Skip to main content

John Philip Stennett

Insurance Attorney at San Diego, CA

5.0   8 reviews

also known as Jack Stennett

  • Licensed for 46 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1976
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Employee benefits
    50%
    Limited to assisting individuals with obtaining employee benefits under an employee benefit plan such as disability benefits, life insurance & health insurance benefits that have been denied. Often these claims are governed by Federal law known as ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act).

    35 years

  2. Insurance
    50%
    Represent individuals with claims for insured benefits either against their own insurer, a group insurer or a third party's insurer.

    42 years

     John (Jack) Stennett has been litigating ERISA cases since 1989 and personal injury and bad faith cases since receiving his license in 1976.  He has successfully litigated cases against almost every major insurance company.

     He is dedicated to representing individuals who need help obtaining the benefits promised by insurance companies and employee welfare benefit plans.  Though Mr. Stennett has broad litigation experience in numerous areas of the law, he has chosen to focus his practice in this area of the law because of three simple reasons.

     First, focusing on benefit claims allows him to become highly proficient in the area and provide the highest and best possible representation of his clients.

     Second, he identifies with his individual clients who, on their own, are the clear underdog in any battle against an insurance company or employee trust and he loves representing the underdogs.

     Third, he loves battling insurance companies who have a fiduciary duty to their insureds.  Because their analysis is influenced by their own financial self interest, it is virtually impossible for an insurance company not to place their own interests above those of their insureds.  Their decisions are invariably unfair and wrong.

   His client's claims typically involve claims for disability, life or accidental death benefits and pension and health benefits.

Contact John

Similar lawyers nearby

Stennett & Casino
501 W Broadway Ste 1340
San Diego, CA, 92101

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  8 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by John | February 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Prevailed Against Adverse Doctor Statement
My long term disability benefits were cut off when my neurosurgeon signed a statement prepared by the insurance company stating that I was able to return to work. Barbara Casino and Jack Stennett sent me to an occupational therapist and then used her functional capacity evaluation to convince the neurosurgeon and the judge that I was not able to return to work. Blowing through the smoke and mirrors of the insurance company’s attorneys and sham “medical experts,” Barbara and Jack won complete restitution of my disability benefits.
Read less
Posted by Christi | July 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Look no further!!! Jack Stennett is the best ERISA Lawer you can hire
There is so much I have to say about this lawyer. I will try and keep it short and say, if you are in a situation like I was, dealing with a LTD Disability case and are looking for someone who will work hard, care, fight and never leave you hanging, not knowing what is going on at anytime in your case. Then look no further, stop right here and call this Attorney! Jack (John) Stennett. He won my case, which was not easy against M of O. He fought hard for me and won! There is one thing that meant the most to me about this man. Well a few things but I have to say, when ever I called upset, nervous, or anything. If he was there he took my call. If he wasn't there, he would always call me back right away. This is a quality you do not find with many lawyers. Simply said " The best there is"!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | June 15, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great information
This gentlemen went in more detail. I felt he had a better understanding of this type of issue. I think if I need someone to represent me this would the guy.
Posted by Dave | December 7, 2014
Tricky Trust and Probate Case
When my Brother passed I was left with some Trust and Probate issues that required legal counsel. Jack (John) took it on and stayed with it until everything was resolved. He worked hard and is an ethical man of high integrity. I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal services. He always kept me informed of progress and gave me choices in courses of action carefully explaining the possible risks versus the possible outcomes.
Read less
Posted by Marie | September 26, 2014
Jack Stennett - Best ERISA Attorney
I talked to a few different attorneys before I retained Jack Stennett for an ERISA Long Term Disability case. I selected Jack because he was well respected, an expert in this area, and he seemed like he really cared and understood what a difficult time this is for a person. For any attorney, this is their job, but for us going through it, this is our life. He understood that, which I greatly appreciated. He was very responsive to calls and emails, as well. Prior to meeting Jack, I was leaning toward another attorney that tried to talk me into a quick settlement. He said he thought I had a good case but there was nothing special about my case (no media attention, etc.) so he would not take it to court. He even said that if I filed in court and lost, the judge would make me pay the insurance company's legal costs. I felt so vulnerable, I believed everything I was told. Jack was candid and honest and clarified any misinformation I had. It was so refreshing to talk to someone who was laying out the facts and not trying to manipulate me into what would benefit him. Jack used the court system as it was meant to be used (something that previous attorney was not willing to do) and helped me understand each step of the process. I could not be happier that I went with Jack! It took some time, patience and trust in Jack, but my eventual settlement was over triple the amount the previous attorney told me I can expect. So I would wholeheartedly recommend Jack Stennett to anyone needing representation in this area of the law.
Read less
Posted by B. | September 23, 2014
John Stennett review
Mr. Stennett represented me for my private disability insurance claim. He was very helpful in guiding me through that difficult time in my life with very helpful advice and support while achieving a very good settlement. He also was very responsive with any questions I had returning my phone calls promptly. I would highly recommend him.
Read less
Posted by MichaelD | August 21, 2014
I found him to be an Expert and Best of the Best for helping me with my Disability Claim.
Mr. Stennett was recommended to me by the San Diego Bar Association as an expert in LTD and ERISA claims. I contacted him and after speaking with him I soon discovered that he was extremely helpful and knowledgable and had exactly the knowledge base and experience I needed. As a result of his advice and direction my LTD/ERISA claim appeal went through and me and my wife are very grateful to Mr. Stennett and his office staff for all of their help. Overall Rating A+++, 100%
Read less
Posted by Debra | February 27, 2014
Stennett Review (ERISA Insurance Long Term Disability Case)
Jack represented me on a long term disability ERISA claim and was not only very knowledgable of ERISA claims and the process but was well known and respected by the the defendants attorney and also the judge on the case. Jack kept me informed as to the process and always provided advance copies of any legal documents prior to their submittal. Jack helped us to reach an acceptable settlement agreement. I would not hesitate in recommending Jack. I felt very comfortable with Jack and trusted his advice and recommendations.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Stennett & Casino
  • 2003 - Present
  • Partner
  • Stennett & Stennett
  • 1987 - 2003
  • Associate
  • Schall & Stennett
  • 1977 - 1987

Education

  • UC Hastings COL
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1976
  • Linfield Coll
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1973

Legal Cases

  • Sullivan v Deutsche Bank, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 122500 (SD CAL.)
  • Judgement for Plaintiff against UNUM Insurance
  • Watts v. MetLife, 2011 U.S.Dist. LEXIS 44805
  • Court awarded client back disability benefits, attorney's fees and entitlement to future benefits
  • Brettelle v Life Insurance Co of N.A. 691 F. Supp2d 1249
  • Court ruled that death was accidental dispite the voluntary use of alcohol. Judgement for Brettelle.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • Admitted
  • 1996 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1977 - Present
  • San Diego Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1977 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Top Lawyer
  • San Diego Magazine
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer
  • San Diego Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer
  • San Diego Magazine
  • 2013
  • Panelist of the Year
  • San Diego Lawyer Referral and Information Service
  • 2004
  • Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award
  • San Diego Trial Lawyers Association
  • 1989
View all awards

Publications

  • American Jurisprudence Proof Of Facts, 3d Series, Vol 9,pg.307
  • The Psychological Effects Of Physical Disfigurement
  • 1990

Speaking Engagements

  • Paralegal Course - guest speaker
  • Insurance Law
  • 2000
  • Paralegal Course-guest speaker
  • Product Liability
  • 1998

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (6)
Endorse John
Unknown Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employee benefits Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I gladly endorse Mr. Stennett, a long-time colleague. His experience, sensibility and perseverance make him an exceptional employee benefits, ERISA, and insurance lawyer. His careful eye, knowledge of the law, passion to help those who need it most and his personal drive to "right the wrong," while doing so in a gentlemanly manner, make him an excellent litigator."
Insurance Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Jack and I have worked together on several matters. He is an exceptional lawyer.Juries love his folksy manner, his ethics are beyond reproach and he gives the highest level of personal attention to his clients. I refer all of my ERISA cases to his firm and if I personally needed an attorney regarding an ERISA claim, Jack is who I would call."
Employee benefits Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have known Jack Stennett since law school and he has repeatedly been a valuable resource for me in my practice areas (employment law and litigation) concerning ERISA issues and litigation strategy."
Employee benefits Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Stennett is one of the few attorneys who concentrate in this area. He has a deep understanding of the law in the area, and meticulously prepares his cases. Beyond the technicalities of his practice, he cares about his clients, is very personally accessible, and goes the extra mile. Its a winning combination."
Insurance Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employee benefits Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jack many years, both personally and professionally, and find him to have the highest standard of work ethic and integrity."
Employee benefits Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employee benefits Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working very closly with John "Jack" Stennett over several years. His knowlege of insurance law especially in the area of ERISA law far exceeds most practioners in this area. He very well respected by the bench and in the community. His passion is to represent the disabled who have been refused benfits by their insurance company. He is steadfast in his representation of his clients both in litigated as well as non-litigated cases."
View more endorsements
Employee benefits
Workers compensation
Personal injury
Divorce and separation