Alan Schonfeld Bio
PERSONAL ATTENTION.
A seasoned trial attorney with 37 years of experience will personally handle your case and work with you together as a team.
Alan Schonfeld has been certified by The State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, as a Certified Specialist in Legal Malpractice Law, since 2008, when the State Bar first created this area of specialization. Out of over 200,000 lawyers in California, Mr. Schonfeld was one of the original 80 attorneys who were certified at that time. At present there are 95 State Bar Certified Specialists in Legal Malpractice Law.
Mr. Schonfeld’s career has been focused on the area of legal malpractice and professional liability cases for 37 years. He has tried over 20 jury trials, including 15 legal malpractice jury trials and several real estate licensee jury trials. He is among a very small handful of California lawyers fortunate to have that breadth of experience. He has prevailed at trial against a who’s who of nationally recognized and formidable opponents in the legal malpractice community.
Mr. Schonfeld also acts as an expert witness and speaker on lawyer standard of care and ethical issues. He has lectured for the State Bar of California, the San Diego County Bar Association, the University of San Diego Law School and Professional Malpractice Insurance Risk Management.
Mr. Schonfeld is an Associate of The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In May 2011 he was voted a Top Ten Finalist by San Diego Lawyers in The San Diego Daily Transcript in the Insurance category.
From 2013 to the present he has been selected every year by San Diego Magazine as one of the “Top Lawyers in San Diego,” earning the rating of “Highest in Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence.” Mr. Schonfeld has also been selected by his peers as a San Diego “Super Lawyer” from 2009 to the present. He has also achieved the highest peer reviewed rating obtainable (AV Preeminent) with LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. Schonfeld is also a certified mediator and was on the San Diego Superior Court Mediation Panel from 2011 to 2017.
Mr. Schonfeld was admitted to the California Bar, the U.S. District Court, Southern and Central Districts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, in 1985. He earned his B.A. from the University of Maryland in 1982 and his J.D. from California Western School of Law in 1985. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the International Law Journal where he published five volumes and produced a National Symposium on International Trade and Human Rights. He was the Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate-Judge Ralph Geffen, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, from 1985-1986. He was a partner at Ault, Deuprey, Jones & Gorman, and a founding partner of Ault, Davis & Schonfeld, and Schonfeld, Bertsche, Preciado & Mahady, LLP.
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Client Reviews
★★★★★
“Thank you very much for the help you gave our family and business, and the work you did for us. The resolution of the case relieved a huge emotional load from us. Your analysis of this particular situation was spot on, your recommendations on how we should proceed were flawless, and the ultimate execution you followed through with went exactly how you envisioned. We will be recommending you to anyone in need of an attorney. Again, please understand how much we appreciate your understanding and help. Thank you.”
– Mike A.
★★★★★
“Alan Schonfeld was my Special Counsel in a very complex and difficult legal malpractice action against two law firms. Mr. Schonfeld’s meticulous knowledge and understanding of the law and facts of the case, and his precise litigation strategy and implementation led to a multi-million dollar settlement. The settlement was so impressive the bankruptcy court allowed a fee enhancement recognizing the tremendous result. I would highly recommend him.”
– United States Bankruptcy Trustee
★★★★★
“Alan Schonfeld represented me in a hard fought legal malpractice action. He was extremely well prepared and we prevailed after a lengthy jury trial. He has excellent communication and trial skills. He kept me involved and informed during the entire process, providing insightful and impartial advice and recommendations. He sees and focuses on the big picture and cuts through to what really matters. Top notch professional.”
– David H.
