About Cynthia McGuinn

Cynthia McGuinn is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and partner, celebrated for her unmatched courtroom skill and record of extraordinary verdicts. In 2015, she secured the largest personal injury verdict in the history of Sonoma County, adding to a career filled with multiple eight-figure jury awards. Known for her ability to connect with jurors and make complex cases clear and compelling, Cynthia has become one of California’s most sought-after trial attorneys.

What She Does

Cynthia represents a wide range of clients, from infants to the elderly, across industries and professions. Her clients include industrial workers, construction laborers, mechanics, electricians, teachers, doctors, nurses, and even judges. She is widely respected for her work in:

• Catastrophic personal injury cases
• Wrongful death claims
• Traumatic brain injury cases
• Paralysis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia cases
• Complex litigation referred by other attorneys

She also consults with other attorneys preparing cases for trial and is regularly asked to try cases on behalf of firms handling high-stakes litigation.

Why She’s Different

Cynthia’s ability to read jurors and build trust in the courtroom sets her apart. She has an exceptional gift for simplifying difficult evidence and presenting it in a way that resonates with every juror on the panel. Her peers often turn to her when they need a proven advocate for cases that cannot be resolved outside the courtroom.

She has been a trailblazer in the legal community, elected as the first woman president of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 1998, and later elected as ABOTA’s national president in 2018. In 2022, she was honored as California Trial Lawyer of the Year by ABOTA—the highest recognition a trial lawyer in California can achieve.

Recognition & Leadership

• San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Trial Lawyer of the Year (2003)
• California ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year (2022)
• Recognized annually as a Top Woman Litigator in California since 2005
• Fellow, International Society of Barristers, American College of Trial Lawyers, and International Academy of Trial Lawyers (limited to 600 worldwide)
• Member, Consumer Attorneys of California, American Association for Justice, Bar Association of San Francisco
• Super Lawyers honoree every year since 2005
• Included in Best Lawyers in America since 2008
• AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell

Scholarship & Teaching

Beyond her trial work, Cynthia writes and lectures widely on trial advocacy. She has taught at leading law schools including UC Berkeley and Harvard, and has been featured in major legal publications such as Law.com. She continues to shape the next generation of trial lawyers through her teaching and mentorship.

Beyond the Courtroom

Outside of litigation, Cynthia enjoys biking, skiing, and horseback riding. Her ability to balance a high-profile trial practice with a commitment to teaching, mentoring, and personal pursuits reflects her dedication to excellence in all areas of life.