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John Roach
Helping the Injured Get Back on Their Feet
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Biography
John J. Roach is a San Francisco personal injury attorney with extensive trial experience, representing injured clients throughout the Bay Area since 2009. As a solo practitioner since 2015, John personally handles every case from intake through trial — clients work directly with him, not a paralegal or junior associate. He has recovered over $25 million for injured clients in matters involving car accidents, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death. John has tried nine cases to verdict and prevailed in all nine.
His work on Converse v. Adkins was featured in Plaintiff Magazine. John has been recognized in Super Lawyers from 2021 through 2026 (Rising Stars 2015–2020). He serves on the Board of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (SFTLA) and co-chairs its Education Committee.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, John proudly serves the Bay Area's Spanish-speaking community — clients and their families communicate with him directly in their preferred language at every stage of the case.
J.D., UC Law San Francisco. State Bar of California #262885.
No fees unless we win.
Practice Area
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Video Conferencing
- Zoom
Fees
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Free Consultation
The initial consultation is completely free, with no obligation. I personally meet with you — by phone, in person at my San Francisco office, or by video — to discuss your accident, evaluate the strength of your case, and explain your options. Consultations are also available in Spanish at no additional cost. If I determine you don't have a viable claim, I'll tell you honestly. If I take your case, I explain clearly the available insurance coverage, the realistic value range, and what to expect at every stage. Call (415) 851-4557 or contact me online to schedule. -
Contingent Fees
I work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases — you pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you. There are no upfront retainers, no hourly billing, and no out-of-pocket costs to begin your case. My fee is a percentage of the recovery and is discussed openly during your free consultation, before any representation begins. If I don't recover compensation, you owe nothing in attorney fees. This arrangement allows accident victims — including those facing financial pressure from medical bills and lost wages — to access experienced trial representation without financial risk.
Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
- Spanish: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
- Founder & Solo Personal Injury Attorney
- Law Office of John J. Roach
- Founded the Law Office of John J. Roach in 2015 to provide direct, personalized representation to injured victims throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. As a true solo practitioner, I personally handle every case from initial consultation through resolution — there are no junior associates or hand-offs. The practice focuses exclusively on plaintiff-side personal injury, including car accidents, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, and rideshare cases. I have recovered more than $25 million for injured clients, including $6 million and $2.185 million in TBI cases, and I have taken nine personal injury cases to verdict and won all nine. Bilingual representation in English and Spanish is available directly with me.
Education
- University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
- J.D. (2009) | Law
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Professional Associations
- San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
- Board Member & Education Committee Co-Chair
- Activities: Serve on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, the leading association of plaintiff trial attorneys in San Francisco. As Co-Chair of the Education Committee, I help organize continuing legal education programs and trial advocacy training for the SFTLA membership, supporting the next generation of plaintiff trial lawyers in the Bay Area.
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About My Practice FAQs
Personal Injury
- Q: Do you (John Roach) work on a contingency fee basis, and how is the contingency fee calculated?
- A: I work on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is completely free, and if I determine you don't have a viable claim, I'll tell you honestly. If I take your case, I explain clearly the available coverage, the realistic value range, and what to expect. Consultations are also available in Spanish at no additional cost.
- Q: How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
- A: Generally two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. But if your case involves a government entity — Muni, BART, AC Transit, VTA, SamTrans, a city vehicle, or a dangerous condition on a public road — you must file an administrative claim within six months under California's Government Claims Act. Miss that six-month deadline and the case is gone. Don't wait to consult an attorney.
- Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident?
- A: Confirm your safety, call 911, and request a Spanish-speaking officer or interpreter if needed. Get medical attention the same day, even if you feel fine — adrenaline masks injuries like TBI, whiplash, and internal bleeding. Document the scene with photos. Get all driver and witness information. Don't admit fault or apologize. Don't give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster. Call a lawyer for a free consultation as soon as possible.
Publications
Articles & Publications
- Converse v. Adkins as an Evolution of Palsgraf and the Law of Foreseeability
- Plaintiff Magazine
- Enough: Plaintiff Attorneys Take on the Tenderloin
- The Trial Lawyer — SFTLA Magazine
- The In-Person Jury Trial During the Pandemic: One Lawyer's Experience
- Plaintiff Magazine
Speaking Engagements
- SFTLA Mental Health & Wellness CLE for Lawyers, San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
- As Co-Chair of the SFTLA Education Committee, organized and chaired this continuing legal education program addressing mental health and wellness for trial lawyers. The program focused on the unique psychological demands of plaintiff-side litigation practice, sustainable career strategies, and resources for attorneys facing burnout, stress, and secondary trauma from client work.
- How to Market Your Firm as a LinkedIn Badass
- ADR Services, Inc.
- Presented an MCLE program for the legal community on building a strong professional presence on LinkedIn, including content strategy, profile optimization, and audience engagement for attorneys looking to grow their referral networks and personal brand.
Social Media
Contact & Map
