Meet Gerard Pizarro

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Gerard Pizarro – Senior Attorney

Gerard Pizarro serves as the Senior Attorney at California Law Partners, bringing a wealth of experience in litigation within the Superior Courts of California and the United States District Courts. His current role includes serving as litigation counsel for executive officers of Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc., a stem cell cancer research company listed on the NYSE American stock exchange (ticker: CLDI).

Gerard has a notable track record in handling complex cases, including a successful settlement related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) brain injuries in a case against Nike Golf Camp, which spanned seven years through the Los Angeles Superior Court and appellate system. Another significant case involved representing Emma, a survivor of a gunshot wound to the head. Her inspiring story is depicted in the indie film "Blood on Canvas," available on Apple TV and other streaming platforms.

Before his legal career, Gerard amassed experience in U.S. government contracting, law, and business development. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Laws and Juris Doctor degrees from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He became a member of the State Bar of California and the United States District Courts in 1992. He is a member of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association.

Furthering his expertise, Gerard obtained a Master's Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he completed the LEAD Professional Certificate from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, a program designed for mid-to-senior-level professionals to drive organizational change and transformation.

Key Trial Achievements

Chatham v. Spring Creek Resorts, et al.

As Plaintiff’s Class Counsel, Gerard successfully co-led a settlement on behalf of thousands of class members defrauded by Spring Creek Resorts. The Defendants represented they would build a Filipino Disneyland; they never did. Nearing bankruptcy, the defendants settled. Result: The Plaintiff Class Members won.

Female Golf Minor v. Garcia.

As Plaintiff’s Counsel, Gerard successfully led a settlement for a female minor shot in the head at her boyfriend’s house. She suffered a subdural hematoma with the bullet permanently lodged in the forefront of her brain. Homeowner’s property insurance settled for policy limits. The female minor’s story is depicted in the narrative film, Blood on Canvas, available on AppleTV and other streaming platforms. Result: The Defendant lost.

Gonzales v. Integrity Management Enterprises, et al, (IME)

As Defense Counsel, Gerard led a defense jury verdict on behalf of IME, a private contractor for the U.S. Dept. of the Navy. The Plaintiff claimed he procured $1B in government contracts and was entitled to significant ownership of stock and damages. Result: The Plaintiff lost.

U.S. Government Contracts Corporate & University Partnerships, VIP Mobile Inc.

As Principal and Legal Counsel, Gerard successfully won multiple U.S. government R&D contracts. Multiple university lab agreements were signed with UC Berkeley, UT-Austin, and Temple University; as well as corporate partnership agreements with ARINC, Boeing, Thales Communications, ViaSat, and Blackwater Worldwide.

Aban v. Integrity Management Enterprises (IME)

As Defense Counsel, Gerard successfully led a defense jury verdict on behalf of IME, a U.S. Government Contractor for the Dept. of the Navy, against the Company’s President. It was discovered the Plaintiff had funneled corporate funds  in violation of Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) rules and regulations. The Plaintiff claimed he was owed half the company’s stock and damages. Result: The Plaintiff lost.

Female Minor v. Nike Golf Camps

As Plaintiff’s Counsel, Gerard led a landmark chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) case against Nike Golf Camps for a female minor golfer struck in the head, culminating in a hard-fought, successful settlement after seven years of litigation. Result: Defendant Nike Golf Camps lost.

Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc., NYSE: CLDI ("the Company")

Gerard currently serves as litigation counsel for the Company in multi-party, multi-case litigation cases.