Overview
Overview
Thomas P. Gmelich is a partner at Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead, where he brings more than 30 years of litigation experience to the firm’s Tort and General Liability Practice Groups. His practice focuses on the defense of catastrophic injury and complex liability claims, with particular experience in personal and commercial auto, private security, premises liability, recreational injury, insurance fraud, construction defect, and transportation-related litigation.
Mr. Gmelich has successfully defended a wide range of clients, including national retailers, commercial property owners, product manufacturers, transportation companies, and private security firms. He is known for his strategic approach to high-exposure cases and his ability to resolve matters efficiently—whether in state or federal court.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gmelich has authored articles and spoken extensively on risk management, premises liability, and trial strategy. He is a frequent lecturer for insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and national industry associations. He remains active in numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association, and the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.
He has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer for 13 consecutive years and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Gmelich is also active in legal leadership circles, including service on the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Personal Injury Hub Steering Committee and chairing the Law Firm Management Committee for ASCDC.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Gmelich enjoys connecting with peers across the defense community and advancing best practices in legal strategy, risk reduction, and client advocacy.