From the very beginning, this family faced a long, difficult, and emotionally exhausting battle. They shared that our workers’ ... Read More

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Generally, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured during your lunch break in California, but coverage is not automatic. Your eligibility often depends on a series of specific exceptions to a rule known as the "going and coming" rule. Whether your injury occurred on your employer’s property, if you were performing a task for your employer, or in other specific circumstances, will determine if your injury is... Read More

The short answer to whether you can be terminated while on workers' comp in California is complex: yes, it is possible, but it is illegal for your employer to fire you because you filed a workers' compensation claim or were injured on the job. California law provides strong protections against this kind of retaliation. Understanding the difference between a lawful termination and an illegal one is crucial for protecting your rights and your fu... Read More

Determining who is at fault in a car accident while changing lanes in California usually starts with the driver who made the move. In most situations, the driver who changes lanes has a legal responsibility to make sure the path is clear and it is safe to proceed. However, California law recognizes that fault is not always absolute, and other factors, such as the speed or attentiveness of the other driver, can play a significant role in the fi... Read More

Yes, in many cases, you are required by law to report a car accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This requirement is completely separate from calling 911 or having the police file a report at the scene. If the collision involved an injury, a fatality, or property damage that appears to be more than $1,000, you have a legal duty to file a special report. Knowing when and how to do this is key to protecting your rights ... Read More

It’s a natural human reflex: when you fall, you put your hands out to break the impact. While this instinct can protect your head and vital organs, it often results in severe injuries from falling and landing on your hands. The force of your body weight concentrating on your wrists, hands, and arms can cause complex fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage that may require surgery and lead to long-term complications. If your fall was... Read More

Between 15% and 26% of California drivers are uninsured, according to a report from the Insurance Research Council. Some drivers, however, will not own up to being uninsured after an accident and instead provide fraudulent information. Often, it can take days to discover this deception, only raising the stakes for an insurance claim in the process. False information does not mean the other party is liable for their own damages, nor does it mea... Read More

As California drivers, we have a responsibility to keep our vehicles in good condition and repair any defects if necessary. To protect the safety of drivers on the road, California requires that all eligible vehicles in the state undergo a vehicle safety inspection to help keep the roads safe and decrease car accidents. While not all vehicles have to undergo an inspection, the majority of drivers are subject to this requirement. It is importan... Read More

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury in California, it’s crucial to understand how workers’ compensation settlements are calculated. This knowledge can help you maximize your benefits and ensure fair compensation for your injuries. You need to understand the factors that impact settlement amounts and the key considerations involved in calculating your workers’ compensation settlement. To protect your rights and ensure you receive the fu... Read More

Researchers say that there are as many as 300,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the United States. Additionally, around 18,000 people sustain a new spinal cord injury each year across the country. Often, these incidents are caused by vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, sports injuries, or another type of severe incident. But does a spinal cord injury qualify for disability? Let’s discuss whether a person with a spinal cord ... Read More

There are various reasons why a person may need to remove their breast implants. One reason may be that your doctor has determined that doing so is medically necessary. Furthermore, a person may also want to have their breast implants removed if those implants have been recalled. But who pays for breast implant recall surgery? Needing to have your breast implants removed due to health risks is a real possibility, especially for those who ha... Read More

Bicycle helmets save lives. Unfortunately, many individuals choose not to wear a bicycle helmet when they head out for some riding. This can be deadly. According to the National Safety Council, approximately one-third of all non-fatal bicycle injuries are head injuries. Data also shows that most of the 80,000 bicycle-related head injuries treated in emergency rooms every year are brain injuries. Understanding bicycle helmet laws in California ... Read More

We are proud to celebrate a truly special evening on the horizon: this year’s Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) Top Gun Awards & Installation Dinner, where remarkable leaders in our legal community will be honored for their exceptional achievements, dedication, and service.

Greg Bentley to Be Inducted Into the Hall of Fame

This year, we are honored to celebrate Greg Bentley, who will be inducted into the prestigious OCTLA Hall of Fame. Greg’s extraordinary career, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice have shaped the legal landscape and set a standard of excellence we are proud to recognize.

2025 OCTLA Top Gun Honorees

This year’s Top Gun Awards celebrate attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, courage, and results in their practice areas. We congratulate the following honorees:

• Keith Bruno & Nick Rowley – Top Gun: Medical Malpractice
  Recognized for their outstanding advocacy and groundbreaking work on behalf of patients and families.
• Tom Antunovich – Top Gun: Young Gun
  Honored for his exceptional early-career achievements, passion for justice, and impressive results.
• William Shapiro – Top Gun: Distinguished Achievement
  Celebrated for a career marked by excellence, leadership, and unwavering service to the profession.
• Greyson Goody – Top Gun: Personal Injury
  Recognized for his dedication to injured clients and his remarkable success in personal injury litigation.

Clare Lucich Installed as Incoming OCTLA President

We are also thrilled to celebrate Clare Lucich, a previously honored Young Gun Top Gun Recipient, who will be installed as President of OCTLA in January. Clare’s leadership, commitment, and vision continue to elevate the organization, and her upcoming presidency marks an exciting new chapter for OCTLA. This year, she will also co-host the awards ceremony alongside the current OCTLA President.

Keith More Returns as Live Auction MC

A beloved and familiar presence, Keith More—a four-time Top Gun Honoree for Workers’ Compensation—will once again serve as the MC for the Live Auction, a role he has embraced with enthusiasm and excellence year after year.

This year’s Top Gun Awards & Installation Dinner promises to be an inspiring evening celebrating dedication, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. We congratulate all honorees and look forward to commemorating their achievements together.

 

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At Bentley & More LLP, our clients’ stories are what drive us. Each case represents not just a legal battle, but a human being or family going through one of the most difficult times of their lives. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to share this recent 5-star Google review highlighting the work of our own Keith More and Dane Gilliam: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Legal Representation – Highly Recommend! “We can’t thank Keith More and Da... Read More

We are proud to announce that Gregory L. Bentley, co-founding partner of Bentley & More LLP, has been recognized as the 2026 Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Insurance Litigation, Orange County. This prestigious honor, awarded to just one attorney per practice area and region each year, reflects Greg’s decades-long record of leadership, advocacy, and precedent-setting results on behalf of consumers and injury victims. ... Read More