Scott R. Herndon
Top rated Personal Injury attorney in Berkeley, California
The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, PC
Practice areas: Personal Injury, Employment Litigation; view more
Licensed in California since: 2014
Education: University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2020 - 2024 Call today:
415-907-7082
The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, PC
1816 Fifth StBerkeley, CA 94710 Visit website
Scott R. Herndon is the principal attorney at The Law Office of Scott R. Herndon, PC, in Berkeley, California, a firm he founded in 2018 with the mission to advocate for plaintiffs who have endured catastrophic personal injuries. He is committed to representing individuals who have suffered severe personal injuries or have been victims of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination. His firm distinguishes itself by treating clients like family, actively listening to their concerns and advocating on their behalf with the precision of a seasoned professional.
Mr. Herndon’s career began with roles as a clerk at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and an advocate for the United States Attorney’s Office. He also has experience defending corporations in complex litigation. Driven by a desire to rectify the injustices faced by ordinary people within the legal system, he redirected his focus to empower and protect his clients using the legal system's established tools and techniques. His unique background in philosophy, teaching and writing enhances his legal practice, allowing him to approach cases with the analytical rigor and attention to detail that academic disciplines demand.
Throughout his career, Mr. Herndon has been recognized for his work as an educator, having taught at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the University of California and New York University. His teaching accolades underscore his ability to impart knowledge and inspire future leaders in various fields. In addition to his legal and teaching endeavors, he is a published author and screenwriter, with works selected by Sundance and the International Film Project. His co-authored book, "Brave New Voices," supports literacy programs that empower disenfranchised high school students.
Mr. Herndon’s educational credentials include a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, a Ph.D. in English with a focus on philosophy from New York University, and a master's degree in analytic philosophy and ethics from the University of Colorado Boulder. His diverse experience and commitment to justice make him a formidable advocate for his clients.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Employment Litigation: PlaintiffFocus areas
Assault, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law - Employer, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Retaliation, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Termination
- 70% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 30% Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2014, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.scottherndonlaw.com/scott-r-herndon/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Member, Bar Association of San Francisco
- Member, Bay Area Trial Lawyers (BATLC)
- Member, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA)
- Member, California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)
- Member, State Bar of California
- Bar Association of San Francisco, Ethics Committee, 2019
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Successfully resolved catastrophic personal injury case on behalf of internationally recognized athlete at no cost to Plaintiff, 2019
- $500+ settlement in confidential sexual assault case in Silicon Valley., 2024
- Several six-figure settlements in pedestrian, automobile, and premises liability cases involving personal injury., 2025
- $500K+ settlement in assault case against a corporation in Oakland, CA., 2024
- $1.5M+ settlement in PAGA trial on behalf of California agriculture workers., 2024
- Multimillion confidential settlement in sexual assault case in the entertainment business in Hollywood, CA., 2023
- $5.1M judgment in sexual assault case, 2022
- Successful resolution of personal injury matter on behalf of Airline Pilot in cycling accident, 2020
- Successfully resolved four high profile employment matters with Fortune 500 companies on behalf of Plaintiffs with co-counsel, 2019
- Resolved high-profile sexual harassment matter on behalf of client involving a five star hotel in California, 2020
- Successfully resolved complex case involving catastrophic personal injuries in favor of clients involved in a multi-car accident in Oakland, California, 2020
- Secured policy limits for client in catastrophic cycling accident despite initial police report which assigned 100% liability to client, and which was subsequently reversed after firm’s investigation of case, 2020
Representative Clients
- Our typical client is a survivor of sexual assault or sexual harassment by Hollywood powerbrokers or C suite executives of well recognized companies in California. Our clients trust us to protect their dignity and privacy and our commitment to ethical and analytic excellence. In the personal injury space, we are known for the rigorous work we do to win the case before we begin, harnessing all experts and resources necessary to build our cases. We have steadily built our reputation by the care and personal attention with give to each one of our valued clients, whom we treat like family., 2025
Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Analytic Philosophy and Ethics, the University of Colorado, Boulder
- Ph.D. in English, with an Emphasis in Philosophy, New York University
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Presented 3 hour trial readiness presentation at Bar Association of San Francisco., Chair, 50 Days to Trial, Bar Association of San Francisco, Lawyers, 2019
- Faculty member and award-winning teacher, Stanford University, the University of California, Santa Barbara, New York University, and Barnard College (2004-2010)
- Presentation on the management of law firm personalities during the time-consuming and often difficult emotional landscape of trial., Chair, Multiple Personality (in) Order - A Workshop on Interoffice IQ, San Francisco Paralegals Association, Paralegals And Lawyers, 2016
- Presented on internal firm understanding of California codes as they pertain to the proper implementation of civil procedure., Chair, CRACKING THE CODE: Understanding The Court Rules Behind all the Legalese, San Francisco Paralegals Association, Paralegals And Lawyers, 2018
- Presentation on the art of legal writing for judges, opposing counsel, and clients, Presenter, Legal Writing: Judge, Attorney and Paralegal Viewpoints, BASF, Lawyers And Paralegals, 2016
- This Ethics CLE presentation aimed to guide lawyers and legal staff through the perils (and potential) of the client-friendly law firm, including client confidentiality, reporting unethical behavior, and fostering humane relationships with firm clients of all stripes., Chair, Do You Even Know My Name? Managing Client Interactions in Employment and Personal Injury Litigation, BASF, Lawyers And Paralegals, 2019
- Plaintiff
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2020 - 2024
