R. Patrick Snook
R. Patrick Snook is engaged in a focused litigation and coverage practice with a special emphasis in the areas of first-party insurance coverage matters, including suspected insurance fraud, arson and other intentionally caused losses, as well as insurance bad faith and malicious prosecution defense. He has considerable experience in handling complex property loss claims, medical benefit claims and claims involving policy formation and validity, including claims involving void policy and rescission issues. His expertise has resulted in his handling claims and litigation throughout all of California, in both federal and state court.
Mr. Snook primarily represents and assists insurance company special investigation units in detecting, investigating and dealing with suspected fraud and arson. He also maintains a litigation practice involving questionable injury and other lawsuits involving individuals and entities engaging in unfair or fraudulent claims practices. He assists in the training of insurance company personnel on fraud-related issues and Special Investigation Unit regulation, and has been a speaker on fraud claims and litigation at various industry meetings, including for the Northern California Fraud Investigators Association.
Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Snook has also defended many personal injury and wrongful death claims and lawsuits, including matters involving product liability, automobile negligence, and premises liability. He has defended bad faith, property and personal injury actions involving mold claims, including representing landlords in tenant mold exposure litigation.
Mr. Snook’s expertise and professionalism has earned him the highest rating (“AV”) from Martindale Hubbell and recognition as a “Northern California Super Lawyer” by San Francisco Magazine.
Education
- J.D. University of California, Hastings College of the Law (1987)
- B.A. University of California, Santa Cruz (1984)
Admitted to Practice
- State Bar of California (1987)
- U.S. District Court, Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California
- U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Honors & Awards
- “AV” rating with Martindale Hubbell
- “Northern California Super Lawyer” San Francisco Magazine (2005 and 2006)
Professional Activities
- Member, Northern California Fraud Investigators Association
- Member, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
- Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI) (2000 to present)
