Brian Williams is an accomplished California trial lawyer with longstanding experience representing survivors of sexual assault and abuse. As lead counsel in high-stakes matters across the state, he brings a steady, disciplined approach to cases that demand both legal precision and human understanding. In 2024, Mr. Williams was recognized by the Daily Journal as a Top Plaintiff Lawyer, reflecting his leadership in complex, high-impact litigation involving sexual abuse, physical assault, serious injury, wrongful death, and employment disputes.
Mr. Williams regularly represents survivors in cases against powerful institutions, including public and private schools, colleges, religious organizations, and law enforcement agencies. He is known for his willingness to hold these entities accountable and, when appropriate, to bring public attention to matters of significant importance to his clients and the broader community. Many of his cases have been featured in major media outlets, and he is frequently invited to speak on issues related to survivor-focused litigation and trial advocacy.
A member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Mr. Williams is part of an invitation-only national organization of trial lawyers and judges recognized for exceptional trial experience and the highest standards of integrity, civility, and professionalism. He has also served as a Speaker for the Orange County Bar Association’s College of Trial Advocacy, where he has helped train other attorneys in the skills required to effectively represent clients in complex trials.
In addition to his courtroom experience, Mr. Williams is a skilled negotiator who regularly represents survivors in mediations and settlement proceedings. He has secured substantial recoveries on behalf of sexual assault survivors, including multiple seven-figure settlements, many of which have involved large public and private institutions and have received media attention. His approach emphasizes both accountability and resolution, always guided by the needs and goals of the individuals he represents.
Mr. Williams also brings extensive experience in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and other serious physical harm that often accompany acts of violence and abuse. His familiarity with insurance practices and public-entity decision-making allows him to navigate these matters strategically and effectively, providing survivors with informed advocacy and empathy throughout the legal process.
Media & Broadcast Appearances
Brian Williams discusses sexual assault at Santa Margarita High School with ABC 7
Brian Williams discusses Mater Dei Hazing lawsuit on NBC News Los Angeles.
Brian Williams discusses hazing lawsuit against Mater Dei High School on ABC news.
Brian Williams discusses new allegations of sexual assault at Mater Dei on CBS Los Angeles.
Brian Williams on Fox40 about sexual assault lawsuit against Capital Christian School.
Brian Williams interviewed on CBS Los Angeles about sexual abuse at Colton High School
On Social Media
Fight For Survivors-Personal Injury
Education
- J.D., cum laude, Chapman University School of Law, 2003
- Appellate Moot Court Honors Board
- Articles Editor, Chapman Law Review
- B.S., California State University, Dominguez Hills, 2000
Recent Case Results
- $10,800,000 settlement with private school in Sacramento for sexual abuse by a teacher
- $6,425,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by an elementary school teacher
- $4,100,000 settlement with private school in Sacramento for sexual abuse by a teacher
- $3,750,000 settlement with California’s largest school district for childhood sexual assault by a campus police officer
- $3,500,000 settlement in case involving misconduct within equestrian sports
- $3,500,000 settlement with southern California private school
- $3,300,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by a teacher
- $3,000,000 settlement with school district involving sexual abuse by two separate teachers
- $2,800,000 settlement with uninsured school district for sexual abuse by two teachers
- $2,800,000 settlement with northern California school district
- $2,600,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by a teacher
- $2,600,000 settlement on behalf of multiple survivors abused by a teacher at a public school
- $2,500,000 settlement with uninsured local church for sexual abuse by a youth pastor
- $2,295,000 settlement on behalf of two women abused by two different school employees
- $2,250,000 settlement on behalf of student who was sexually abused by a teacher employed at LAUSD
- $2,200,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by a volunteer coach
- $2,000,000 personal injury settlement
- $1,987,500 settlement for sexual abuse by high school teacher and coach
- $1,825,000 settlement with police department for sexual abuse by a police officer
- $1,800,000 settlement with northern California school district for childhood sexual abuse
- $1,690,000 settlement against prominent church
- $1,500,000 settlement with prestigious private school
- $1,500,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by a teacher
- $1,250,000 settlement with school district for sexual abuse by a teacher
- Confidential settlement with university for adult sexual abuse by an athletic trainer
- Confidential settlement for personal injuries suffered by student at private school
- Confidential Settlement with prestigious university for sexual abuse by a fellow student
Admissions
- State of California
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Case News and Updates
- Greenberg Gross Represents Former Student Athletes in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Orange County School Districts
June 2025 | Read Article - Daily Journal names Brian Williams to its list of the Top Plaintiff Lawyers 2024
November 2024 | Read Article - Greenberg Gross Files Lawsuit Against Santa Margarita Catholic High School Over Alleged Attack on Student-Athlete by Teammates
November 2024 | Read Article - Greenberg Gross Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Fleetwood Mac Producer Against Creators of Broadway Hit “Stereophonic”
October 2024 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Sacramento City College Baseball Camps
December 2022 | Read Article - Attorney Journals Magazine Details the Rise of Greenberg Gross LLP and Fight for Survivors in Feature Story
December 2022 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Suit Filed Against Merced City School District and Plumskey
October 2022 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Colton Joint Unified School District
October 2022 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Berkeley Unified School District featured in The Daily Californian
September 2022 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against the Orange County School of the Arts and its founder Ralph Opacic
September 2022 | Read Article - Another Victim of David Arnold Comes Forward following Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed against Him and Capital Christian School
June 2022 | Read Article - $3.3 Million Settlement Reached with New Haven Unified School District for Enabling Sexual Abuse by Teacher
May 2022 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Capital Christian School
May 2022 | Read Article - $2.5 Million Settlement Reached with Seacoast Grace Church for Enabling Sexual Abuse by Youth Pastor
April 2022 | Read Article - Mission Viejo High School (MVHS) Childhood Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed
March 2022 | Read Article - Greenberg Gross Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Grossmont Union High School District
November 2021 | Read Article - Major Lawsuit Filed Against Mater Dei High School for Hazing by Football Team that Resulted in Brain Injury
November 2021 | Read Article - Childhood Sexual Abuse Case Filed Against Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
September 2021 | Read Article - Seven-figure Settlement with Santa Ana Unified School District for Enabling Sexual Abuse of High School Student 38 Years Ago
September 2021 | Read Article