USA Guide 2026 : California
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Sheppard, Mullin, Hampton & Richter LLP
Sheppard represents insurance companies nationwide in coverage disputes, bad faith claims and class action litigation. Our Insurance team offers unparalleled trial experience and a track record of published decisions establishing favorable law for the insurance industry.
We help carriers proactively minimize extra-contractual risk during the pre-litigation stage by advising on coverage issues and guiding claim handlers through time-limit settlement demands and other challenges. When litigation arises, we aggressively defend carriers in bad faith lawsuits, high-value coverage disputes and class actions.
Our trial lawyers have delivered defense verdicts in over 100 jury and bench trials. Insurers often parachute our team into high-exposure cases across the country—often involving tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in potential liability. They rely on our ability to craft creative arguments, reduce risk and, when necessary, help establish new precedent that benefits the broader industry.
Provided by Chambers
Sheppard is a quality California practice with core expertise in auto insurance claims, excess policies and bad faith litigation. Its strong track record in trial work sees the practice regularly engaged by major domestic insurers to defend them in substantial class actions, as well as in appellate proceedings. The team routinely represents clients in both the state and federal courts across California.
Provided by Chambers
Sheppard obtained summary judgment in favor of Continental Casualty Company in a bad faith litigation.
Provided by Chambers
Their expertise allows for integrated, efficient and well-coordinated representation across jurisdictions.
I turn to Sheppard for the most significant and complex legal matters. The firm has a deep bench of legal talent who provide outstanding strategic advice.
They are creative, responsive and professional. Their writing and critical thinking skills are exceptional, and they have a think-outside-the-box mentality.
They are all amazing attorneys in this team. They are super-knowledgeable and available.
I can attest they have a solid knowledge of industry practices and litigation issues. It's a pleasure to work with a firm so proactive in its defense work.
Provided by Chambers
Peter is a top-notch insurance attorney who goes above and beyond.
Peter is aware of our business and industry such that he gives a 360-degree view on the best way to go. He always has our best interests at heart and knows our business inside-out.
Peter is adept at handling complicated matters, with very detailed analysis and an encyclopedic knowledge of case law. He is aware of what's going on in the industry and applies that to his advice.
Peter is the best attorney I've ever worked with in the industry.
Peter is a superior attorney with a deep understanding of, and insight into, the challenges we face. He is our go-to attorney when a matter calls for extraordinary legal skills and industry acumen.
Charles Danaher represents insurance companies in a wide array of contentious matters. Clients benefit from his notable litigation experience.
He is top tier when writing motions and briefs laying out complex matters in simple English. He's also a brilliant negotiator who comes up with novel arguments. A fantastic attorney.
Charlie is a rock star. He's incredibly intelligent, a superb writer and a joy to work with. He will go to hell and back for our company.
An outstanding lawyer in the insurance space and an effective fighter for whom I have a great deal of respect. He is the first person I'd turn to for a realistic assessment of a complicated insurance situation.
He has a detailed understanding of our business and processes and is one of the most creative and analytical lawyers we have in our arsenal of defense counsel.
I love working with Charlie. He is a zealous advocate and an expert in his field.
Theona Zhordania is commended for her ability to handle high-value and complex insurance disputes. She demonstrates particular expertise defending insurers from bad faith and negligence claims.
Theona is thorough and gets through material very efficiently and comes up with effective strategies.
I respect Theona's legal expertise and litigation experience. When she handles a case, she's all in and works diligently for the client.
Theona is an extremely effective litigator who understands our business needs and provides exceptional value to our company. She is well respected and an incredibly talented writer and researcher.
Theona is a brilliant negotiator who comes up with novel arguments.
Theona is practical, solution-driven, and has an incredible work ethic. She is also an outstanding trial attorney.
Head of Insurance: Insurer
Insurance: Insurer
Insurance: Insurer
Provided by Sheppard, Mullin, Hampton & Richter LLP
Jeffrey Crowe
Head of Department
Charles Danaher
View profile of Charles Danaher
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