How much does it cost to hire Ben for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ben walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Ben offer a free consultation?

Ben charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ben's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Ben's current terms during booking.

How long do business cases in California typically take?

Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ben gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ben take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

Ben is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ben will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Ben?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ben will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ben accepting new business clients right now?

Ben's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Ben Coughlan, Business Attorney in San Diego

Quick answer

Ben Coughlan is a co-founder/partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Medical Malpractice. Ben has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coughlan & Vinel, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 14 years
Known for: Business · Employment · Medical Malpractice

Handles Business, Employment, and Medical Malpractice matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Ben's practice areas in San Diego

Ben concentrates on business, employment, medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ben handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in San Diego, California

Ben takes business matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in San Diego, California

Ben takes employment matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in San Diego, California

Ben takes medical malpractice matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in San Diego, California

Ben takes personal injury matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in San Diego, California

Ben takes product liability matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ben agrees to represent you.

Biography

Ben Coughlan, business attorney serving San Diego

Ben Coughlan is a co-founder/partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Medical Malpractice. Ben has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coughlan & Vinel, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 15 client reviews. Ben works from San Diego, California and takes on business matters across the region.

Ben Coughlan is an award-winning trial lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for individuals going through the toughest times of their lives. After spending the last decade at a large plaintiff’s firm, Ben chose to start this firm to provide every single client with personal attention. Ben believes that personal attention, and creativity on cases, are what achieve the best results for clients. Ben believes his job is to tell the clients story as the client sees it, not as others might see it. To do that, he believes in spending the time to get to know every client personally so he can best understand not only how to get the largest financial result for the clients, but also how to take as much stress as possible off the client throughout the process.

Ben is known in San Diego, and throughout Southern California, for handling some of the very biggest and most high-profile cases. With a decade of experience litigating and trying catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, employment, medical malpractice, toxic exposure and whistleblower (qui tam) cases, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge to every case. In addition to his experience litigating Ben is an adjunct professor at University of San Diego School of Law and an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy in both the Trial Skills and Depositions Skills programs. Ben is the President-Elect of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego – the Plaintiff’s Bar for all of San Diego. He serves as the editor of the Tort Law section of the Trial Bar News.

Ben has a sub-specialty in brain injury and spinal injury cases. He is the immediate past Vice President of the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation, and regularly works to support brain injury survivors in his free time. He is also a published author in the field of Brain Injuries, having co-authored and edited “A Journey Towards Recovery: A Brain Injury Guide for Survivors.” He is regularly asked to speak about brain injuries around the country to lawyers, medical professionals, survivors and their families.

Prior to becoming a lawyer Ben spent four years in the media relations department of the San Diego Padres. Ben received his juris doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. He received his bachelors degree in journalism from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Illinois.

Ben was born and raised in San Diego. He lives with his wife Kathleen, son Jack (3) and daughter Mackenzie (1) in Solana Beach. Ben and his family love San Diego and believe it is their privilege to give back to their community. Jack and Mackenzie are fifth generation San Diegans on their mother’s side.

Recognition & Awards

2021 – San Diego Reader, Top Attorneys

2021 – The National Trial Lawyers, 40 Under 40

2021 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2020 – The National Trial Lawyers, 40 Under 40

2020 – University of San Diego School of Law, Distinguished Alumni, Rising Star Award

2020 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2020 – America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys

2019 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2019 – America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys

2018 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2018 – San Diego Metro Magazine, 40 Under 40 Award

2017 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2017 – San Diego Metro Magazine, Top 10 Attorney Overall

2016 – Super Lawyers, Rising Star

2015 – San Diego Business Journal, Best of the Bar

2014 – San Diego Business Journal, Best of the Bar

2014 – Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Outstanding Trial Lawyer

2013 – San Diego Daily Transcript, Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney

2013 – San Diego Daily Transcript, Top Young Attorney

Publications

Negligent Sexual Transmission of Disease: A Primer – Trial Bar News, March/April 2021

Anything but simple, the Taxation of Personal Injury Settlements and Judgments – Trial Bar News, September 2020

Understanding Pituitary Injuries in Brain Injury Cases – Trial Bar News, August 2020

10 Cases Every Trial Lawyer Should Know – Trial Bar News, December 2018

Intervening and Superseding Causes in California Tort Cases – Trial Bar News, November 201

Pebley v. Santa Clara Organics, LLC: Court of Appeals Extends Bermudez Ruling to Lien Treatment – Trial Bar News, August/September 2018

A Journey Toward Recovery: A Brain Injury Guide for Survivors

Keep it Confidential: How Dennis Rodman Changed the World of Personal Injury Lawsuits – Trial Bar News, January 2018

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Litigating the Not-so “Invisible Injury” Part 2 of 3 – Trial Bar News , January 2017

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Litigating the Not-so “Invisible Injury” Part 3 of 3 – Trial Bar News , February 2017

Traumatic Brain Injuries: Litigating the Not-so “Invisible Injury” Part 1 of 3 – Trial Bar News , December 2016

We Recorded the Defense Medical Examination, Now What? – Trial Bar News, November 2016

The First 48: Human Body Reaction and Emergency Treatment of Trauma – Trial Bar News , May 2016

Mini-Opening Statements: Test, Approved, Recommended – Rarely Used – Trial Bar News , February 2016

The Misunderstood World of Defamation Law – Trial Bar News, January 2016

Playing the Punies: Punitive Damages in Premises Liability Cases – Trial Bar News , April 2015

Working with Ben on a business matter

Ben Coughlan is an award-winning trial lawyer who has dedicated his career to fighting for individuals going through the toughest times of their lives. After spending the last decade at a large plaintiff’s firm, Ben chose to start this firm to provide every single client with personal attention. Ben believes that personal attention, and creativity on cases, are what achieve the best results for…

Who Ben represents

Ben reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and medical malpractice matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Ben studied and practices

University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 2012
Northwestern University
B.S. Journalism · 2005

Jurisdictions

Ben's state bar admissions

California
2012 · ACTIVE

Ben studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Journalism in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Ben completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Journalism in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ben runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Ben's legal honors and published work

Ben has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ben Coughlan's office in San Diego

Ben's primary office is at 4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 575, San Diego, CA, 92122. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Coughlan & Vinel, LLP

4660 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 575

San Diego, CA 92122

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ben Coughlan — 5.0/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Ben. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in San Diego.

5.0

15 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ben Coughlan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ben Coughlan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ben usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Ben charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ben's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ben will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ben

Ben discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ben confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ben's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ben Coughlan

How much does it cost to hire Ben for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ben walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ben offer a free consultation?
Ben charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ben's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Ben's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ben gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ben take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Ben is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ben will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ben?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ben will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ben accepting new business clients right now?
Ben's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Ben Coughlan. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Ben handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Ben Coughlan, Business Attorney in San Diego, California

Quick answer