News Stories

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!”

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Our team is proud to announce a $5.34 million jury verdict in Marron v. Food4Less, obtained by trial attorneys Nico Mamone of Bentley & More LLP and Aaron Hicks of Hicks Law Firm. This powerful outcome reflects the jury’s clear recognition that corporate safety rules must be upheld—and when they aren’t, accountability must follow. Schedule a Free Initial Consultation A Disputed Liability Case from the Start This case centered on a dan... 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

Read More

Concussion injury claims in Southern California arise when an individual suffers a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence. These injuries often result from slip and falls, motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian collisions, defective products, or nursing home negligence. A concussion can cause headaches, dizziness, memory problems, confusion, and other cognitive or emotional difficulties, which may interfere wit... Read More

Negligent drivers in Southern California often cause car accidents that injure passengers by speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, or driving while distracted or impaired. These actions can lead to rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, multi-vehicle pileups, and other dangerous accidents. Passengers who suffered an injury as a result may face significant medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The car accident lawyers at B... Read More

Drug-impaired driving is a growing problem in Southern California, contributing to a significant number of serious and fatal crashes each year. Drivers under the influence of drugs—whether marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal substances—often experience delayed reactions and poor judgment, making them more likely to cause collisions. Common accidents include rear-end impacts, head-on crashes, side-impact collisions at intersect... Read More

Boating accidents in Southern California often result from negligence. Common causes include speeding, failing to follow navigation rules, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and ignoring safety regulations. These careless actions can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. After a boating accident, it is important to document the incident thoroughly, gather witness information, obtain official repor... Read More

Negligent drivers are the primary cause of pedestrian accidents in Southern California. Common behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, and driving under the influence put pedestrians at serious risk. Even a brief lapse in attention can result in severe or fatal injuries. After an accident, insurance companies often attempt to minimize their financial responsibility by shifting some or all of the blame onto the in... Read More

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

When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you want is a dispute with an insurance company. Yet, many people in this situation receive a settlement offer that feels shockingly low and doesn't begin to cover their expenses. The primary reason insurance companies offer low settlements is simple: they are for-profit businesses. Their financial goal is to minimize the amount they pay out on claims to maximize their profits for sharehold... Read More

After a workplace injury, one of the first things you do is file a workers' compensation claim. Once the paperwork is submitted, a period of waiting begins, which can be a source of significant stress and uncertainty. You can check the status of a workers’ comp claim by directly contacting the insurance company’s claims administrator assigned to your case or by using California's online public search tools if a formal case has been opened w... Read More

The question of whether it’s worth suing an uninsured driver is common, and the answer is: it depends. While you can legally sue an uninsured driver who causes an accident, the practical value of a lawsuit hinges on whether that person has assets or income to pay a court-ordered judgment. For many accident victims in Southern California, a lawsuit is not the only or even the best path to recovery. Fortunately, other options, such as your own i... Read More

If you're asking, "Why is my accident settlement taking so long?" you are certainly not the first person to feel that way. After a serious accident, the wait for a settlement can feel endless, especially when medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work. The simple answer is that many critical factors must be addressed before your case can be resolved fairly. A settlement isn’t just a single event; it's the final step in a detailed... 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