Cornwell & Sample - Fresno, CA
Cornwell & Sample is an elite personal injury and civil trial law firm in Fresno, California, co-founded by Stephen R. Cornwell and Rene Turner Sample, dedicated to securing landmark recoveries for accident victims and bereaved families across the Central Valley on a contingency fee basis.
Accomplished Civil Trial Advocates Serving the Central Valley
When catastrophic injuries occur due to negligence or corporate misconduct, injured victims face mounting hospital bills, lost income, and intense personal upheaval. Headquartered on West Beechwood Avenue in Fresno, Cornwell & Sample has established itself as one of the most formidable plaintiff personal injury firms in Central California. Co-founded in 2000 by seasoned litigators Stephen R. Cornwell and Rene Turner Sample, the firm possesses a rare depth of courtroom experience, having collectively tried well over two hundred jury cases to verdict. For individuals who need a lawyer urgently following a severe collision or family loss, this practice provides compassionate guidance paired with elite trial capabilities.
Focused Personal Injury Practice Areas
Unlike general practices that handle dozens of disparate legal subjects, Cornwell & Sample focuses exclusively on helping individuals and families harmed by reckless conduct. As top-tier accident and injury lawyers, the firm provides dedicated representation across key injury categories, including:
- Car and Commercial Truck Accidents: Litigating serious vehicular collisions, multi-vehicle crashes on Valley highways like Highway 99 and Interstate 5, and trucking accidents involving major freight carriers.
- Motorcycle and Pedestrian Injuries: Fighting for vulnerable road users who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, or complex fractures.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Representing grieving family members seeking justice, accountability, and essential financial security following the untimely death of a loved one.
- Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Injuries: Holding commercial properties, retail stores, and landlords accountable for hazardous conditions, inadequate security, and preventable falls.
- Defective Products and Manufacturing Flaws: Bringing claims against vehicle makers, machinery designers, and commercial product manufacturers for dangerous design defects.
Exceptional Trial Experience and Courtroom Tenacity
Insurance defense attorneys and insurance adjusters evaluate plaintiff claims based on the trial readiness of opposing counsel. Stephen R. Cornwell brings over four decades of courtroom mastery, having earned fellowship in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and the rank of Diplomate in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Partner Rene Turner Sample, past president of the Central California Trial Lawyers Association and the first female member of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of ABOTA, has secured multiple seven-figure jury verdicts for injured clients. When it is critical to hire a lawyer who is thoroughly prepared to take your case before a jury, Cornwell & Sample delivers the reputation and resources required to achieve maximum recoveries.
Why Accident Victims Trust Cornwell & Sample
Selecting the right legal team after an injury directly shapes your recovery and financial security. Injured residents across Fresno, Clovis, Madera, and the broader San Joaquin Valley trust Cornwell & Sample for compelling reasons:
- Unmatched Jury Trial Experience: Hundreds of jury trials conducted across federal and state courts in California, giving clients an unparalleled courtroom advantage.
- True Contingency Fee Representation: Clients pay no upfront retainers or out-of-pocket costs; legal fees are only collected if financial compensation is recovered.
- Complimentary Initial Case Evaluations: Providing free initial consultations so families can explore their rights and options without financial commitment.
- Personalized Attention: Treating every client with direct attorney communication and sincere empathy throughout the litigation lifecycle.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe harm and you need to find an attorney with a proven history of success, Cornwell & Sample provides the steadfast advocacy you need to rebuild your life.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the highly sought-after Sierra Sky Park / Van Ness Extension neighborhood of northwest Fresno, California, situated just north of West Herndon Avenue, near the intersection of West Beechwood Avenue and North Valentine Avenue.
Building Location
This is a brand new, highly visible single-story Class A commercial office building constructed in 2026, offering premium modern architecture with storefront glass. It is situated in a growing professional enclave near Dutch Bros. Coffee.
Parking Details
Features a private, well-lit, on-site surface parking lot with approximately 29 dedicated customer stalls, offering free and secure parking for all clients and visitors.
Public Transit
Served by Fresno Area Express Route 03 (Herndon); nearest stop is at SE Herndon / Brawley.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Walk through the main double-door entrance from the front parking lot. The offices of Cornwell & Sample are situated on the ground level, offering direct, wheelchair-accessible entry with no elevator needed.