WB

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

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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.

Main office

275 Battery Street, Suite 2900

San Francisco, California 94111

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of William Bernstein

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Hiring 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.

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