Abimael Bastida

Abimael “AJ” Bastida is a rising star in the legal community, representing plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes business and employment disputes. His diverse practice includes civil rights, trust litigation, white-collar defense, and corporate matters. Known for his strategic approach and trial-readiness, AJ provides sharp advocacy for clients, from business owners to executives and individuals facing critical legal challenges.

Abimael earned his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law and received a High Tech Law Certificate. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University. During law school, he gained valuable experience as a judicial extern for the U.S. District Court. He clerked at the Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center, focusing on workers’ rights cases.

As a trial lawyer, AJ builds every case for success in the courtroom—digging into the facts, gathering critical evidence, and strategically analyzing complex legal issues to maximize results for his clients. His record includes winning a seven-figure settlement for a family in a wrongful death case and overturning a summary judgment in a police shooting lawsuit before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. AJ has also achieved favorable outcomes defending clients in multimillion-dollar trust litigation and high-stakes employment-related claims.

Recognized for his excellence, AJ has been named a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017 to 2024 and a Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch” honoree in commercial litigation. He was also selected for the Daily Journal’s 40 Under 40 list. His reputation as a formidable litigator is reinforced by his role as an Associate Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Beyond litigation, Abimael “AJ” Bastida is a respected speaker on employment law and workplace issues, frequently presenting at legal seminars. He is actively involved in the legal community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Federal Bar Association’s Northern District of California Chapter and contributing to organizations such as the Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association. His dedication to advocacy and justice makes him a trusted legal advisor and trial attorney.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, McManis Faulkner
• Executive Committee Member, Federal Bar Association, Northern District of California Chapter
• Member, Santa Clara County Bar Association
• Member, American Inns of Court, the Honorable William A. Ingram Inn
• Member, Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Santa Clara University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Santa Clara University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges