John E. Rosenthal handles complex product liability defense litigation, toxic tort litigation, insurance defense, premises liability, environmental litigation, and general litigation matters. He represents individuals, small companies, and national corporations in all stages of state and federal litigation. John has resolved a wide range of cases as first-chair trial counsel, co-chaired several trials to defense verdict, and prevailed on appellate briefs including before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Serving as national coordinating counsel, John has shaped national litigation strategies, coordinated lawyers in jurisdictions across the country, and worked with trial teams outside California on pro hac vice admissions.As a litigator, John has represented defendants and plaintiffs in business disputes, catastrophic personal injury or death cases, insurance coverage, construction defect, and intellectual property matters. He advises clients on regulatory compliance, including international agreements, federal regulations, and state law; and effectively communicates the technical, scientific, and medical issues often at the core of these disputes. He has extensive experience in every aspect of complex litigation, from discovery to trial to appeal, including settlement negotiations, arbitration, mediation, and administrative hearings. Most recently, John was on the trial team that obtained a defense verdict for an electrical products seller in a living mesothelioma case. John conducted direct and cross examination of a plaintiff and several expert witnesses. The jury found that the plaintiff did not work with the client's asbestos-containing electrical products despite new details which were disclosed for the first time during the plaintiff's trial testimony. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Mary Wiss presided over the trial.John anticipates potential case outcomes and resolves litigation at the earliest opportunity, often before trial, to limit his client’s exposure and contain costs. John believes that his client's business operations and goals are paramount, taking both long and short-term litigation effects into consideration, and carefully calibrating his approach to best meet his client’s objectives. Applying fair and compelling legal analysis, John guides his clients through negotiation, mediation, and resolution. John has handled several pro bono matters, defending clients from underrepresented communities in unlawful detainer, debt collection, and bankruptcy proceedings. *Nothing on this page may be considered legal advice.