Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP Celebrates 50 Years as the Pioneer of Insurance Bad Faith Law

CLAREMONT, Calif., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP, the law firm that pioneered insurance bad faith litigation in America, proudly marks its 50th anniversary in 2025. For five decades, the firm has been at the forefront of protecting consumers and businesses against insurance companies that refuse to honor their policies, building the legal framework for one of the most important areas of consumer law in the country.

Founded by William M. Shernoff in 1975, and later joined by partners Michael J. Bidart and Ricardo Echeverria, the firm has become synonymous with holding insurers accountable. From landmark jury verdicts to appellate victories that shaped California and national law, Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP has built a reputation as the gold standard in insurance bad faith litigation.

"Insurance companies have tremendous power, and for 50 years taken on the "David vs Goliath" battle to fight for insureds when they're up against billion-dollar titans," said William M. Shernoff, who is widely credited with establishing the concept of insurance bad faith in American law. "What we do isn't just about lawsuits, it's about justice for people who've been mistreated when they're most vulnerable."

Historic Wins and Enduring Impact
The firm's courtroom victories have set the tone for the entire industry, including:

• A $120.5 million verdict for a wrongful death action arising from a denial of health coverage.
  
  
• An $86.7 million verdict against a major insurer for denial of property damage benefits following a hurricane.
  
  
• Multimillion-dollar results for wildfire victims, cancer patients, and businesses suffering from denied claims.

Together, Bill, Mike, and Ricardo have handled hundreds of high-stakes cases involving denied health, disability, life, property, and long-term care insurance claims. Their work has empowered generations of attorneys and consumers to challenge corporate wrongdoing.

"Our mission has always been to protect people when they need it most," said managing partner Ricardo Echeverria. "As we celebrate 50 years, we remain just as committed to fighting for the rights of policyholders, whether it's an individual fighting for cancer treatment or a business struggling to recover after a disaster."

Looking Ahead
As Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP enters its sixth decade, the firm continues to expand its reach and impact—taking on complex insurance disputes, helping victims of bad faith denials rebuild their lives, and mentoring the next generation of consumer advocates.

"Insurance is something people want to buy and never have to actually use," said Michael J. Bidart. "But, when someone suffers a health crisis or when their home is destroyed, that policy must take care of them. When it doesn't, it compounds their trauma and we are fighting for just those people day in and day out. And we intend to keep fighting this battle for many decades to come."

About Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP

At Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP, we lead the nation in protecting policyholders from insurance companies' refusal to pay claims. The firm has been protecting the rights of insurance consumers, both individuals and businesses, for over 50 years after having set the legal precedent requiring insurance companies to act in good faith.

SOURCE Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP