Zachary J. Claar is an Associate (Pending Bar Admission) at Berger Kahn’s Lake Forest office, where he focuses on Insurance Coverage and Employment.

Zachary earned his Juris Doctor at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where he received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship and served as the Senior Staffer on the Dispute Resolution Law Journal. He was active in several student organizations, including the Criminal Law Society, Dispute Resolution Society, and International Law Society, and held a leadership role as the President of the Jewish Law Students Association. Before law school, he received his Bachelor of Arts in History, summa cum laude, with a minor in Law & Society from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

During law school, Zachary interned with the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security in Los Angeles. There, he gained courtroom experience by presenting opening statements, lodging objections, and cross-examining a respondent in a removal trial. He also drafted an appellate brief, analyzed records in both criminal and immigration matters, and conducted extensive country-conditions research to support litigation strategy.

In his free time, Zachary enjoys supporting Anaheim sports — the Ducks and Angels — and playing video games and golf.