Shernoff Bidart Darras Echeverria, LLP

Profile

Shernoff Bidart Darras Echeverria LLP is dedicated to representing policy holders who face Goliath-sized insurance companies. “We set the standard for helping individuals or businesses collect on claims when a company refused to pay a legitimate claim,” says William M. Shernoff.

Shernoff set the standard in 1979 when the California Supreme Court handed down a record-setting punitive damage award for his client in Egan v. Mutual of Omaha. The landmark decision established the foundation for all bad faith insurance cases and leveled the playing field for mistreated policyholders.

For more than 30 years, the Claremont-based firm has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge applications of the bad faith doctrine. This year the firm celebrates the listing of five of its attorneys in Southern California Super Lawyers®.

William Shernoff has been the crucial force in the evolution of bad faith law for years. His many landmark decisions have included an $86 million settlement related to the fire at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel and a jury verdict for the American Samoa government for claims stemming from a hurricane. His staunch refusal to be intimidated by even the largest insurance companies has helped earn him a premier reputation in the field. “Navigating giant corporate bureaucracies is tough enough in the best of health,” he says. “Try doing it right after you’ve just had open-heart surgery or been diagnosed with cancer.” Shernoff would know: He’s seen his clients struggle in these dire circumstances.

Michael Bidart leads the firm’s HMO litigation and property/casualty departments. Bidart has been a key player in many fundamental decisions that have shaped insurance law, such as the $121 million jury verdict against Aetna (the largest jury verdict ever rendered against an HMO). He is a fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates, American College of Trial Lawyers and International Academy of Trial Lawyers. The Los Angeles Daily Journal, a prominent legal publication, recognized Bidart as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in California” and was also named to the Top 100 list in Southern California Super Lawyers the last three years.

Frank Darras manages the disability and long-term care insurance department, which is the largest in the United States. Fielding referrals from all over the country, Darras has a diverse client list that ranges from sports figures and business professionals to blue-collar workers. Listed in Super Lawyers, he is also a member of the Ten Million Dollar Rainmaker circle, a distinction given to attorneys generating more than $10 million in annual legal fees. Lawdragon lists Darras as one of the top 500 lawyers in America.

Ricardo Echeverria handles liability, property and HMO cases. His distinguished trial record includes a $7.2 million jury verdict in Minnesota Federal Court, a $5.1 million jury verdict for victims of the 2003 wildfires, and a $3.6 million jury verdict for an active duty Marine whose insurance company denied a $75,000 water loss claim. He was nominated for the CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year award in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and was a finalist for the CAOC Consumer Attorney of the Year award in 2007.

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