Gilson Daub Launches Civil Liability Practice
Firm adds new focus area in California and Illinois on the heels of nationwide expansion
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – [December 15, 2025] – Gilson Daub, a leading national workers’ compensation defense and subrogation law firm today announced the launch of its civil liability practice. The new focus expands the firm’s ability to support its broad workers’ compensation client base with a team of attorneys equipped to handle a wide range of civil matters. As such, the work will be led initially out of California and Illinois by attorneys Sam Sayed and Marc Prendergast, respectively
The addition of the civil liability practice marks the latest chapter in Gilson Daub’s strategic national growth: over the past two years, the firm has opened in four new states and has hired or promoted numerous attorneys across its now 22 offices to support an ever-rising client demand.
“The introduction of our civil liability practice reflects both client need and the continued evolution of our firm,” said Brent Daub, Senior Founding Partner of Gilson Daub. “We routinely see significant claims and litigation in jurisdictions such as California and Illinois, and clients have asked us to expand our support in these matters. With exceptional leadership directing the work in both states, this expansion allows us to deliver a higher level of service to current clients and opens the door to tremendous opportunities with new partners aligned with our values and approach.”
As practice area leader in California, Sam Sayed advises clients across civil litigation, business litigation, general liability, and contract disputes. Originally practicing law in London, England, Sayed earned his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London, London School of Economics. After relocating to the United States in 2015, he clerked at Gilson Daub before completing his master’s degree in US Law and passing the California State Bar examination. Since rejoining the firm earlier this year, Sayed has represented a range of clients, particularly in the retail and automotive sectors.
“Starting the civil practice in California for Gilson Daub is a full circle moment for me,” explained Sayed. “The culture at Gilson Daub is different – it is rooted in integrity, leadership development and approachability – and I’m excited to be back. As this practice grows, my focus is to aggressively defend against claims and move matters toward resolution quickly, ultimately reducing costs for our clients.”
In Illinois, Marc Prendergast joins the firm this month with extensive experience across general liability, auto liability, premises liability, breach of contract, trucking litigation, product liability, construction liability, subrogation, 5(b) lien recovery, employer liability claims, and residential real estate matters. He has handled all phases of litigation, first-chaired multiple successful bench trials, second-chaired jury trials, defended clients in arbitrations and mediations, and argued substantive motions in both state and federal courts. Prendergast previously spent over 10 years at Hennessy & Roach, P.C., where he served as a Partner. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and was named an Illinois Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2025.
“Joining Gilson Daub to lead this practice presents a unique opportunity to build a best-in-class team while serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses,” said Prendergast. “I’m entrepreneurial by nature, and the firm’s support of this new practice area will allow us to deliver exceptional results through thoughtful strategy, strong advocacy, and efficient resolution.”
For more information on Gilson Daub, please visit www.gilsondaub.com.
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.
