Leading workers comp firm welcomes three new attorneys and one paralegal to Santa Monica team
Santa Monica, Calif. – August 4, 2025 – Gilson Daub, a leading workers’ compensation defense, subrogation, and general liability law firm, continues its impressive national expansion with the opening of a new Santa Monica office under the leadership of seasoned local attorney, Robert Lance. This latest addition reinforces the firm’s commitment to its home state of California and complements its broader strategic growth, marked by the launch of eight new offices nationwide over the past two years.
Joining Lance to Gilson Daub are two trial attorneys, Michelle Stupell and Violet Babassi, along with paralegal, Taylor Samya, all of whom previously worked with him at Singerman Law.
Robert Lance, Esq.
“At Gilson Daub, we’re always looking for exceptional leaders, especially in Los Angeles, the heart of workers’ compensation in California,” said Brent Daub, senior founding partner of Gilson Daub. “Rob brings exactly what we need: a clear alignment with our vision and values, a talent for building loyal, collaborative, high-performing teams, and a passion for delivering outstanding client service. With Rob at the helm of our new Santa Monica office, we’re not only strengthening our presence in Southern California, but his leadership is sure to have a national impact as well.”
Born in Montreal and raised in Queens, New York, Rob Lance earned his Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne College of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Emory University in Atlanta. After relocating to California, he built a legal career spanning more than 25 years, with a strong focus on workers’ comp litigation in the medical and healthcare sectors – representing employers, administrators, and insurance carriers. Before joining Singerman Law, Lance served as managing partner of the Santa Monica office of Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen from 2014 to 2023.
A former Barrister President of the Beverly Hills Bar Association (2008 – 2009), Lance remains an active member of the California Bar Association. He is a dedicated educator who regularly provides legal training to employers and insurance professionals across Southern California and he is deeply engaged in his community, volunteering with his children’s high school sports teams and supporting Special Angel Band (a music education nonprofit founded by his wife). Passionate about travel, sports and local politics, Lance is fluent in four languages and the proud owner of a soccer shop in Trento, Italy.
Of joining the firm, Lance remarks, “I was drawn to Gilson Daub because of its unique culture: how the firm treats people, values quality of life, and balances strong legal service with practical solutions. It’s a place where family and community matter. With the new Santa Monica office, my goal is to thoughtfully build a trusted, responsive team that clients can rely on. We want to be the first call for employers and insurance professionals who need solid legal guidance and results.”
In addition to Santa Monica proper, Gilson Daub’s new office will serve clients in Greater Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.
About Gilson Daub
Gilson Daub is a full-service law firm specializing in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and risk management. Serving 22 cities across 13 different states, the firm offers its clients personalized yet extensive legal counsel backed by decades of experience. For more information, visit www.gilsondaub.com.
