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Bowles & Verna, LLP
For nearly four decades, Bowles & Verna LLP has been a trusted name in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California. Based in Walnut Creek, our firm combines the resources of more than 20 seasoned attorneys with the agility of a boutique practice. This unique blend allows us to deliver top-tier legal representation on complex matters while maintaining the flexibility and cost-effectiveness clients expect.
Our practice spans a wide range of business and personal legal issues. On the business side, we handle domestic and international disputes, business torts, product liability, intellectual property and transactional matters of all kinds. Because we represent both plaintiffs and defendants, we understand each side’s tactics and can craft effective, strategic solutions for our clients.
We also have a renowned personal injury team with a global reach. We have represented victims of some of the most severe accidents and disasters, including vehicular collisions, aviation tragedies, toxic exposure and worldwide product recalls. We have secured substantial verdicts and settlements and never buckle under pressure from insurance companies or other powerful entities.
Trial work is at the heart of our identity. We believe trying cases in court is a lost art, and our attorneys excel in building persuasive, courtroom-ready cases. While we pursue settlements when they serve our clients’ best interests, we are fully prepared to take a case to trial to achieve the most positive outcome. Many of our cases have resulted in multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, earning our attorneys membership in prestigious organizations such as the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Founded in the mid-1980s by Richard T. Bowles and Michael P. Verna after starting their careers at a large Bay Area firm, Bowles & Verna LLP has successfully handled some of the most high-profile, complex cases involving both domestic and international matters. Our commitment to excellence, courtroom experience and client-centered service continue to make us one of California’s most respected law firms.
What Clients Can Expect
At Bowles & Verna LLP, clients are guided by an experienced team of trial lawyers who bring decades of knowledge to every case. From your very first consultation, we take the time to understand your unique situation and craft a strategy that is tailored to your needs. Because our attorneys have represented both plaintiffs and defendants, we approach every matter with a well-rounded perspective, anticipating the arguments on both sides and preparing you for every step ahead. Our goal is always to resolve disputes efficiently and favorably, but when settlement isn’t in your best interest, we are fully prepared to stand by your side in court.
With hundreds of trials and multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements behind us, our firm is recognized for both its courtroom expertise and its proven record of results. Just as important, we know that navigating legal challenges can feel overwhelming, which is why we emphasize accessibility, transparency and open communication throughout the process. From a welcoming office environment to a supportive legal team that is available when you need us, we strive to make your experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible while working toward the best outcome for your case.
A History of Success
Bowles & Verna LLP has secured impactful results in some of the most complex cases across California and around the world. From high-stakes commercial disputes to international aviation crashes, our firm has consistently achieved record-setting outcomes and influential courtroom victories. While we have obtained many successful verdicts and settlements, a few highlights include:
- $165 million recovery for families of victims of the Air Philippines Flight 541 crash.
- $44 million jury verdict against a nationally known developer in a land fraud case.
- $36 million in claims for passengers of Korean Air Flight 801, leading to changes in air traffic control procedures.
- $30 million defense judgment in favor of a major life insurance company.
- $7+ million bad faith judgment against a national insurer, including punitive damages.
These cases reflect both the scale of our work and our commitment to pursuing the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Attorneys Selected
Super Lawyers selects attorneys to the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. Learn more about selection
All Practice Areas
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Business Litigation
- Business/Corporate
- Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
- Construction Litigation: Consumer
- Employment Litigation: Defense
- Estate & Trust Litigation
- Estate Planning & Probate
- General Litigation
- Intellectual Property
- Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
- Personal Injury - Products: Defense
- Real Estate: Consumer
All Focus Areas
- Animal Bites
- Birth Injury
- Brain Injury
- Business Formation and Planning
- Business Organizations
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Accident
- Construction Defects
- Contracts
- Delayed or Incorrect Diagnosis
- Employment Law - Employer
- Informed Consent
- Landlord/Tenant
- Limited Liability Companies
- Litigation
- Mediation
- Medical Devices
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Motor Vehicle Defects
- Non-Compete Agreements
- Partnership
- Personal Injury - Plaintiff
- Pharmaceutical
- Premises Liability - Plaintiff
- Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff
- Sub-chapter S Corporations
- Toxic Mold
- Trademarks
- Trucking Accidents
- Wrongful Death
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