CaseyGerry Partners David S. Casey Jr. and Gayle M. Blatt have been named to the Daily Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Lawyers, recognizing two careers defined by decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to the legal profession.
This year’s recognition carries additional significance for Casey, who was also selected as Distinguished Counsel.
Together, these recognitions provide an opportunity to reflect on nearly five decades of leadership from Casey and four decades of impact from Blatt, two attorneys whose careers have become deeply intertwined with CaseyGerry’s history and continued work.
Five Decades of Leadership: David S. Casey Jr.
David S. Casey Jr. joined CaseyGerry in 1976, following in the footsteps of his father, David S. Casey Sr., who founded the firm in San Diego in 1947.
Over nearly five decades, Casey has built upon that foundation while creating a legacy of his own. His career has included leadership in landmark litigation, service throughout the legal profession, and a longstanding commitment to protecting access to justice.
His work has included nationally significant matters such as the Volkswagen diesel emissions litigation, where Casey served on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee alongside Blatt. His leadership has also extended well beyond individual cases and the courtroom through decades of service to trial lawyer organizations and the broader legal community.
That commitment to service has been especially evident at consequential moments throughout his career. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Casey was among the trial lawyer leaders involved in efforts supporting the creation of a federal compensation system and organizing a nationwide pro bono response to assist victims and their families.
Casey’s recognition as Distinguished Counsel and a 2026 Top 100 Lawyer reflects a career that has carried the Casey legacy forward, strengthened the civil justice system, and remained grounded in a fundamental belief that the law should serve people with fairness, dignity, and compassion.
Four Decades of Impact: Gayle M. Blatt
For 40 years, Gayle M. Blatt has helped shape CaseyGerry’s complex litigation practice, building a career defined by leadership in consequential class actions and litigation with nationwide impact.
As head of the firm’s Complex Litigation practice, Blatt has held leadership roles in matters involving consumer protection, data privacy, corporate misconduct, and other complex legal issues. Her work has included significant litigation involving the Volkswagen diesel emissions matter, the Yahoo! data breach, Sony Gaming Networks, Wells Fargo Collateral Protection Insurance, and numerous data privacy matters.
Throughout her career, Blatt has also worked alongside Casey on significant cases, including litigation that placed both attorneys in national leadership roles. While their careers have followed distinct paths, their shared work reflects a longstanding commitment to taking on complex legal challenges and advocating for consumers.
Blatt’s influence extends beyond the matters she handles. Through her leadership, mentorship, and involvement in the legal community, she has become an example of what leadership in law can look like, helping pave the way for the next generation of women in the profession.
Her selection to the Daily Journal’s 2026 Top 100 Lawyers recognizes four decades of work in complex litigation and a career whose impact continues to reach beyond the cases she leads.
A Recognition of Two Remarkable Careers
For CaseyGerry, having David S. Casey Jr. and Gayle M. Blatt recognized together among California’s Top 100 Lawyers represents a meaningful moment in the firm’s history. Their careers have evolved alongside CaseyGerry for decades, each contributing to the firm and the legal profession in distinct and lasting ways.
As CaseyGerry approaches 80 years in San Diego, their recognition reflects the values that have guided the firm since 1947 while recognizing the leadership that continues to move it forward.
CaseyGerry congratulates David and Gayle on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the careers, contributions, and lasting impact behind it.
Learn more about David S. Casey Jr. and Gayle M. Blatt.