Peter Felsenfeld has a diverse litigation practice representing businesses, individuals and insurance companies in complex litigation matters. He has served as coverage counsel for major commercial general liability and professional liability insurers throughout the United States.
A significant portion of Peter's practice is dedicated to matters of insurance bad faith, rescission, coverage disputes and ERISA benefit claims in the life, health and disability areas. In addition, Peter has litigated numerous contractual disputes and employment matters, including wage and hour, misclassification and wrongful termination cases.
Peter joined the firm in October 2014 as a result of the merger of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP and Los Angeles-based Barger & Wolen LLP, where he had worked since graduating from law school in 2008.
Prior to embarking on his legal career, Peter worked as a news reporter for the Contra Costa Times (now, East Bay Times), which boasted a daily circulation of approximately 200,000. In that capacity he covered regional and statewide government and politics for the publication, including in-depth investigative reporting on the state's public employee pension system.
Peter is the editor of Hinshaw's LHD/ERISA Advisor, a newsletter focusing on legal developments in the life, health and disability areas.
Professional Affiliations
- The State Bar of California
Honors & Awards
- Recognized by the Bar Association of San Francisco with a 2024 Award of Merit for volunteer work on behalf of the Justice & Diversity Center
Publications
- Contributing Author, "Managed Care Litigation," ABA Health Law Section, 2018 – 2020 Editions
- Co-Author, "Pros and Cons of Public Agency Captives," Risk Management, February 2016
- "Compliance: Employers Closely Watching Supreme Court's ruling in Canning," InsideCounsel, March 2014
- Co-Author, "The Rise and Fall of Captive Reinsurers in the Mortgage Market," Risk Management, February 2014
- Co-Author, "Companies Increasingly Look To Captive Insurance," Daily Journal, November 14, 2013
Media Mentions
- "High Sovereignty Stakes in Card Dealer Case," quoted with regard to NLRB decision that blackjack dealers in Native American Casino can unionize, Workforce, October 14, 2013
News
Blog Posts
- Sixth Circuit: Telling Supervisor to stop Harassing Conduct is Protected Activity Under Title VI
- Court Shoots down ADA Discrimination Claim Premised on Employer's Alleged Embarrassment
- Oakland Minimum Wage and Sick Leave Requirements take Effect this Week
- Eighth Circuit Holds that Supervisor's Bizarre Conduct does not Constitute Discrimination
- Fifth Circuit Hands down Mixed Ruling on Validity of Later-Added Arbitration Clause
- After NLRB v. Canning: A Practical Guide for Employers
- Supreme Court Strikes NLRB Recess Appointments
- Employment Discrimination Plaintiff Cannot Change Legal Theories at Trial
- Rite aid Cashiers can Proceed with Class Action
- Compliance: Employers closely watching Supreme Court’s ruling in Canning
- Obama Administration Relaxes Employer Mandate
- Obama Administration Bends Individual Mandate Rules
- California Restaurant Managers get Second Chance at Class Action
- California Will Not Allow Health Insurers to Reinstate Coverage
- Obamacare Chaos: Two Lessons for Employers
- Senate Passes LGBT Workplace Anti-Discrimination Bill
- Pro-Union Attorney to Head NLRB
- Courts may Certify Class Claims Where Damages Differ
- EEOC Ordered To Pay Attorney’s Fees and Costs After Bogus Discrimination Case
- Arbitration Agreement Dos and Don’ts
Employment Law Observer
Hinshaw Publications
- October 2021
- October 6, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- October 6, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- June 2021
- May 26, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- May 26, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- February 25, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- February 25, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- February 25, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- February 25, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- January 25, 2021The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- October 5, 2020
- October 5, 2020The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- October 5, 2020The LHD/ERISA Advisor
- June 3, 2020
- January 31, 2020
- May 1, 2015
- April 1, 2015
- January 5, 2015
Community/Civic Activities
- Temple Beth Sholom in San Leandro, California, Board of Directors
Industries
Education
J.D., cum laude, University of California Hastings Law, 2008
B.A., San Francisco State University, 2000
Admissions
- California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California