Meet the team behind
Frantz Law Group

Mr. James P. Frantz brings 47 years of distinguished legal experience specializing in catastrophic injury claims, mass torts, class actions, and complex litigation including wildfire cases, public utility regulation, product liability, and wrongful death. A cum laude graduate of UC Santa Barbara and Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Mr. Frantz has achieved landmark results for his clients, including leadership roles on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committees for the Porter Ranch Gas Leak and wildfire litigation against PG&E and Southern California Edison, securing billions in settlements for thousands of victims. His firm has recovered over $585 million in catastrophic injury cases and obtained record-breaking verdicts, including a $223 million jury verdict and a $55.4 million verdict against a public utility. Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over a decade and ranked Tier One by Best Lawyers of America, Mr. Frantz has been honored by the Daily Transcript as one of the Top 10 Attorneys and maintains an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Beyond his legal practice, he serves as a Special Master for the State Bar of California, is a Master of the William B. Enright Chapter of the American Inns of Court, and demonstrates his commitment to public safety as a Board Member of Impact Teen Drivers, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing distracted driving among minors.

Ms. Bagdasarian is an accomplished attorney who combines exceptional legal credentials with unique business expertise to deliver strategic, client-focused representation. A magna cum laude graduate of California Western School of Law, she served as Editor-in-Chief of the California Western Law Review and contributed to an amicus curiae briefing before the United States Supreme Court. Her practice focuses on complex litigation, including wildfire litigation, public utility regulation, wrongful death, personal injury, environmental mass torts, and class actions. What distinguishes Ms. Bagdasarian is her pre-law career in product development, marketing, and international brand management, complemented by her Master of Business degree, providing her with both sophisticated legal acumen and practical business insight. Admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Central Districts of California, she approaches each matter with creativity, tenacity, and meticulous attention to detail while maintaining active involvement in professional organizations, including the San Diego County Bar Association and Consumer Attorneys of San Diego.

Mr. Harris is a seasoned trial attorney who brings a unique dual perspective to personal injury and complex litigation, having spent 26 years as an insurance defense attorney before transitioning to plaintiff representation. A graduate of California Western School of Law, he has extensive experience handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, and professional negligence cases throughout California, representing major insurance carriers including Allstate, AIG, Chubb, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide. His practice areas include wildfire litigation, public utility regulation, personal injury, mass torts, class actions, complex business litigation, and professional negligence. Mr. Harris’s litigation experience extends beyond jury trials to appellate advocacy, having prepared and argued cases before the California Court of Appeal, and he has served as both a Superior Court Arbitrator and Superior Court Judge Pro Tem. His years defending insurance companies provide him with invaluable insight into how carriers value, handle, and litigate cases—a strategic advantage he now leverages on behalf of plaintiffs. AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and admitted to the California Bar since 1986, Mr. Harris is an active member of the San Diego County Bar Association and maintains a practice built on decades of courtroom experience and comprehensive understanding of both sides of the litigation process.

Prior to joining Frantz Law Group, Mr. Stiefel was trusted with advising the top judges in the State of New York. He clerked at New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, for two years, gaining valuable insight into the thinking process of judges. Prior to that, he clerked at the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division. After clerking, Mr. Stiefel joined the New York State Executive Chamber and was quickly appointed as Freedom of Information Law Counsel, a senior staff position in the Governor’s office.

These prior experiences have uniquely armed Mr. Stiefel with substantial knowledge and experience in a broad array of many substantive areas of law and a diverse set of skills. He has successfully parlayed these skills and experience to private civil litigation practice. He takes pride and passion in assisting the firm’s clients in obtaining a successful resolution of their claims through trial or settlement. His law and motion skills are unparalleled.

Areas of Practice

• Wildfire Litigation/Public Utility Regulation
• Mass Torts/Class Actions
• Wrongful Death/Personal Injury
• Complex Business Litigation

Prior to joining Frantz Law Group, Mr. Stiefel was trusted with advising the top judges in the State of New York. He clerked at New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, for two years, gaining valuable insight into the thinking process of judges. Prior to that, he clerked at the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division. After clerking, Mr. Stiefel joined the New York State Executive Chamber and was quickly appointed as Freedom of Information Law Counsel, a senior staff position in the Governor’s office.

These prior experiences have uniquely armed Mr. Stiefel with substantial knowledge and experience in a broad array of many substantive areas of law and a diverse set of skills. He has successfully parlayed these skills and experience to private civil litigation practice. He takes pride and passion in assisting the firm’s clients in obtaining a successful resolution of their claims through trial or settlement. His law and motion skills are unparalleled.

Areas of Practice 

• Wildfire Litigation/Public Utility Regulation
• Mass Torts/Class Actions
• Wrongful Death/Personal injury
• Complex Business Litigation

Education 

State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law, Buffalo, New York

• J.D. summa cum laude – 2009
• Honors: Buffalo Laws Review’s Award for Excellence in Legal Writing

Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York

• B.S., Bachelor of Science – 2006
• Honors: With High Distinction
• Honors: Ormsby Law Scholar Award
• Major: Financial Information and Analysis

Professional Associations

• California, 2014
• Montana, 2012
• New York, 2010

Professional Associations & Memberships

• San Diego County Bar Association, Member, 2014 – Present
• Los Angeles County Bar Association, 2015 – Present

Hobbies 

Outside of the office, Mr. Stiefel enjoys the outdoors. He plays kayak polo, and hopes to coach the United States, first ever, Under 21 team to the 2016 World Championships. He also enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, and whitewater kayaking. He is an Eagle Scout and was actively involved in many leadership positions in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society.

Mr. William Shinoff is a trial lawyer whose passion for the courtroom stems from his family’s legal roots, bringing a unique dual perspective to complex litigation after spending nine years representing school districts and public entities at a premier Southern California public entity law firm. A cum laude graduate of California Western School of Law, where he served as associate editor of the Law Review Journal, Mr. Shinoff transitioned from defense work to plaintiff representation to stand up for individuals’ rights and deliver justice for those in need. His defense background provides him with invaluable insight into navigating corporate entities and insurance company bureaucracy, which he now leverages on behalf of his clients. Specializing in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, wildfire litigation, mass torts, complex business disputes, and sexual abuse cases, Mr. Shinoff manages the Frantz Law Group Public Entity Practice and has recovered over $100 million for public entity clients in the past three years. He currently represents over 1,000 school districts nationwide in groundbreaking litigation against social media companies for their harmful impact on youth mental health, as well as in insulin pricing litigation and the PowerSchool Data Breach. Admitted to practice in California, Texas, and all federal district courts in California, Mr. Shinoff takes a hands-on approach with his clients, ensuring they feel supported and comforted throughout the litigation process while pursuing meaningful results.

Jodi Frantz is an accomplished civil litigator admitted to the California Bar in 1987 and the Colorado Bar in 1997. She has extensive experience in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance, business, and construction litigation. In addition to her legal practice, she has served as a legal commentator for CNN and local television and previously worked as a reporter covering public interest issues. Jodi is also the President and Founder of LEGALSENSE, INC., a jury and trial consulting firm offering services such as mock trials, jury selection, and witness preparation. She holds a J.D. from Willamette University College of Law and a B.S. in Psychology from Colorado State University.

Mr. Dawson is a seasoned trial attorney with nearly 25 years of experience handling complex, high-stakes litigation nationwide. He has earned a reputation for excellence with more than 100 victories in administrative, public agency, jury, and bench trials, as well as successful appeals before the Seventh and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal. Over his career, he has represented individuals, class members, small businesses, and major corporations, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies. At Frantz Law Group, he focuses on mass torts, product liability, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, wildfire recovery, commercial trucking, and employment law matters. Mr. Dawson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was recognized as Best Oral Advocate. He is admitted to practice in California and multiple federal jurisdictions, including the Seventh and Ninth Circuits.

Ward S. Clay is a veteran trial attorney with decades of experience representing clients in both criminal defense and civil litigation. Over his distinguished career, he has tried more than 57 jury trials to verdict, handled over 100 non-jury and juvenile court trials, and argued more than 130 criminal appeals, including six published decisions and two major conviction reversals in federal appellate courts. Mr. Clay’s expertise spans wildfire litigation, personal injury, white-collar and federal crimes, and complex appellate matters. He served as a criminal prosecutor for the San Diego City Attorney’s Office where he rose to become chief of the appellate unit. He then joined the San Diego District Attorney’s office where he was assigned as a street gang prosecutor with the J.U.D.G.E. unit task force.  After completing his public service as a prosecutor, he founded his own successful criminal trial practice. A graduate of UCLA (B.A., cum laude) and Loyola Law School (J.D.), Mr. Clay is admitted to practice in California, Hawaii, and the federal courts, including the Ninth and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal.  His professionalism, ethical standards, and courtroom skill have earned him a superb rating from Avvo and repeated recognition by Super Lawyers®.

James H. Fox is a highly experienced attorney with more than 40 years of practice spanning personal injury, product liability, premises liability, business litigation, insurance bad faith, and environmental cases. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and UC Hastings College of Law, where he served as Law Review Editor, Mr. Fox has handled thousands of litigated matters and tried cases in both California and Michigan. His career includes serving as a partner at major law firms and as senior counsel for a leading international security services company, where he managed complex national litigation, including key roles in 9/11-related cases in federal court. Beyond his legal work, Mr. Fox is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting organizations such as Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Maui Food Bank, and UCSB Foundation. He holds an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be an active member of the California State Bar and multiple federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ms. Albence is an accomplished trial attorney with 18 years of experience representing clients in complex personal injury cases, including premises liability, product defects, maritime law, and workplace sexual harassment. She was honored as Consumer Attorney of the Year in 2022 for a landmark sexual harassment case that spanned seven years and advanced through the California Superior Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. Her practice extends across California and Hawaii, where she has successfully litigated catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases against corporations, government agencies, and individuals. At Frantz Law Group, Ms. Albence continues to advocate for victims and families in survivorship and wrongful death claims involving severe injuries caused by negligence and defective products. She is admitted to practice in all California state and federal courts, as well as in Hawaii, and serves on the Civil Litigation Section Board of the San Diego County Bar Association.

Kristin Westphal is a seasoned trial attorney with decades of experience in complex mass tort litigation. She is recognized for her sharp litigation skills, strategic insight, and compassionate advocacy on behalf of clients harmed by corporate negligence. Over the course of her career, she has led trial teams in high-stakes business and commercial litigation and has been twice recognized as a top U.S. litigator in an emerging area of law. A proud military spouse, Kristin dedicates significant time to supporting military families, reflecting her deep commitment to service both in and out of the courtroom. She earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona College of Law, where she was a Faculty Merit Scholar and Best Oral Advocate in Moot Court, and holds a B.A. in Communications and Journalism from the University of Arizona. Kristin is an active member of the California State Bar and admitted to practice in all California District Courts.

Juan J. Ordaz Jr. is a seasoned personal injury attorney in San Diego, recognized for his dedication, professionalism, and results-driven advocacy. He began his legal career in 1998 as an investigator at one of San Diego’s leading personal injury firms while attending the University of San Diego School of Law at night, later becoming an associate attorney handling the same types of cases he once investigated. In 2010, he founded his own firm to provide compassionate, hands-on representation to injury victims and has since earned a reputation for securing strong verdicts and settlements, including a $16.2 million jury verdict in a roadway hazard case and multiple seven-figure recoveries. Now part of Frantz Law Group, Juan brings his extensive experience in litigation, trial, and negotiation to support the firm’s nationally recognized mass tort and personal injury practice. Fluent in English and Spanish, he combines strategic skill with empathy and a client-first philosophy, ensuring each case receives the attention, respect, and results it deserves.

Mr. Burak is an attorney at Frantz Law Group, where he focuses on complex litigation involving environmental mass torts, data breaches, public entity law, wildfire cases, and consumer advocacy. He graduated magna cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Thomas Jefferson Law Review and competed nationally as part of the Moot Court Honor Society. His academic excellence was recognized with five CALI Excellence for the Future Awards and multiple Honor Roll distinctions. Before law school, he worked in public education as an instructional assistant for high school French students in the Chicago area. Mr. Burak joined Frantz Law Group after clerking for the firm for two years, bringing exceptional research, writing, and advocacy skills to every case. Outside of work, he enjoys weightlifting, golf, hiking, and supporting his hometown Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Kristina Herbert represents hundreds of disaster victims, including wildfire survivors throughout California and those impacted by the South Bay sewage crisis. She has obtained several million dollars on behalf of her clients for major property losses, personal injury, and wrongful death claims. Kristina is dedicated to obtaining results that will allow her clients to rebuild their lives. Kristina’s position is that holding negligent corporations accountable leads to the implementation of enhanced safety measures designed to prevent future catastrophe.

A cum laude graduate of George Mason University and California Western School of Law, Kristina has been admitted to practice law in California since 2015. Kristina is a proud member of the Hon. William B. Enright Inn of Court. She also volunteers as an advisory board member for Earth Discovery Institute. Outside of her work, Kristina enjoys taking her pre-school aged daughter to the zoo, museums, and beaches.