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Helped Clients Recover Over $25 Billion. Since 1979.
Helped Clients Recover Over $25 Billion. Since 1979.
Frederick “Fred” Schenk is a partner and plaintiff trial lawyer at The Schenk Law Firm. With over 45 years of legal and trial experience, Schenk has secured multi-million dollar verdicts, settlements, and arbitration awards for victims of corporate negligence, particularly in asbestos litigation, wrongful death, and automobile accidents. He is consistently recognized by Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers and Super Lawyers, and has received numerous awards for his outstanding work.
Schenk’s areas of specialization include asbestos and mesothelioma, catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, construction negligence, head/brain injury, and social media addiction litigation.
He co-authored the LexisNexis California Automotive Litigation Handbook, one of the leading litigation guides in the area of automobile negligence litigation for both the plaintiff as well as the insurance defense bar. Schenk achieved the largest San Diego verdict to date—against asbestos manufacturer Owens Corning Fiberglass—rendering the largest ever asbestos punitive damages and economic loss verdict in San Diego. In 2023, he was appointed by Judge Carolyn Kuhl of the Los Angeles Superior Court to the plaintiffs’ steering committee in the Judicial Council Coordination Proceedings lawsuit against large social media companies, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and others.
For the second time, Schenk is serving as president of the 22nd District Agricultural Association’s Board of Directors, which manages and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds and San Diego County Fair on behalf of the State of California.
He previously served as the board president from 2013 to 2015. The nine-member Board is appointed by the governor of California, and Fred has served under three governors. He is a past president of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), San Diego Chapter, and past president of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and earned a lifetime emeritus board seat with the Consumer Attorneys of California. Between 2000 and 2002, Fred served as president of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center of San Diego.
For the past 15 years, Schenk has been a member of the board of governors of the American Association for Justice. Schenk has been recognized by the Association for his extensive pro bono work through their Trial Lawyers Care® program—an initiative to encourage, recognize, and organize trial lawyers who contribute to their communities through volunteer and charitable activities that serve the public good. In 2004, Schenk undertook pro bono representation of a family who lost a loved one in the tragic 911 attack on the World Trade Center buildings. Schenk obtained a seven-figure resolution on behalf of the survivors for which he accepted no fee for his work.
Schenk’s many awards include Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers”, and in 2022 became a Hall of Fame inductee, Best Lawyers in America list (2006–2024), of which he was awarded Lawyer of the Year, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions (2014, 2018), San Diego Super Lawyers list (2008–2024), and the San Diego County Bar Association Community Service Award (2016).
Fred received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1978 and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1975. He is a member of USD School of Law’s Board of Visitors and serves on the executive committee as well as the USD School of Law’s campaign committee. In November of 2024, Schenk was honored as a recipient of the USD School of Law’s Distinguished Law Alumni Award, the highest recognition presented to alumni of the USD School of Law.
Raised in Los Angeles by immigrant parents, he speaks fluent Hungarian. In his spare time, he enjoys Padres Baseball and playing pickleball, as well as traveling with his wife Shari and their family.
Frederick Schenk – Founding Partner with Schenk Law Firm
Frederick Schenk is a highly regarded attorney specializing in personal injury and mass tort litigation. With over 30 years of experience, Schenk has secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of corporate negligence, particularly in asbestos litigation, wrongful death, and automobile accidents. He is consistently recognized by Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers and Super Lawyers, and has received numerous awards for his outstanding work.
Significant Achievements in Mass Tort Litigation
Schenk’s expertise in mass tort litigation continues to grow as the global market for mass torts is projected to reach $100 billion by 2024. He has led high-profile cases involving defective products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, playing a critical role in holding corporations accountable for consumer safety. His involvement in landmark cases, including securing a Multi-Million Dollar Settlement for an injured truck driver and compensating a severely injured cyclist, has earned him a distinguished reputation. Notably, he led the Tony Gwynn Tobacco Lawsuit, representing the family of the baseball legend against Big Tobacco.
Impact within Schenk Law Firm
Frederick Schenk’s leadership within Schenk Law Firm focuses on catastrophic injury, class action lawsuits, and product liability. He has successfully held asbestos manufacturers accountable for their role in diseases causing approximately 90,000 deaths annually. His commitment to consumer protection is demonstrated through his involvement with organizations such as ABOTA and CASD, ensuring that corporate misconduct is addressed and victims receive justice. Schenk’s work in personal injury lawsuits plays a significant role in shaping U.S. civil law, as these cases continue to account for a substantial portion of litigation.
Legal Innovation and Commitment to Education
Schenk stays at the cutting edge of litigation technology and digital marketing trends, improving client advocacy. His insights on multidistrict litigation have proven invaluable as legal frameworks evolve in the digital age. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, Schenk is a recognized thought leader who frequently speaks on mass tort strategy and trial practice. His contributions to legal education and publications further reflect his dedication to the advancement of the field.
Legal Achievements
Notable Media and Awards
Frederick Schenk has been featured in various media outlets for his legal accomplishments, including Good Morning America for the Gwynn Tobacco Lawsuit and Frontline’s League of Denial for his work in traumatic head injury litigation. His high-profile cases and leadership roles have been widely covered in the San Diego Business Journal and other major platforms. Schenk has also served as President of the San Diego County Fair Board, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the community. His awards include:
As the founding partner, Schenk continues to guide Schenk Law Firm in its commitment to expanding its personal injury and mass tort practice areas. Through innovative legal strategies and a focus on justice for victims of corporate wrongdoing, Schenk ensures that the firm remains a leading advocate for corporate accountability and consumer protection.