William Bernstein, Consumer Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Consumer and Litigation
San Francisco, CA
Practicing consumer in San Francisco since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William Bernstein?
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Quick answer
William Bernstein is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Consumer and Litigation. William has over 51 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Consumer · Litigation
- Handles Consumer and Litigation matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law (2026).
About William Bernstein: William Bernstein is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Consumer and Litigation. William has over 51 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on consumer and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Consumer cases in San Francisco, California
William takes consumer matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
William takes litigation matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William Bernstein — consumer lawyer in San Francisco
William Bernstein is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Consumer and Litigation. William has over 51 years of legal experience.
William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades. Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust, and consumer protection law.”
Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin manufacturers for crafting a global “vitamins cartel,” charges against natural gas and energy companies for manipulating the price of natural gas and electricity in California during the California energy crisis of 2000-2001, and qui tam claims against the Sutter hospital system for anesthesia service overcharges. These cases, in total, resulted in over $1.3 billion in settlements for consumers and businesses.
Bill also oversaw negotiations in the landmark settlement and injunction against De Beers for monopolizing the trade of rough diamonds in the U.S. for nearly 60 years. As featured in the 2008 Plaintiffs Hot List, The National Law Journal wrote,
The plaintiffs’ firms’ pluck, and some luck, resulted in a $295 million settlement for De Beers’ customers [and] secured De Beers’ pledge to abide by federal and state antitrust laws and accept court oversight to ensure compliance.
Bill taught settlement law as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco. Bill has been repeatedly recognized as a “Super Lawyer for Northern California” by Super Lawyers magazine.
How William handles consumer matters
William Bernstein has practiced law for more than three decades. Who’s Who Legal called him, “a leader in the plaintiffs’ bar in the fields of complex civil litigation, antitrust , and consumer protection law.” Notable cases Bill has litigated include price-fixing suits against pharmaceutical companies on behalf of retail pharmacies, consumer claims against the world’s largest vitamin…
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for consumer and litigation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1975
University of Pennsylvania
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
1985 · ACTIVE
California, The Stat
1975 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — California Litigation Star, Benchmark Plaintiff (ranked as one of California's leading litigators in antitrust law)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — “Recommended Lawyer – Competition: Plaintiff,” Lexology Index 2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected for inclusion by peers in The Best Lawyers in America in field of "Litigation - Antitrust," 2013 - 2026
2026
Best Lawyers in America — "Northern California Super Lawyer," Super Lawyers, 2004-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — "Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist," Consumer Attorneys of California, 2014
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Attorneys In Antitrust Law, Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition, 2010, 2012
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon Finalist, Lawdragon, 2009-2011
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Princeton Premier Registry, Business Leaders and Professionals, 2008-2009
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California, American Trial Lawyers Association, 2008
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Who's Who Legal, 2007
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Unsung Hero Award, Appleseed, 2006
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell (2026).
Locations
William Bernstein's office in San Francisco
William's primary office is at 275 Battery Street, Suite 2900, San Francisco, California, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William Bernstein
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William Bernstein — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new consumer attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a consumer attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many consumer matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in consumer practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every consumer matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many consumer practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Bernstein
How much does it cost to hire William for a consumer case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some consumer attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do consumer cases in California typically take?
Simple consumer matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
William is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new consumer clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Consumer attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
William handles consumer matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified consumer attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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