#32 Richard H. Schoenberger, Esq. Counsel for the Plaintiff

Welcome to the Trial Alchemy™ podcast, where I talk with top ABOTA plaintiff and defense trial lawyers and ABOTA civil trial judges about what works, and what doesn't work in civil jury trials.

In this episode I interview ABOTA member and outstanding plaintiff attorney Richard H. Schoenberger, Esq. who is a past president of the San Francisco ABOTA Chapter. Thanks for joining me!

Guest Resume: Richard H. Schoenberger, Esq.

Richard H. Schoenberger has enjoyed remarkable success in his almost 40-year legal career. His outstanding skillsand presence in the courtroom have made him one of the most highly respected trial lawyers in California. In honor of his achievements in the courtroom, Rich was inducted as the 37th member of the California Lawyers Association Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame in August of 2024.

At various times, RIch has held or shared the record for the largest verdict in particular case types in San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, and Sonoma Counties. In September of 2025, his client, a 21-year-old who was paralyzed after the roll cage of the Yamaha YXZ side-by-side he occupied collapsed during a forward rollover, received a $26,300,000 verdict, one of the largest ever handed down for personal injury in Orange County. With its verdict, the jury sent a strong message that Yamahaʼs off-road vehicle is defective and needs to be recalled before others are badly hurt. In August of 2023, Richʼs clients received a $16.1 million verdict against the State of California, Department of Transportation, believed to be the largest personal injury verdict in Sonoma County history.

Rich has tried to verdict or settled well over 100 cases for a million dollars or more, including more than 30 eight-figurecases. In the last few years alone, he has resolved individual cases for $50 million, $25 million, $23.3 million, $20million, $19 million, and $18.5 million. Rich's recent $24.5 million recovery is considered one of the largest known settlements of a medical malpractice case in California history. In the past ten years alone, Rich has achieved results,either through verdict or settlement, that total more than $500,000,000.

Rich has received numerous awards. In December of 2022, he received the prestigious Don E. Bailey Award, given to a distinguished San Francisco ABOTA member who continually exemplifies civility, professionalism, and integrity in the practice of the law while always vigorously, courageously, and expertly advocating his clients' causes. Rich was named one of the Daily Journalʼs 2023 Top Plaintiff Lawyers in California, recognizing his exceptional trial advocacy and placing him among the stateʼs most accomplished legal professionals.

Rich is a member of The International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates, where he served as President for the San Francisco Chapter during its 50th Anniversary year.

Guest Contact Information:

Richard H. Schoenberger, Esq.

Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger

650 California St, 26th Floor