Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee, LLP Celebrates 40 Years of Legal Excellence Throughout California
February 2026
Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee, LLP, a California-based litigation and transactional firm with offices in Woodland Hills and Redwood City, is celebrating 40 years in business. Originally founded as Gray, York, Duffy & Rattet, the firm traces its roots to January 1986, when co-founders Gary Gray, Jim York, John Duffy and Gary Rattet came together with a shared vision of building something of their own.
“We were young, hungry and aligned in wanting to establish our own firm,” recalls Duffy. “Interpersonal relationships were the centerpiece for me. Everyone genuinely liked each other—our families got along, we were all raising kids, and maintaining a balance between business and family was a major consideration. We also shared a love of sports, which further strengthened those early bonds. Everyone was friends first, and business partners second.”
Gray, who served as Managing Partner through 2021, adds: “It was a true team effort to get the firm up and running, and we were united in wanting something different. Our mission was to have a practice grounded in trust, collaboration and a genuine commitment to the people and businesses we represent. Throughout the firm’s history, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside many talented attorneys and staff who embraced that philosophy and helped us grow.”
Initially envisioned as a commercial practice focused on business and transactional matters, the firm handled a few insurance defense cases early on that proved to be a turning point. As the firm became known for its exceptional work and client service, that side of the practice quickly grew, opening doors to new opportunities and fueling expansion into additional areas of law.
Gray notes that the firm didn’t set out to concentrate on insurance defense. “This focus came about through opportunity and reputation. We started with a few clients, got on panels and built strong relationships with claims professionals who liked working with us. As they moved to new roles, they recommended the firm and brought us along. That’s how we grew and expanded our services, one relationship at a time.”
Today, Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee represents businesses, insurers and their policyholders, and individuals in a range of areas, including auto dealership buy/sells; bad faith, insurance coverage and insurance defense; employment; construction defect and related claims; premises liability; personal injury; professional liability/errors & omissions; product liability; real estate and business law; and more.
The firm’s first office was located in Century City before making a pivotal move to the San Fernando Valley in 1988. “We were all commuting from the Valley, so we collectively made the decision to move and signed a 10-year lease with the goal of growing into the space,” says Duffy. “We said, ‘Let’s be optimistic and fill the floor,’ and we just did it.” The firm remained headquartered in Encino for more than three decades.
In 1995, the firm expanded north with the opening of a Redwood City office, extending its reach throughout California. Then in 2022, the firm relocated its Encino headquarters to Woodland Hills—the same year Gary Gray retired and transitioned to Of Counsel, and Michael Eisenbaum was elected Managing Partner.
Throughout its 40-year history, the firm’s name has evolved alongside its growth. The most recent name change in 2024 to Gray, Duffy, Eisenbaum & Lee, LLP acknowledged the leadership and substantial contributions of Eisenbaum and Partner Nathan Lee.
“I’m incredibly proud to carry forward a firm with a long-standing reputation for unmatched service, talented professionals and lasting client relationships,” comments Eisenbaum. “Our continued growth reflects the strength of our practice and the contributions of the many dedicated attorneys and staff who have shaped it over the years.”
Recent representative results for clients include:
- Unanimous jury verdict in favor of plumbing business related to a $1.885 million fire damage claim.
- Complete defense verdict for construction company related to a $2.3 million fire damage claim.
- Settled six employment and civil rights disputes for $1.195 million.
- Obtained favorable settlement for plaintiff in bodily injury lawsuit against apartment complex owner and the City of Los Angeles.
- Obtained a dismissal for an HOA client in a trip-and-fall case.
- Secured a dismissal for a general contractor in $1.4 million fire loss dispute.
- Obtained motion for summary judgment for defendant in $30 million palimony claim.
- Obtained dismissal of crane company from serious personal injury lawsuit.
The firm’s achievements have garnered numerous industry awards and recognitions, including Best Law Firms®, Los Angeles Business Journal Top Law Firms, Daily Journal Top Neutrals, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Please Note: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.
