A middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and navy tie, smiling slightly while standing against a dark, neutral background.

Jeffrey S. Behar

Founding Partner

Contact Information

(562) 983-2503
jbehar@bgsplaw.com
Long Beach
81565

Areas of Practice

Aviation LitigationCatastrophic InjuriesComplex LitigationGovernment Entity LitigationLegal MalpracticeMedical MalpracticeMortuary/Cemetery LitigationMotor Vehicle LitigationMunicipal LiabilityPremises LiabilityProduct LiabilityProfessional LiabilityPublic Entity RepresentationSchool District Litigation

Professional Summary

Jeffrey S. Behar is a seasoned trial attorney and Founding Partner of Behar | Gibbs | Savage | Paulson LLP, recognized for his leadership and results in high-stakes civil defense litigation. He has earned multiple industry honors, including being named “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation Defense in Orange County by Best Lawyers in America in 2016 and 2018, and selection to America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators. In 2024, he was named a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel.

Known for his courtroom experience and strategic approach, Jeffrey has handled numerous high-profile jury trials and complex litigation matters. His work has drawn media attention, including coverage by the Los Angeles Daily Journal, which recognized him as one of Southern California’s top business rainmakers.

Jeffrey has also been featured in publications such as Verdict magazine and California Lawyer, highlighting both his trial work and his leadership, including his presidency of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel.

Credentials, Associations, Achievements

American Board of Trial Advocates (Inducted 1982)

California Defense Counsel (Board of Directors)

International Association of Defense Counsel

International Society of Barristers

Defense Research Institute

Los Angeles County Bar Association

American Bar Association

President, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (2000)

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (Elected 2007)

Super Lawyers (Southern California, 2004–Present)

Education

Graduate of Loyola Law School, 1978
(Honors; American Jurisprudence Award)

Undergraduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, 1974
(Magna Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa)

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