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

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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

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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 16 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by anonymous | March 04, 2026 | Hired Attorney

The BEST at what they do.

I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding representation I received from Robert McKennon, Joe McMillen, and Cory Salisbury. From the very beginning, they demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to achieving justice. Their depth of legal knowledge, strategic thinking, ...and attention to detail gave me great confidence that my case was in capable hands. My case involved very personal and emotional circumstances, and throughout the process they treated me with respect, compassion, and honesty. They kept me informed, guided me through every step, and applied their experience and legal skill to fight tirelessly to ensure the truth prevailed. Their dedication, expertise, and command of the law ultimately resulted in the right outcome—something that means more to me than words can adequately express. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking experienced attorneys who combine exceptional legal knowledge and skill with genuine care for their clients. — Rick H

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 Myke | March 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employee Benefits

Gratitude to Bob McKennon for his professionalism and negotiation skills

Kudos to the McKennon Law Group for bringing our case to a positive settlement for my wife & I. We had never been involved in any type of legal matter until that need presented itself. Prior to contacting MLG, we had followed the required ERISA appeal requirement for pension relief in the hope of rec...overing a 50+% reduction in my pension after receiving it monthly for almost 8 years. Both ERISA appeals were flat out denied by the company I had retired from without addressing the provided, crystal clear evidence given to us by the company itself, during my tenure with them. After the ERISA appeal process was satisfied, our last & only alternative left to do the right thing, was to file a civil lawsuit. Ironically, for our entire lives, we shook our heads at people who we felt were lawsuit happy. We never wished to be part of any lawsuit, & always did our best to settle issues by being factual & friendly by meeting conflicts 1:1 & coming to amicable agreements or understandings, that's just how we roll. We now live in Colorado, & this case required the lawsuit to be filed in Los Angeles. The Corporations headquarters was in yet another state, which made the case a bit more difficult to manage. MLG and Nicholas West (the lawyer assigned to our case)) in particular, did an OUTSTANDING job in understanding the complexity of the case itself & in litigating the matter to a positive outcome for us. Nicholas & Bob McKennon communicated with my wife & I consistently throughout the entire process as this was unknown territory for us. They were always available & VERY respectful and patient with our questions. Not having dealt with lawyers in any type of case before this, we can’t compare them to other law firms, but can definitely say that it would be hard to imagine another firm being as attentive & as professional as they all were to us at all times. I cannot give a higher recommendation to anyone who needs legal representation than the McKennon Law Group. We feel very, very fortunate to have found them & are extremely grateful for their services on our behalf. After 2 years of them battling for us in court, about 2 months prior to a fixed trial date, the opposing counsel requested a mediation. We were super impressed with the negotiation skills used by Robert McKennon & Nicholas during the mediation process to settle our case for a significant amount of the damages that we were seeking. Thank you MLG for your commitment to us & how hard you fought to do the right thing for us!

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 Jeff | January 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Insurance

ERISA Claim

I highly recommend the McKennon Law Group. My wife passed away after falling at work sustaining injuries that required multiple surgeries that she was unable to recover from. The insurance company denied our claim for AD&D insurance so I contacted McKennon. They filed an appeal citing similar cases ...and precedent and were able to get the insurance company to reverse their decision and pay out the AD&D policy. Their caring, knowledgable and expedited approach to the ERISA appeal process is greatly appreciated. Communication was timely and thorough throughout the appeal process.

See All Client Reviews

Robert John McKennon's Lawyer Endorsements

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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

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