Experience
John M. Bentley has practiced law for more than 45 years, during which time he has emphasized trial work. His experience has included trials in a variety of fields with a major emphasis during that time on professional liability. Mr. Bentley has defended insurance companies, lawyers, doctors and medical care facilities, including all of the major hospitals in San Mateo County and many in the Bay Area counties. He also has extensive experience in medical arbitration proceedings and has sat as the presiding hearing officer in staff privilege hearings. He currently emphasizes discovery, analysis and trial of complex multi-site environmental insurance coverage litigation.
Mr. Bentley has participated as a panelist and lecturer before professional groups of doctors, nurses and attorneys. He has also lectured on insurance law at Golden Gate College and has been a member of the faculty at the Hastings College of Advocacy.
He received his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1955 after attending that same University as an undergraduate where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society.
Mr. Bentley is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, the International Association of Insurance Counsel, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC), Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California, The American Bar Association, the San Mateo Bar Association.
Memberships & Associations
· American Bar Association (ABA)
· American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA)
· American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
· American College of Trial Lawyers
· Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada (ADC)
· State Bar of California
· Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC)
· International Academy of Trial Lawyers
· San Mateo County Bar Association
· US Courts for the Ninth District
· Supreme Court of the United States
Representative Clients
· Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
· Farmers Insurance Group of Companies