Gilson Daub Launches Civil Liability Practice
Firm adds new focus area in California and Illinois on the heels of nationwide expansion
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIF. – February X, 2026 – Gilson Daub, a national leading workers’ compensation defense, subrogation, and civil litigation law firm, today announced key partnership and management promotions across its California offices.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Orange County, Gilson Daub has grown from a boutique California practice into a nationally recognized firm, now operating in 22 cities across 14 states.
Julio E. Martinez, National Managing Partner, Workers’ Compensation: Based in Orange County, seasoned attorney Julio E. Martinez has been promoted from Regional Managing Partner to National Managing Partner, Workers’ Compensation. In this expanded role, Martinez will provide firmwide leadership and strategic oversight of Gilson Daub’s workers’ compensation practice across all jurisdictions. His responsibilities include setting national practice standards, aligning litigation strategy, advancing attorney development, and ensuring operational consistency. He will work closely with executive leadership and regional partners to expand the firm’s platform and deliver efficient, results-driven defense solutions for employers, carriers, and TPAs nationwide.
Danielle Cervantes, Managing Partner, California: Based in the firm’s Fresno office, Danielle Cervantes has expanded her role from localized Managing Partner to overseeing staff operations across all California offices. As Gilson Daub’s California team has more than doubled in recent years, the firm identified a growing need for centralized leadership to manage statewide operations and support continued growth.
Matt Malen, Southern California Regional Partner: Matt Malen has expanded his leadership role to oversee a large portion of the firm’s Southern California region. In addition to leading the Ventura office, where he is based, Malen now manages attorneys across Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Lauren Livingston, Partner, Orange County & San Diego: Lauren Livingston is currently a partner with the firm overseeing Orange County operations. With this promotion, she will now also oversee the firm’s San Diego office.
Thang Hoang, Partner, Los Angeles: Based in the firm’s Los Angeles office, Thang Hoang has been promoted from Managing Attorney to Partner and will oversee operations and attorney development for the Los Angeles office.
Leslie Leath, Managing Attorney, San Diego: Most recently an Assistant Managing Attorney in Orange County, Leslie Leath has been promoted to Managing Attorney for San Diego.
“Our national expansion reflects strong momentum, but our greatest investment continues to be in our people,” said Brent Daub, senior founding partner of Gilson Daub. “By promoting leaders from within, we ensure our growth is rooted in performance, character, and culture. As we expand, we create meaningful opportunities for our attorneys to lead, grow, and shape the future of the firm.”
Follow Gilson Daub’s growth trajectory at www.gilsondaub.com or at https://www.linkedin.com/company/gilson-daub-inc-/.
About Gilson Daub:
Gilson Daub is a nationally recognized law firm serving the insurance and business communities in the practice areas of workers’ compensation defense, subrogation recovery, civil litigation and general and longshore liability across 22 cities and 14 different states. Gilson Daub’s experienced local attorneys and talented support staff place clients first and provide innovative litigation solutions that offer the best resolution possible. To learn more about Gilson Daub, visit gilsondaub.com.
