Larry Elam

Born in April 1962 in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Pasadena, Larry initially aspired to become a veterinarian due to his love for animals. However, life took a different turn, and he found himself drawn to the legal field, compelled by a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Instead of applying to veterinary school, Larry embarked on a journey to become an attorney. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles, while working full-time at the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles as a grand jury coordinator. His experiences at the United States Attorney’s Office, coupled with his work as a paralegal, solidified his conviction that a career in law was his true calling.

In August 1992, encouraged by the Assistant United States Attorneys he had worked with, Larry began his legal education at Santa Clara University School of Law. During his time there, he became a finalist in moot court and spent several semesters working in the Law School’s pro bono clinic. He graduated in May 1995 and was admitted to the California Bar in December of the same year.

Larry’s legal career began as an associate at a Washington D.C.-based defense firm in San Francisco. From 1995 to 2004, he worked as a defense attorney, eventually leaving the international law firm of Holland & Knight to start a plaintiff’s practice with his good friend and former colleague, Mark Venardi. Together, they founded Venardi Elam LLP, where Larry discovered his life’s mission: advocating for those who have been preyed upon, marginalized, exploited, and ignored.

Since 2004, Larry has dedicated his practice to representing individuals rather than large corporations. He firmly believes that advocating for real people with real problems is his true purpose. For more than 26 years, he has provided quality legal services to clients across Northern and Southern California, committed to achieving the outcomes they deserve, whether through favorable resolutions in employment disputes or securing damages that fully compensate for life-altering injuries. With extensive litigation experience, Larry is equipped to defend his clients’ rights in litigation, settlement negotiations, or trials in both State and Federal Courts.

In recognition of his work, Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Larry its AV Preeminent rating, representing the highest standard of professional excellence.

In his spare time, Larry enjoys cooking, golfing, spending time with his family, and training his rambunctious Rottweiler puppy, Nala.