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Joseph Andrew Creitz

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Avvo Rating9.8
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed for 27 years
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About Joseph

In addition to my commitment to the practice of law on behalf of employees, plan participants and beneficiaries, and insurance policy holders, I have a number of hobbies. I have been a musician since age five, I am a lousy but enthusiastic basketball player, I learned to cook under the tutelage of a CIA-educated 4-star chef, I have an adorable dachshund, and I am a shareholder and life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers.

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Practice areas

Life insuranceInsuranceLitigationEmployee benefits
  1. Employee benefits: 32%

    The largest part of our practice is representing participants and beneficiaries in disputes with their ERISA-regulated benefit plans. This includes administrative appeals and litigation, as well as defending against improper reimbursement claims.

    26 years

  2. Litigation: 32%

    Partners Lisa Serebin and Joseph Creitz have 45 years of litigation experience between them, and have prevailed in numerous bench trials, jury trials, and appeals in both state and federal courts.

    28 years

  3. Insurance: 31%

    Our insurance bad-faith litigation practice focusses on individual disability and health policies.

    17 years

  4. Life insurance: 5%

Languages spoken

English, Italian, German

Contact

Creitz & Serebin, LLP

100 Pine
Suite 1250
San Francisco, CA, 94111

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive199311/06/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers3
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2017
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2016
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2015
    Super LawyerSuper Lawyers2014
    California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY)California Lawyer Magazine2012
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Managing PartnerCreitz & Serebin LLP2013 - Present
    Trial AttorneyThe Law Office of Joseph A. Creitz, P.C.2005 - Present
    Trial AttorneyUnited States Department Of Labor, Office Of The Solicitor2003 - 2005
    General Counsel415, Inc.1999 - 2003
    Senior AssociateVan Bourg, Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld1995 - 1999
    AssociateBell, Rosenberg & Hughes, LLP1992 - 1995
    Judicial ExternUnited States District Judge Thelton Henderson1991 - 1991
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Federal Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
    American Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Employee Benefits Law, Third EditionChapter 13: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies (contributing author)2012
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Golden Gate University School of LawLL.M - Master of Laws2003
    UC Hastings COLJD - Juris Doctor1992
    Univ of WisconsinBS1989
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Upper Division ERISA SeminarERISA Plaintiffs Litigation2013
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Cyr v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co.Unanimous en banc ruling at Ninth Circuit
    Stanton v. Chung$1.1 million jury verdict
    Cyr v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co.Trial court judgment for plaintiff
    Chao v. DearmanCourt judgment for plaintiff
    Ramirez v. Circuit CityPrevailed at summary judgment and affirmed on appeal

    Reviews

    (4)5.0 stars
    5 Star
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    4 Star
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    3 Star
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    Review Joseph Creitz

    Dealing with UNUM

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Joe is very understanding, helpful and honest and concise. After talking to Joe, I realized that he was there to help and would do so. Helping someone on disability deal the Insurance bureaucracy and proving them wrong. It was a great relief to know someone was on your side.

    Hire Joe.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Joe was my trial attorney in a personal injury case. I couldn't have gotten through the ordeal without him. His demeanor and skillful lawyering won me the case!

    Breech of contract claim

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I found Joe Creitz to be exceptionally professional, knowledgeable and effective. I was referred to him by one of his peers who recommended him highly based upon his expertise and track record handling similar claims. Joe met with me to understand my complaint and provided guidance on the merits of my case. He clearly explained my legal rights, his expectations of me and detailed the process that would be required. In the end, he delivered and drove my case to a resolution that was equitable. I would highly recommend Joe Creitz.
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    Cost Effective Legal Cousel

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Mr. Creitz is a breath of fresh air. I found Joe to be extremely cost effective. I don't mind paying for good legal advice and I definitely feel comfortable getting that from Joe. Where he separates himself is that he will not waste your time and money and provide unneeded services and run up unnecessary legal costs. I trust his expertise and judgement and feel better knowing he is in my corner.
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    Attorney endorsements

    (4)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Joseph A Garofolo JD, GBA

    Joseph Garofolo, Litigation Attorney on Jul 8, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked with Joe in a variety of contexts in the fields of litigation and employee benefits. His keen intellect and ability to think creatively are tremendous assets and I look forward to working with him further.

    No photo

    Alicia Paulino-Grisham, Employee benefits Attorney on Oct 23, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Joe Creitz is a zealous and skilled advocate for his clients. ERISA is a complex and ever changing area of the law and Attorney Creitz is well known for his outstanding litigation skills and keen understanding of the complicated legal issues involved in ERISA benefit claims. Due to his compassion for his clients and his clear talent in the courtroom, I fully endorse Joe Creitz.

    Lawyer Joseph A Garofolo JD, GBA

    Joseph Garofolo, Litigation Attorney on Jul 8, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked with Joe in a variety of contexts in the fields of litigation and employee benefits. His keen intellect and ability to think creatively are tremendous assets and I look forward to working with him further.

    No photo

    Alicia Paulino-Grisham, Employee benefits Attorney on Oct 23, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Joe Creitz is a zealous and skilled advocate for his clients. ERISA is a complex and ever changing area of the law and Attorney Creitz is well known for his outstanding litigation skills and keen understanding of the complicated legal issues involved in ERISA benefit claims. Due to his compassion for his clients and his clear talent in the courtroom, I fully endorse Joe Creitz.

    Lawyer Jeremy Lyle Bordelon

    Jeremy Bordelon, Employee benefits Attorney on Aug 7, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Mr. Creitz. He is one of an elite few who really know how to handle ERISA employee benefits claims, and would be a great attorney for anyone who needs help with their benefits.

    Lawyer Michelle Lee Roberts

    Michelle Roberts, Employee benefits Attorney on Aug 7, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Joe Creitz is an excellent attorney and advocate. He has a great reputation among other ERISA attorneys. I recommend him highly.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates $750-$750/hour
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.30%-40%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card