About Richard
Richard H. Schoenberger: Leading Trial Lawyer in Personal Injury Litigation
Richard H. "Rich" Schoenberger is a preeminent trial lawyer with an unparalleled 33-year legal career focused on delivering exceptional results for plaintiffs in California. Recognized for his exceptional courtroom skills, ethical conduct, and unwavering dedication, Mr. Schoenberger has consistently earned the respect of opponents and the admiration of the legal community. As famously stated by an opponent in the Los Angeles Daily Journal, "Schoenberger is everything that a good plaintiff’s lawyer should be: ethical, professional and smart, and he works hard." His track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements speaks for itself – totaling over $325,000,000 in recoveries over the past five years, including numerous eight-figure settlements and verdicts.
Mr. Schoenberger’s expertise lies primarily in Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation – all focused on advocating for the rights of injured individuals. He has repeatedly held or shared the record for the largest verdicts in specific case types across San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, and San Mateo Counties, demonstrating a mastery of complex legal strategies and a deep understanding of California’s legal landscape.
His accolades are a testament to his extraordinary achievements. He has been selected as the 2016 and 2019 Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in the San Francisco area – a distinction reserved for a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area. For over a decade, he’s been recognized as one of the “Top 100” lawyers in Northern California by various organizations, consistently earning an “AV” peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and maintaining inclusion in national publications such as The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyer in Northern California. Most recently, he has been honored as one of the top 500 lawyers in America by Lawdragon for two consecutive years (2021, 2022). In 2021, Mr. Schoenberger was also recognized as a “West Trailblazer” by The American Lawyer for his impactful legal work.
Mr. Schoenberger’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. He is a highly sought-after trial lawyer, offering strategic legal counsel and providing skilled representation to individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to negligence or wrongdoing. He is also deeply committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of legal professionals, having served as a respected instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law’s Judicial Council and the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, sharing his extensive experience and expertise with aspiring litigators.
His commitment to justice is reflected in his extensive professional affiliations. He serves as the Northern California State Committee’s Chair for the American College of Trial Lawyers, actively participating in initiatives that promote excellence in trial advocacy. He is also a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, demonstrating his dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice. He maintains active membership with the International Society of Barristers, where he contributes to the organization’s mission of fostering innovation and excellence in litigation.
Education & Credentials:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Santa Clara University
- Bar Admissions: California State Bar
Awards & Recognition:
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2022, 2024, 2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2019, 2016)
- Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2005
Contact Information:
City: San Francisco, State: California, Country: United States
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2022)
- Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2019)
- Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, San Francisco (2016)
- Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Practice Area: Personal Injury Litigation