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
Mark Venardi’s Results
Settlement
Multi-Million Dollar
Discrimination Claims
Martin Zurada and Mark Venardi led a team that obtained a multi-million recovery for a group of deserving clients. We are not afraid to turn down significant initial offers which are insufficient to compensate our clients and change defendant’s behavior. We roll up our sleeves, put on the gloves, and fight it out with the defense. If getting the best possible result means holding on until trial to resolve the case, or fighting the case at trial, we will do whatever it takes. We put our clients in the best possible position to obtain a maximum result.
Partner
Partner
Asentamientos
Acuerdo de varios millones de dólares
Despido Injustificado
Martin Zurada y Mark Venardi lideraron un equipo que obtuvo una recuperación de varios millones de dólares para un grupo de clientes merecedores. No tememos rechazar ofertas iniciales significativas que sean insuficientes para compensar a nuestros clientes y cambiar el comportamiento del demandado. Arremangamos nuestras camisas, nos ponemos los guantes y luchamos contra la defensa. Si obtener el mejor resultado posible significa esperar hasta el juicio para resolver el caso, o pelearlo en el juicio, haremos lo que sea necesario. Ponemos a nuestros clientes en la mejor posición posible para obtener un resultado máximo.
Acuerdo
$28 Millones
Lesiones Personales
El monto exacto del acuerdo es confidencial, pero superó los $28 millones. Acuerdo confidencial contra una organización de mantenimiento de la salud por no supervisar a un cirujano que realizó procedimientos inapropiados en pacientes de urología femenina, causando lesiones significativas y permanentes, incluyendo incontinencia crónica. Las reclamaciones involucraron a más de 80 pacientes y reflejaron una situación de responsabilidad agravada, ya que la organización de salud estaba al tanto del uso recreativo de drogas del cirujano, pero no lo supervisó y ocultó su conducta, formación y experiencia.
Settlement
Settlement in excess of $28 Million
Medical Malpractice
Exact settlement amount is confidential but exceeded $28 million. Confidential settlement against a health maintenance organization for failing to supervise a surgeon who performed inappropriate procedures on female urology patients causing significant, permanent injuries Including chronic incontinence. Claims involved more than 80 patients and reflected an aggravated liability situation since the health care organization was familiar with the surgeon’s recreational drug use but failed to monitor and concealed his conduct, training and experience.
*Obtained prior to joining Venardi Zurada.
Of Counsel
Settlement
$7.125 Million
Boat Accidents
Our client was an 80 year-old passenger in a tender vessel. The vessel rose quickly on a wave and fell quickly causing our client to suffer a spine fracture that required a two-level fusion surgery.
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Client Reviews
"They helped me out when I got into an accident"
VZ are the best in the bay! They helped me out when I got into an accident, I can’t say anything bad about them.
Robert-Christopher G.
"Felt comfortable around the people here"
Friendly and clean environment. Felt comfortable around the people here.
Katarina B.
"They were very understanding"
I really appreciated Venardi Zurada LLP, they were great help and were very understanding of my predicament. Communication was always available and consistent and amicable. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has issues at work or otherwise and is seeking legal action or justice for any wrongdoing.
Ava B.
"Call Venardi Zurada for any of your PI needs"
The VZ team are such a great help. Call Venardi Zurada for any of your PI needs they are the best!
Nohra R.
"Overall Great Firm"
Everyone is professional, overall great firm!
Fabian P.
We Take Care Of Our Clients
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.
Jason and Kelli
Jason and Kelli share their emotional journey after their son suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle accident. With our help they navigated the difficult road to recovery. Our team provided the support, professionalism, and care needed to secure the best possible outcome for their family.
Greg
Greg’s life changed after a catastrophic injury on the job. Told he’d never work again as an electrician, Greg turned to our firm for help. Our team fought relentlessly for Greg’s future, securing a $2.75 million verdict after an offer of just $40,000.
Juanita
Juanita shares her experience working with Martin and Mark Venardi after struggling to find the right legal help. From the moment she reached out, she felt like part of the family. With their local presence in the East Bay and consistent support, Juanita was guided through every step of her case.