Education

Law School/Year: California Western School of Law, 1997, cum laude

College/Year: Arizona State University, 1993

Bar Admissions

California, U.S. Supreme Court

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation, Personal Injury & Property Damage, Elder Law     

Major Cases

In 1998, which was just his second year of practice, William M. Berman settled a $2.2 million case against a residential care facility for the elderly that was, at the time, considered one of the largest reported settlements ever recorded against a California elder/residential care facility. That case, which received statewide and national media attention, prompted the success of Berman’s elder abuse practice, where he has since handled more than 120 elder abuse cases, 20 of which have resolved in excess of $1 million. In addition to the firm’s elder abuse practice, Berman has built a successful general personal injury practice that handles debilitating injuries, brain injuries and wrongful death claims, including recovering nearly $7 million for the parents of 1999 San Diego Padres firstround draft pick Gerik Baxter, who was tragically killed in a tire failure accident. 

Professional Background

Starting his firm directly out of law school in 1997, Berman quickly formed a reputable firm known for achieving remarkable results in the areas of nursing home and elder abuse litigation and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death matters. In 2003, after only six years in practice, Berman was recognized by MartindaleHubbell as achieving the highest possible AVrating. Since such time, he has received recognition as a top Southern California attorney, including his recognitions in 2009 and 2010 as a Top 10 San Diego Personal Injury Attorney and his 2010 selection to San Diego SuperLawyers. Given his expertise in several niche areas of personal injury practice, Berman is often called upon by other attorneys and law firms to assist in the direction, handling and workup of complex litigation matters. 

Professional Affiliations

Berman in actively involved in the legal community and holds membership with the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, American Bar Association, Consumer Attorney of California and Consumer Attorney of San Diego. Berman also works closely with Elder Law & Advocacy, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the California State Legislature to promote awareness and protections for the elderly population.

Personal Affiliations

A sports enthusiast and former player agent, Berman still spends time representing the legal interests of several professional baseball players affiliated with Major League Baseball. In addition, Berman is involved in numerous philanthropic organizations and regularly contributes to help causes designed to assist the elderly, underprivileged, children, education, breast cancer research and other community-related needs.

Personal Background

Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Berman has lived in San Diego since 1993, when he moved to the city to attend law school. Falling in love with San Diego, he decided to stay and build his legal practice and family. Berman lives in North County, and is married to Kelley Berman, who he met during his final year of college and with whom he went to law school upon graduating. They married shortly after law school and have three children, ages 9, 7 and 4. To escape the demands of the legal practice, Berman spends time with his family engaging in local activities, traveling and attending sporting events (both professional and kidrelated). Berman also remains active in athletics himself, where he still plays competitive baseball in a nationally organized men’s league and golfs as much as he can. Considered by many to be a workaholic, Berman loves the challenging demands of running a personal injury civil litigation firm, where he often helps clients in their time of greatest need.