About Scott Bonzell

ph-scott-bonzell Scott Bonzell has practiced civil litigation since 1986. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (A.B., 1983) and the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1986), Mr. Bonzell has extensive experience in a broad range of litigation fields.

His current practice focuses on bodily injuries, construction defects, employment claims and insurance coverage disputes, including claims of insurance bad faith. He also represents clients in matters involving professional malpractice, police misconduct, real estate non-disclosure, unfair competition, and a wide array of commercial disputes.

Mr. Bonzell began his career as a defense lawyer, working at Popelka, Allard, McCowan & Jones (San Jose) and Gordon & Rees, LLP (San Francisco), where he was named partner in 1993. In that capacity, he represented clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Since 1997, however, his practice has primarily involved representation of persons seeking redress for injuries and other losses. His prior work as a defense lawyer makes Mr. Bonzell an especially skillful advocate on behalf of his clients.

Mr. Bonzell has represented clients in state, federal and appellate courts throughout California, and has tried cases in eight of the nine of the San Francisco Bay Area counties. He has also served as counsel in hundreds of arbitration proceedings. He has been recognized as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” each year since 2010.

scott-debbie In addition to his litigation work, Mr. Bonzell has often traveled overseas to conduct training in discovery, trial practice and mediation for insurance claims personnel in the London insurance market. He also regularly serves as a mediator to assist others in resolving their disputes short of trial.

Out of the courtroom, Mr. Bonzell devotes much of his time to coaching youth baseball. In 2006, he founded BALL Summer Camp, which provides summer baseball instruction and activities for hundreds of East Bay children each year. Mr. Bonzell lives in Oakland with his wife and their three sons.

Scott helped me navigate through a car accident and its arduous aftermath, and I feel so grateful to have connected with him. Every other lawyer referred to me would evoke anxiety attacks and emotional rollercoasters within me, but not with Scott. He was able to keep me grounded and deal effectively with all the problems. And it helps that there’s no BS with Scott, he lends clarity to seemingly confusing or frustrating situations. There is no doubt he’s a professional and very, very experienced and exceptionally knowledgeable in doing what he does. What makes him stand apart is: Scott cares, he sincerely cares about you. When he’s on your side, he’s on your side, you come first. He goes above and beyond. He is also a very good listener, gives sound advice, he’s warm, patient, has prompt communication skills, is affable, and even has a sense of humor too! I truly believe if there were more Scott Bonzells in this world, it would change the reputation of lawyers for the better.

- Junia C.

"Scott was a tremendous resource in a drawn out litigation. His ability to see through the perceived complexity, focus and communicate the real underlying issues to the defendant and their counsel was critical in achieving a positive outcome."

- Poojitha P.

"I would highly recommend Scott Bonzell. He was honest, easy to deal with and was always in my corner. He was very open and clear about every aspect of my case. Scott did not inflate my expectations, but dignified me with realistic perspectives. He also went the extra mile with other related issues that came up as a result of my accident."

- Cassandra S.

"We really do thank you for all your consideration and your unfailing perseverance throughout this long ordeal. During my darkest days it helped to know that someone was fighting for me. Dealing with (defense counsel) has made us realize how lucky we are having you for our attorney. I hope you know how thankful we are for all the timely, courteous and professional assistance you have provided us. Thank you very much for everything."

- Joyce and Richard S.

Thanks to his experience and expertise, Scott Bonzell turned my entirely overwhelming situation into a no brainer!

- Dan B.

I received the funds Scott. It is pretty darn wonderful! Thank you so much for your great work and perseverance with the case.

-Irene N.

I cannot say enough about how amazing Scott is. He is has been with me every step of the way from signing of the contract to getting the settlement done. He is empathetic, kind and extremely easy to work with. He kept me updated on the progress of the law suit and he guided me through the mediation process . I highly recommend Scott for any of your legal needs. I was in CA when my incident happened but I live out of state he handled everything for me. I felt no pressure as I said he handled everything!

- Charlene M.

"Thanks to your skillful lawyering, I was able to pay cash for a new house!"

- Roberta B.

Scott Bonzell represented me in an automobile personal injury case where I suffered considerable soft tissue injury and trauma. He was very direct and low key. He made no promises, but won an award far greater than any I could have hoped for and far far greater than the norm for such cases.

- Louis S.

"Scott Bonzell is a consummate trial attorney who works assiduously for his clients to ensure they receive the best possible recovery for their claims. Having seen the attentive, personable and smart way in which he works with his clients and prepares to present their case at mediation or trial, I would not hesitate to recommend Scott Bonzell to anyone seeking legal representation."

- Morgan C. Smith, Esq., Cogent Legal

"I was referred to Scott Bonzell for a personal injury case and received an excellent result. He far exceeded my expectations by providing a personal and skillful representation. His competence, confidence and patience supported me when the going got rough, and I understood that he was on my side every step of the way. His sense of humor lightened the process, as did the mutual respect evident with other attorneys. I completely trust his skills and negotiating abilities, and am very grateful to him both personally and as my lawyer."

- Judith J.

"Having known Scott as a law school classmate, law partner and co-counsel in a very difficult trial, I can say with experience and conviction that Scott is a great legal mind and a tireless advocate on behalf of his clients. I have and will continue to refer clients to Scott as I am confident they will be in good hands."

- Charles S. Custer

"Scott is a first rate attorney. I've seen Scott in action and I am always impressed with his skills. In addition, he truly cares about his clients and puts their interests first."

- Andrew R. Gillin

I was referred to Scott by a friend of mine who is an attorney and had a case against Scott. He told me that Scott Bonzell thoroughly trounced him and his client in court, and that Scott was extremely smart. I contacted Scott and we proceeded to spend plenty of quality time together preparing a construction defect case against an owner-builder defendant. I have been in the commercial construction industry for the past 20 years dealing with all sorts of claims and attorneys, and I can tell you that my interaction with Scott was BY FAR the best attorney/client relationship I have ever experienced. Not only is Scott Bonzell an extremely competent attorney, he is also personable, friendly and funny too. The outcome was that we prevailed in our case, and I have also made a friend for life.

- Stephen N.

"It had been months since the personal injury incident before I contacted Scott Bonzell. It was unfamiliar territory to me. His understanding, his professionalism and his patience in answering all of my questions were important factors in entering into an attorney-client relationship. I admired his calm demeanor, candor and integrity. He was able to secure a very positive outcome for me."

- Sylvia M.

"I worked with Mr. Bonzell on a very complicated and difficult legal problem. He was the third attorney we hired as the first two found the complexity of the issues too much to handle. Mr. Bonzell helped us resolve this case through a thorough understanding of the law and a willingness to fight for us, even when the legal system and a less than scrupulous opposing counsel muddied the waters (an issue that made our two previous attorneys throw in the towel). I hope to never need his services again, but I have complete faith in his ability to help us should we need legal help in the future."

- Elizabeth S.

Scott Bonzell handled my personal injury premise liability case, and I highly recommend him. His expertise and professionalism was proven time and time again. He is a master at negotiations, honest and a true pleasure to work. There is a reason Scott has made the SUPER LAWYERS list time and time again, he is the BEST! Scott is trustworthy, experienced and knowledgeable. He will work hard, be honest with clear communication along the way. You will not be disappointed if you hire him!

Karen L.

I’m not sure words of appreciation would ever equal the deep gratitude that I feel for your stewardship and support. Thank you, Scott. Tears come to my eyes full of that feeling of grace that you were there for me.

Alice D.

Scott is an unrelenting, dedicated professional whom I would recommend without hesitation. I am so grateful that through his perseverance, thoroughness, and attention to detail, my case was well represented and successful. His kindness and compassion are an added bonus to a partnership with Scott.

- Susan E.