About Us

Nicholas “Butch” Wagner

Nicholas “Butch” Wagner is a prominent trial attorney who has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years and employment law for over 20 years. Mr. Wagner graduated as class valedictorian from St. Xavier University in 1980. After graduating from St. Xavier University, Mr. Wagner went on to attend law school and graduate from The University of Notre Dame Law School in 1983; Mr. Wagner passed the California Bar Exam that same year. Mr. Wagner moved to Fresno, California from his hometown of Chicago in 1983 and has been licensed to practice in all courts of the State of California and all Federal Courts since then — Mr. Wagner has also been licensed to practice in the United States Court of Claims since 1990.

As a trial attorney, Mr. Wagner has achieved multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts in countless employment and personal injury cases; including a nearly $75 million verdict & judgement against WalMart. Mr. Wagner has argued before the California Supreme Court and has given testimony as an expert witness before the California State Assembly on employment law issues.

Mr. Wagner has appeared as a guest on several National television news programs including Good Morning America, Catherine Crier Live – Court TV, the Tucker Carlson Show and Your World with Neil Cavuto. A past case tried by Mr. Wagner, “Zelnick v. Candid Camera”, was televised on Court TV. Candid Camera was the first reality TV show to be successfully sued for a prank gone totally wrong.

Since the days of Zelnick v. Candid Camera, Wagner has successfully sued some of America’s largest corporations, including: WalMart, Bolthouse Farms, Pepsi Co., 7-Up, Polaris, PG&E and Mercury Insurance company. Mr. Wagner has also taken on countless trucking corporations, law enforcement agencies and various other entities both small and large.

Giving Back to the Community

At The Wagner Law Group, we believe in contributing and creating a more positive environment for workers and people living in our community. Our success in handling class action litigation for wage earners regarding overtime and pay issues has enabled us to give back to the community by charitable contributions.

In addition to directing funds to the California Rural Legal Assistance League, our firm has offered FREE (pro bono) legal assistance to the California Rural Legal Assistance group that provides access to justice and basic human rights to all low-income rural workers in California.

Our Contributions:

Awards and Recognition

Central California Legal Services, Inc.

Central California Legal Services, Inc. recognized The Wagner Law Group for exemplary leadership in promoting the use of Cy Pres Distributions – August 2014.

Top Attorneys in Northern California

Nicholas “Butch” Wagner was recognized for excellence by peers in the legal community as published in San Francisco Magazine. These exceptional lawyers have impressive records of professional achievement and ethical standards – 2013.

City of Lancaster, California

The City of Lancaster, California recognized Nicholas “Butch” Wagner, of the Law Offices of Wagner & Jones, for demonstrating excellence in trial advocacy as Plantiff’s counsel. Butch was commended for exceptional achievement secureing a $12,000,000 settlement in the Fair Labor Standards Act case of Janell Crickson v. Old Republic Title Co, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California – June 4, 2013.

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation presented an Outstanding Benefactor Award to The Wagner Law Group in recognition of their generous support and critital role in creating access to justice for the rural poor – 2011.

California Legislature Assembly

California Legislature Assembly awarded Wagner & Jones LLP Benefactor of the Year – 2011.

Central California Legal Services, Inc.

Central California Legal Services, Inc. recognized The Wagner Law Group for exemplary leadership in promoting the use of Cy Pres Distributions – August 2014.

Top Attorneys in Northern California

Nicholas “Butch” Wagner was recognized for excellence by peers in the legal community as published in San Francisco Magazine. These exceptional lawyers have impressive records of professional achievement and ethical standards – 2013.

City of Lancaster, California

The City of Lancaster, California recognized Nicholas “Butch” Wagner, of the Law Offices of Wagner & Jones, for demonstrating excellence in trial advocacy as Plantiff’s counsel. Butch was commended for exceptional achievement secureing a $12,000,000 settlement in the Fair Labor Standards Act case of Janell Crickson v. Old Republic Title Co, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California – June 4, 2013.

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation presented an Outstanding Benefactor Award to The Wagner Law Group in recognition of their generous support and critital role in creating access to justice for the rural poor – 2011.

California Legislature Assembly

California Legislature Assembly awarded Wagner & Jones LLP Benefactor of the Year – 2011.

Why Choose Us

Award-Winning Service and Representation

No Fees Until Adequate Compensation is Recovered for You