Who We Are
PROFESSIONAL DEFENSE BASE ACT LAWYERS
The DBA Law firm Garfinkel Schwartz represents civilian contractors who work anywhere in the world supporting the U.S. Government and Longshoremen who work the ports, docks, coasts, rivers and U.S. waterways.
We are the oldest DBA law firm in the United States. We have resolved tens of thousands of cases for our clients, who come from all over the world.
We will make sure you get the care you need.
We will make sure you get the compensation you are due.
WE FLY TO YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE
Garfinkel Schwartz is a compassionate resource for families and individuals who have been hurt or who have gotten sick while working for defense contractors or longshoremen. The Garfinkel/Schwartz family have helped injured workers for four (4) generations – Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Father and Sons.
Our incredibly skilled and compassionate staff are dedicated to providing our clients the right to receive excellent medical care and substantial compensation from their injuries. Additionally, we provide our clients with the latest medical information and assist our clients to obtain the best doctors to treat all their injuries.
Team of Lawyers
Our firm is recognized for our support of military veterans and their families.
HOW WE BEGAN
History and Heritage
The law firm is named for founder and attorney Alan Garfinkel, and in memoriam for deceased Longshore and Defense Base Act lawyer, John M. Schwartz and his father Sydney Schwartz.
John Schwartz and his father were Defense Base Act lawyers for more than 50 years. They represented injured workers and contractors around the world.
Alan Garfinkel and John M. Schwartz worked side by side for more than a dozen years. Together, they helped thousands of men and women working as overseas civilian contractors and longshoremen on U.S. Federal waterways who were denied DBA and Longshore Act compensation claims.
Brian Wiklendt and Giselle Garcia are Defense Base/Longshore Act lawyers and lead counsel for the firm. Schwartz’s grandsons while attending law school served as legal assistants and medical researchers working on the Garfinkel Schwartz team.
The Garfinkel-Schwartz families and law firm have a military service history that goes back more than 106 years, World War I with Alan Garfinkel’s grandfather, World War II with Alan’s Father and 3 uncles and Vietnam with John Schwartz. Currently, Garfinkel Schwartz has a lawyer that is in the Active Army Reserves and serves in the United States Military as a Lieutenant Colonel. Garfinkel Schwartz and our law firm family continue to devote their careers and lives in obtaining medical care and money for civilian contractors and longshoremen who get sick or injured on the job.
What Our Clients Say
Find out who receives our help. Read their stories, do they sound familiar?
WE CHANGE LIVES FOR THE BETTER
I was being represented by another Law Firm in my DBA workers compensation case. During this time, I was not receiving what I felt to be honest and correct representation. I decided to reach out to the law firm of Garfinkel Schwartz, after reviewing their background in DBA cases and viewing videos by Brian Wiklendt explaining all aspects of the DBA process. I contacted Brian who came to my home and sat down with me and answered all my questions and concerns. It was then I decided to retain Brian to further represent me in my DBA case and it was decision I never regretted. During the process of my DBA case, attorney Giselle Garcia of Garfinkel Schwartz also assisted me in my case. I could always contact and speak with Brian or Giselle with my concerns and they would always keep me updated. During a very difficult mediation that lasted for several hours, Giselle was there for me. She would step in and tell the opposing counsel we needed to take a break because of the emotional issues I was experiencing. Her concern for my emotional well-being was very professional but at the same time, she always had my best interest to make sure I was ok. I was very pleased with the outcome of my DBA case and this was due to the constant hard work of Brian and Giselle. Soon after my DBA settlement, I had a personal issue which required me to produce paperwork from my case. I contacted Giselle and she was more than happy to assist me and did so. This is a Law Firm that once you’ve settled your case they are still there for you and do so without any hesitation. I know that if I should ever require further assistance from Giselle, I could always contact her. If you are looking for a Law Firm to represent you in your DBA case, do not look any further than Garfinkel Schwartz and Brian and Giselle.