John D. Pernick, Litigation Attorney in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, CA
Trusted litigation attorney serving San Francisco.
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Quick answer
John D. Pernick is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Currently practicing at Bergeson LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Litigation
- Handles Litigation matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026).
About John D. Pernick: John D. Pernick is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Currently practicing at Bergeson LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
John takes litigation matters in San Francisco, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John D. Pernick — litigation lawyer in San Francisco
John D. Pernick is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Litigation. Currently practicing at Bergeson LLP.
When business partnerships, startups, and investment funds are in the throes of intra-company disputes or face claims of wrongdoing, business litigator John D. Pernick guides companies and their founders, directors, executives, and investors toward resolutions that serve their overall interests, be it through negotiation or litigation. He also represents companies and individuals in complex state and federal litigation matters and in connection with investigations by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and other regulatory agencies and authorities.
Business Breakups and Complex Disputes
John has more than 25 years of experience representing a range of clients, from Silicon Valley and Bay Area startups to Fortune 50 corporations, in complex business litigation in state and federal courts.
John leverages his background in corporate governance and corporate control fights to add expediency and efficiency to the litigation process. He aims to lessen the burden and disruption of litigation for emerging and growth companies while still obtaining optimal results. John's practice scope includes:
- Breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims
- Complex commercial litigation
- Corporate control disputes
- Defective product claims
- Founder disputes
- Insurance coverage claims
- Investigations
- Securities litigation and class actions
- Shareholder derivative actions
- Supplier disputes
- Trade secrets and confidentiality agreements
Attuned to Silicon Valley Business Economics
John's clients include a cross-section of Silicon Valley's technology, software, and financial companies as well as manufacturers, online retailers and participants in emerging industries, such as cryptocurrency and cannabis.
In building a client's case, John digs deep into underlying business issues. He examines what should have happened to make the business prosper and actions, governance practices, and structural deficiencies that led to the dispute.
His representative experience includes defending venture capital firms and their partners in actions claiming breach of fiduciary duties in connection with portfolio company refinancings. He has also led tech company CEOs in company and shareholder disputes, and he has steered Chief Compliance Officers in proceedings before the DOJ, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other agencies.
Leadership in Business Litigation and Trials
John's is recognized by such top legal guides as Chambers USA, Legal 500, Super Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee of the Securities Litigation Section of The Bar Association of San Francisco.
Out of the office, John is an accomplished competitive sailor who was a member of the crew that won the 2017 J/111 World Championship and 2018 J/111 North American Championship titles.
Working with John on a litigation matter
When business partnerships, startups, and investment funds are in the throes of intra-company disputes or face claims of wrongdoing, business litigator John D. Pernick guides companies and their founders, directors, executives, and investors toward resolutions that serve their overall interests, be it through negotiation or litigation. He also represents companies and individuals in complex state…
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1991
John studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Antitrust (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026).
Locations
John D. Pernick's office in San Francisco
John's primary office is at 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, California, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bergeson LLP
101 Montgomery Street, Suite 900
San Francisco, California 94104
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Client reviews of John D. Pernick
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire John D. Pernick — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a litigation attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John D. Pernick
How much does it cost to hire John for a litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some litigation attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in California typically take?
Simple litigation 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new litigation clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
John handles litigation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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