Richard S. BaumShareholder
Practice Areas
Education
- University of Pennsylvania
B.A, 1989 - Santa Clara University
School of Law
J.D., 1995
Bar Admissions
- California
- United States Court of Appeals
Ninth Circuit - United States District Court
Northern District of California
Professional Organizations
- Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
- San Mateo County Bar Association
Additional Information
Rick's practice focuses on the representation of individuals and businesses in contractual and insurance disputes and transactions. Rick litigates claims of breach of contract and insurance bad faith, as well as real property disputes. He advises clients on risk management issues and negotiation strategies. He also provides counseling and training to insurance companies regarding appropriate business practices.
Frequently, Rick represents insurers in connection with claims of bad faith and alleged wrongful claims handling or wrongful denial of benefits. He has successfully tried to verdict bad faith cases arising from homeowners' and automobile claims.
Rick assists businesses in negotiating and drafting commercial agreements. He has participated in negotiating individual contracts valued at over $50 million. With a solid background in business litigation, Rick understands the ramifications of contractual provisions and how to negotiate and draft contracts to minimize risk and avoid litigation. He also represents contractors and subcontractors in disputes involving purchase orders and sales agreements.
Resolution of property disputes is another area in which Rick serves his clients. These include disputes between neighboring homeowners and businesses, property line disputes, controversies over easements, and issues involving the use and enjoyment of real property and enforcement of property rights. Rick recognizes and accommodates the highly personal and often emotional nature of many of these sensitive disputes.
Rick provides training to insurance claims personnel on the proper handling of claims to ensure compliance with regulations established by the California Department of Insurance. He has assisted insurers in investigating suspected fraudulent claims and has defended claims involving suspected fraud, including cases tried to a jury verdict in favor of Rick's clients.