Shant Karnikian has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2025 Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Attorneys in their special supplement. The honor celebrates attorneys who have made significant impact on both the legal profession and the Los Angeles community.
Karnikian’s recognition comes as he leads one of California’s most active firms in disaster and mass tort litigation, currently representing thousands of victims in high-stakes cases involving fire, flood, and utility-related disasters. Under his leadership, Kabateck LLP is advocating for victims of the Eaton Canyon Fire, the Maui wildfires, and multiple devastating flood events in Merced, Tulare, and Pajaro.
Beginning his career at Kabateck LLP as a law clerk in 2012, Karnikian steadily rose through the ranks under the mentorship of renowned trial lawyer and consumer advocate Brian Kabateck. His decade-long journey culminated in 2024 when he became managing partner at the firm known for taking on powerful institutions and holding them accountable.
Karnikian has built an impressive track record, including securing a landmark $39.5 million jury verdict for mobile home residents, followed by a $56 million settlement in related litigation. The firm’s dual expertise in both disaster litigation and insurance bad faith allows it to pursue claims not only against responsible parties, but also against insurers that delay, deny, or underpay valid claims.
To see the full list of 2025 Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Attorneys, click here.