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Craig McClellan
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About Craig
Biography
Craig McClellan is one of the few attorneys who can say that he has made a difference in this country's safety standards, resulting in many lives being saved and many injuries avoided. A pioneer in modern product liability litigation, Craig’s trials and settlements are credited by the Department of Justice with helping ban three wheel All Terrain Vehicles from the U.S. market. One of his cases is cited as bringing about the installation of 3-point shoulder harnesses in automobile rear seats. Another case generated laws barring secrecy agreements.
The persevering and tenacious litigation Craig has pursued has landed his cases on 60 Minutes, 20-20, the McNeil-Lehrer Report, CBS Evening News, and countless other programs because of their ground breaking precedent. Not surprising for someone who has always been a leader – as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, as Editor-in-Chief of his schools’ Law Review, and as the first and only San Diego attorney selected for admission into the Inner Circle of Advocates, the prestigious invitation-only group that limits its membership to 100 of the top plaintiffs’ attorneys in the country. Moreover, with over 150 verdicts and settlements in excess of one million dollars each, he leads all San Diego lawyers in the number of large recoveries.
Craig used to race cars, and still participates in driving events. Because of his racing background, he has had an interest in high speed, exotic car crashes. One of his first multi-million dollar verdicts was against Porsche, when the jury found the death of a passenger in its 930 Turbo Porsche was because the vehicle was “too dangerous for the average driver.” That case made international headlines, as did another case against Porsche last year for defects in the Porsche Carrera GT, which led to the death of two at the California Speedway.
The San Diego based McClellan Law Firm practices around the country and has had cases arising from as far away as Argentina. From exploding gas tanks to massive landslides, not only does the firm take on the biggest industry and governmental entities, but it does so with the latest litigation techniques and technology. Craig tried the first paperless trial in the country in Indiana in 2003.
As one would expect, he is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Master of the American Inns of Court, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and past President of its San Diego Chapter. He is a former Board member of the Consumer Attorneys of California, the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (where he also served as an Officer,) and the San Diego Chapter of the American Business Trial Lawyers. He is in the San Diego Trial Lawyers and Lawdragon Halls of Fame.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
45%
Business
25%
Defective and Dangerous Products
20%
Insurance
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 49 years
State: California
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
Location
The McClellan Law Firm
1144 State Street, San Diego, CA, 92101
mcclellanlaw.com/our-team/craig-r-mcclellan/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Craig online.
Craig McClellan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 7, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Cycling Accident
Craig McClellan’s law firm represented me in a lawsuit when I was hit by a car while bike riding. Craig led the mediation effort which resulted in an award for my damages that exceeded my expectations. Craig also negotiated my medical liens down which saved me a lot of money. I highly recommend Craig...
Craig McClellan's Lawyer Endorsements
"I had the pleasure of working with Craig on a complex business litigation matter. He is a very effective lawyer. When it really matters, Craig is the one you want on your team!"
"I endorse Craig. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Craig is a premier products liability attorney."
Jonathan Kaplan
Intellectual property lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer, Lawdragon
2019
Top 50 San Diego Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
Number One Attorney in San Diego, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 10 Premises Liability Settlements, TopVerdict.com
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Tier 1 Law Firm, Product Liability, U.S. News & World Report
2016
Best Lawyers in Southern California, Los Angeles Times
2016
Top 50 Attorney, San Diego Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Tier 1 Law Firm - Personal Injury, U.S. News & World Report
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury, San Diego, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury, San Diego, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Lawyer of the Year - Product Liability, San Diego, Best Lawyers in America
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyers in San Diego, San Diego Metro Magazine
2013
Top 25 Attorneys in San Diego for 2013, SDMetro Magazine
2012
Top Attorneys "Transcript 10", San Diego Transcript
2012
Best Lawyers in California, San Francisco Chronicle
2012
Daniel T. Broderick Award, San Diego County Bar Association
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2005
Invited member, Inner Circle of Advocates
1999
Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
1983
Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
1981
Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
Work Experience
1986 - Present
President, The McClellan Law Firm
1976 - 1986
Partner, Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps
1972 - 1973
Director, Oil Policy Subcommittee Cost of Living Council
1969 - 1972
Captain, United States Marine Corps
Associations
2017 - Present
California Western School of LawBoard of Directors
2016 - Present
Master, American Inns of Court, Enright Chapter, President 2018-2020Board Member
2005 - Present
Inner Circle of AdvocatesMember
2000 - Present
American College of Trial LawyersFellow
1977 - Present
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
1976 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2010 - 2011
American Board of Trial AdvocatesPresident
2005 - 2006
Association of Business Trial LawyersBoard of Directors
1985 - 1987
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaBoard of Directors
1983 - 1990
Consumer Attorneys of San DiegoBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Ringdahl vs. Garcia
Verdict $15.8 million, the largest net wrongful death verdict in San Diego history.
Jane Doe v. Western Trucking LLC, City of San Diego, et al
$7,500,000.00 settlement
Rudl v. Porsche
$4,500,000.00 settlement
Henline v. Honda
$8,027,154.00 verdict
Miller v. Ford
$6,000,000.00 settlement
Garrison v. Porsche
$2,500,000.00 verdict, upheld on appeal
Pacific Landmark Hotels, Ltd. vs. San Diego Unified Port District et. al.
$13,200,880 settlement
Education
1976
California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1969
University of Oregon
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Federal Bar Association
How To Give An Effective Opening Statement
2014
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2013
Masters of Trial
Cross Examinination
2013
Damages: Go Big or Go Home
From Voire Dire To Closing-Educating the Jury To Award The True Value Of The Case
2013
College of Trial Advocacy
Opening Statement
2013
American Inns of Court
Attorney Conduct--Speech and Body Language
2013
American Inns of Court
Think Strategically
2012
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2012
American Inns of Court
Client, Firm and Courtroom Dynamics
2011
Masters of Trial
Closing Argument
2011
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2010
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2009
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2009
American Inns of Court
Getting the Right Jury Every Time
2008
Personal Injury Cases from a Plaintiff's Perspective
Crashworthiness
2008
General Meeting
Electronics for Lawyers
2008
Dinner Meeting
Ten Defense Lawyer Blunders Plaintiff Lawyers Love to See
2008
Annual Conference in Chicago
A Crash Course in Crashworthiness
2008
American Inns of Court
When The Judge Disagrees: Damage Control and Preparing for Appellate Review
2007
American Inns of Court
Expert Witness Examination for Dummies
2006
American Inns of Court
Pre-Flight Checklist: Preparing for Trial
2005
American Inns of Court
Juror Misconduct: How You Find It, Define It, and Prove It
2005
ABTL Masters of The Art
Jury Selection, Opening Statements, Direct and Cross Examination
2004
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Argument
2004
CAOC Annual Convention
Using Exhibits In Closing Arguments
2003
Masters of Trial
Closing Argument
2003
College of Trial Advocacy
Closing Arguments
2003
American Inns of Court
Bill Gates and Other Deposition Disasters
2000
General Membership Meeting
A Crash Course on Crashworthiness
2000
Annual Meeting
Jury Reform and Strategies
2000
American Inns of Court
The Bear Necessities: Keping Your Case Interesting To Goldilocks and Other Jurors With Short Attention Spans
1999
Seminar
How To Present A Business Case Effectively
1999
Masters In Trial
Closing Argument
1999
American Law, Brazilian Clients
A Crash Course in Crashworthiness
1999
American Inns of Court
Legal Malpractice and Malicious Prosecution
1998
Professionalism in Practice
Trials In Trying Times
1998
American Inns of Court
Mediations for The Trial Bar
1997
Trial By Masters--The Ultimate Skills Seminar
Opening Statements: The Critical First Impression
1997
Product Defect Litigation
Automotive Litigation: Emerging Safety Issues
1997
15th Annual Conference on Products Liability
Trial Demonstration
1996
Seminar
Crunchtime
1995
American Inns of Court
Master Mania
1995
American Inns of Court
Cross-Examination
1994
American Inns of Court
Demonstrative Evidence: See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me
1994
American Inns of Court
The Lawyer As Target: Tips To Avoid Civil and Criminal Liability
1993
Seminar
Anatomy of a Civil Trial
1993
Seminar
Evidence: Use the Rules to Seize the Day
1993
National Conference on Product Liability Law
Trial of a Product Liability Case
1993
Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation
Closing Argument in Passive Restraint/Airbag Case
1993
Annual Automobile Seminar
Trying An Automobile Liability Case
1993
All Star Product Liability Seminar
Product Liability
1992
Seminar
Trial of a Sexual Harassment Case
1992
Annual Meeting
Emerging Issues in Automobile Product Liability Litigation
1991
Seminar
Trying the Automobile Injury Case in California
1991
Masters of Trial
Trying a Lawsuit
1990
Seminar
Top Damage Arguments
N/A
Masters in Trial
Trial Techniques
N/A
Dinner Program
Trying A Case To The Two Minute Mind
N/A
Annual Program
Using Analogies in Closing Argument
N/A
Annual Convention
Opening Statements
N/A
Annual Convention
Trial Techniques
Publications
1983
Million Dollar Arguments
Garrison v. Porsche
1975
California Western Law Review
Physicians' Liability: The Sale and Insertion of A Dalkon Shield
N/A
San Diego Trial Bar News
The Honda ATC and Other Dangerous All-Terrain Vehicles
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Guides