Areas of practice
Profile snapshot
- No reviews
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- Since 1975
- 51 yrs
- Bar admissions
- 2
- By appointment
- In office
No reviews
Since 1975
Bar admissions
By appointment
William Bernstein at a glance
Verified credentials for William Bernstein sourced from public bar records.
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Areas of practice
Practice focus
William Bernstein represents clients in San Francisco, California across the following areas of law. Each area links to other verified attorneys with the same focus.
Biography
About William Bernstein
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.
Credentials
Education
University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1975
University of Pennsylvania
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Bar admissions
New York, New York S
1985 · ACTIVE
California, The Stat
1975 · ACTIVE
Recognition
Awards & 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
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
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Office locations
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Schedule your consultationFrequently asked
Common questions
What areas of law does William Bernstein practice?
William Bernstein focuses on Consumer and Litigation.
Where is William Bernstein located?
William Bernstein primarily serves clients in San Francisco, California, with an office at 275 Battery Street, Suite 2900.
How experienced is William Bernstein?
William Bernstein has 51 years of legal practice, having been licensed since 1975.
Is William Bernstein a verified attorney?
William Bernstein's profile is listed but has not yet been claimed by the attorney. Verification status is pending.
How can I schedule a consultation with William Bernstein?
You can book a consultation through LawyersListed directly from this page. Initial outreach can also be made by phone at 415-956-1000.
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