Robert John McKennon

Robert John McKennon

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Employee benefits Lawyer at Newport Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Employee Benefits, Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance

20321 SW Birch St., Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Employee Benefits 50%

Erisa Cases, pension, life insurance, disability insurance, accidental death insurance

41 years

50%
Insurance 25%

I handle bad faith and ERISA insurance litigation and have been for 24 years. Disability insurance

41 years | 350 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 39 years

State: California

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

McKennon Law Group PC

20321 SW Birch St., Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Robert John McKennon's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

19 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (19) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Social Security Disability

Posted by Christine O. | September 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Best Law Firm Experience I’ve Had - Excellent Representation and Support

I recently worked with McKennon Law, and I couldn’t be happier with the firm’s representation on my ERISA long-term disability claim. McKennon Law stood out for their personal touch and dedication. I was naturally very anxious about initiating litigation. But they walked me through the entire proces...s and made me feel at ease, which is something I truly appreciated. From the very beginning, I felt confident in their knowledge and experience in the field of disability law. They did an excellent job because they not only handled all the legal details thoroughly but also took the time to explain everything in a way I could comprehend. They took the time to understand the complexity of my disabilities, which allowed them to provide me with the best client service and achieve the best outcome. They were also strong negotiators who advocated for me throughout the process and worked hard to achieve the best possible settlement. I would absolutely recommend McKennon Law to others. Their combination of legal skills and client-focused approach makes them an outstanding choice for anyone needing representation in disability law.

Posted by Tseten | March 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Excellent attorneys

Bob and Joe are excellent lawyers you would want on your side. They are confident, compassionate and patient and helped me get my long term benefits back. It was a pleasure working with them and I’m extremely grateful for their help.

Posted by Anthony | November 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

Excellent Attorneys Firm

Using McKennon Law Group PC for my long-term disability claim was one of the best things I have ever done Using McKennon Law Group PC for my long-term disability claim was one of the best things I have ever done. Robert McKennon handled my case and never let the Disability Insurance company get ...away with wrongful termination of my benefits. Robert was like a pit bull when dealing with the insurance company, making sure he was not going to let up. Erik Fritz also helped with my case and did an excellent job. I want to say Thank You to McKennon Law Group PC, because without them I don’t know what I would have done. - Tony B

Posted by D | July 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

DD

I was originally referred to McKennon Law Group PC from another lawyer. They had given me a few other firms to call when I needed help with navigating a Long-Term Disability case after having to leave my job due to medical reasons. My initial consultation was with Joe McMillen, and he was well info...rmed and patient regarding all my questions. I ended up hiring McKennon Law Group PC on an hourly basis and was awarded Long Term Disability. Then after multiple surgeries, Lincoln Financial denied my disability claim without cause. Knowing that the appeal process could be a very long process, especially if it ended up in trial, I called a few other law firms. The attorneys at the other law firms were so abrasive on the phone, it felt like I was just a case, not a person and was bothering them with my questions. Since I had a good result with McKennon Law Group PC the first time, I decided to hire them again for my appeal on a contingency fee basis. The main reason I chose them was due to Joe McMillen. He is personable, very detailed oriented and had very quick response times. I would not hesitate to refer anyone to McKennon Law Group PC.

Posted by Colette | December 02, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Social Security Disability

I give my highest possible recommendation

I give my highest possible recommendation to McKennon Law Group PC: 5-out-of-5 stars!! To anyone looking to hire an ERISA disability benefit lawyer, look no further. Bob McKennon and Joe McMillen were absolutely fantastic! I could not have been in better hands. I suffer from excruciating abdomina...l, pelvis and leg pain from endometriosis. Often, I can barely get out of bed let alone do my job. I was astounded when Hartford denied my claim and appeal. I appealed again and provided Hartford with all the evidence I thought they needed. When Hartford contacted me to respond to opinion reports from their medical doctors (a gynecologist and pain management physician both saying that I was not disabled and did not even have endometriosis), I knew that I needed a lawyer. The McKennon firm immediately stepped in with a brilliant strategy. They orchestrated a plan with me and my doctors to marshal strategic evidence that won my second appeal, evidence that I would have never thought to obtain. I am truly grateful that McKennon Law Group won all my disability benefits for me. And they did it quickly without me even having to go through a mediation or trial. Thank you, Bob, Joe and team!

See All Client Reviews

Robert John McKennon's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't received any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, Super Lawyers Magazine

2022

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, California Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, California Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, California Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, California Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, California Super Lawyers

2013

2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment, American Lawyer Media and Martindale Hubbell

2013

Southern California’s Top Rated Lawyers, American Lawyer Media and Martindale Hubbell

2013

Top Rated Lawyer in Commercial Litigation, American Lawyer Media and Martindale Hubbell

2012

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

nation's top attorneys in business practice areas, Thomson Reuters/Super Lawyers

2012

In August 2012 Corporate Counsel magazine, National Law Journal, Corporate Counsel magazine and The National Law Journal

2011

Super Lawyers - Insurance Coverage, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

AV Rated Since 2003, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1986 - 2010

Partner, Barger & Wolen LLP

Associations

State Bar of California

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Orange County Bar Association

Member

Education

N/A

University of Southern California Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

California State University, Fullerton

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

American Conference Institute Boston, Ma.

Co-Chair: Litigating Disability and ERISA Claims

2007

38th Annual Midwest Claim Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Bad Faith Insurance Law Update

2006

American Conference Institute, Chicago Ill.

Panelist/Presenter: Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference

2005

Mealeys

Panelist/Presenter: Bad Faith Litigation Conference

2005

American Conference Institute

Panelist/Presenter: Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims

2004

Unum Provident

Panelist/Presenter: Disability Fraud Issues Forum

2004

American Conference Institute

Co-Chair: 7th National Advanced Forum on Litigating Disability Insurance Claims

2003

American Conference Institute

Panelist/Presenter: Managing and Litigating Depression Disability Insurance Claims

2003

19th Annual Western Claims Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Bad Faith Litigatiion

2000

American Conference Institute

Co-Chair: Strategies for Success in Litigating Disability Insurance Claims

2000

American Conference Institute

Panelist/Presenter: 6th National Conference on Bad Faith and Punitive Damages

2000

American Conference Institute

Panelist/Presenter: 3rd National Strategies for Success in Litigating Disability Insurance Claims

1998

Southwest Insurance Association Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Are You Really Complying With States Fair Claim Practices

1997

Southern Claims Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Contestable Life Claims

1997

Orange County Bar Association

Panelist/Presenter: Insurance Bad Faith: Plaintiff & Defense Perspectives

1997

Eastern Claims Conference ,

Panelist/Presenter: Uncivilized Behavior in a Civilized System

1996

Southern Claims Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Unique and Emerging Issues in Insurance Litigation

1996

Southern Claims Conference

Panelist/Presenter: Emerging Issues in Disability, Health and Life Insurance Litigation

Publications

2012

Los Angeles Daily Journal Insurance Agents Key to Insurer Liability, (November 1, 2012)

2012

Los Angeles Daily Journal Equitable Relief in the Ninth Circuit Just Got Better for Consumers (July 11, 2012)

2012

Los Angeles Daily Journal Boon or Bust for Employee Rights Under ERISA Plans (June 3, 2011)

2010

Los Angeles Daily Journal The Waiver Doctrine, Alive And Well in ERISA Cases (August 11, 2010)

2010

Los Angeles Daily Journal Differential Standard of Review in ERISA Cases Clarified (May 4, 2010)

2010

Los Angeles Daily Journal ERISA Plan Administrators Take Heed (February 10, 2010)

2010

Los Angeles Daily Journal In ERISA Cases, The Standard of Review Really Does Matter (December 6, 2010)

2009

Defense Research Institute (DRI) Accidental Injury vs. Sickness Provisions in Disability Policies (2009)

2004

For The Defense (DRI, Defense Research Institute) Disability Cases: The Requirement for Regular and Appropriate Care (2004)

2003

American Conference Institute Managing and Litigating Mental-Nervous Insurance Claims (2003)

2003

Western Claims Conference Introduction to Disability Fraud (2003)

2002

Southern Claims Conference Recent Developments: The Contestable Clause, Bad Faith and Punitive Damages (2002)

2002

Unum Provident Special Investigative Unit Training Manual (2002)

2002

American Conference Institute The Requirement for Regular and Appropriate Care in Disability Cases (2002)

2000

American Conference Institute The Public Policy Defense: The New Frontier in Disability Insurance Litigation (2000)

2000

American Conference Institute Litigating the Bad Faith Case (2000)

1998

Barger & Wolen LLP California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations Manual (1997)

1998

International Insurance Law Review Insurance Sales on the Internet: A Work in Progress (May 1998)

1997

Southern Claims Conference Contestable Life Claims (1997)

1996

Southern Claims Conference Unique and Emerging Issues in Insurance Litigation (1996)

1996

Midwest Claims Conference Emerging Issues in Disability, Health and Life Claims (1996)

1994

ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section publication Insurance Issues in Bankruptcy: An Insurer's Perspective (Fall 1994)

1990

Chapters, Association of Life Insurance Counsel The Life Insurance Law of California, Delinquency Proceedings" and "Formation and Issuance of Life Insurance Policies? (1990)

1986

California Insurance Law and Practice, Matthew Bender Insolvency of Insurers, California Insurance Law and Practice, Matthew Bender (1986-92)

Languages

English

Cantonese

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution