Nominated for SFGATE's "Best of Bay Area" 2026

Personal Injury Attorney

Voting Ends

May 5

John Staskus head-shot

John Staskus

Trial Attorney

John is a Bay Area native and a dedicated plaintiff’s trial lawyer who represents
individuals and families harmed by negligence. Born in Redwood City and raised in
Los Altos, California, John was introduced to the legal profession at an early age
through his father and two uncles—each practicing personal injury attorneys.
Watching courtroom proceedings from the back row as a child, he developed an
early appreciation for the preparation, persistence, and advocacy required to
represent injured clients effectively.

John began his career in the legal field working at his uncle’s law firm as a file clerk
making copies and pouring coffee for the staff. Over time, he gained a
comprehensive understanding of law firm operations and was eventually
promoted to Director of Business Affairs, where he oversaw marketing and
business development efforts that significantly expanded the firm’s caseload.
Seeking greater involvement in litigation, John later transitioned to his father’s
practice, where he worked as a paralegal and developed hands-on experience
assisting with personal injury cases.

In 2018, John formally began his legal education through California’s State Bar Law
Office Study Program – an apprenticeship-based pathway to becoming an attorney.
While working full time as a paralegal, he spent evenings and weekends studying
the law under the mentorship of practicing attorneys. After his first year of study,
he successfully passed the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, commonly known
as the “Baby Bar,” a notoriously challenging exam required for law office study
apprentices.

Following this achievement, John was accepted into Lincoln Law School of San Jose
as a second-year student. While continuing to work full time, he completed the
school’s rigorous evening program, consistently earning placement on the Dean’s
List. John graduated as the valedictorian of his class and received the prestigious
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence.

The commitment to representing injured individuals is deeply personal to John.
During his youth, a close family member was involved in a catastrophic motorcycle
accident – an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of the physical,
emotional, and financial toll serious injuries can have on families. That experience
continues to drive his determination to level the playing field between injured
plaintiffs and well-funded insurance companies.

John’s practice focuses on personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He
represents clients in cases involving motor vehicle collisions, bicycle and
pedestrian accidents, dangerous property conditions, and other catastrophic
injuries. Known for his trial-oriented approach, John prepares every case as if it will
ultimately be presented to a jury—developing strong evidentiary records and
challenging defense narratives from the outset.

One of John’s core beliefs is that when negligence causes serious harm, the
wrongdoer must be held accountable. He is committed to providing injured clients
with strong, effective representation and pursuing the full compensation they
deserve.

Outside the office, John enjoys cooking and traveling with his wife, Sarah, and
spending time with their French bulldog, Monte. He also enjoys staying active
through running, hiking, and golf.

Bar Admissions

  • California, 2025

Education

  • Lincoln Law School of San Jose
  • J.D. 2021

Areas of Practice

  • Personal Injury
  • Employment
  • Medical Malpractice

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Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in providing exceptional service, personalized attention, and unwavering support throughout each case. The testimonials from our clients reflect their satisfaction with our commitment to their well-being, highlighting the care, expertise, and dedication we bring to every case. We’re honored to have earned the trust and appreciation of those we’ve had the privilege to serve.