Attorney Profiles

Mr. Willoughby, co-founder of Willoughby, Stuart & Bening, has more than 40 years’ experience in litigation involving business, insurance, real estate, construction, agra-business, and professional liability disputes. He has handled litigation matters in both state and federal courts throughout the state of California. In addition, Mr. Willoughby has an active private mediation and arbitration practice. He serves as a mediator and early neutral evaluator for the US District Court for the Northern District of California, and as a mediator and arbitrator by appointment for the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Prior to Willoughby, Stuart & Bening, Mr. Willoughby was with the law firm of Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel. His practice focus was the defense of products liability cases, successfully defending manufacturers, distributors, and retail sellers of many products including tires, ladders, and football helmets. In the early 80's, the volume of insurance coverage and bad faith litigation in California had increased to a point where Hoge, Fenton established a practice group, which was headed by Mr. Willoughby. The practice group specialized in the handling of insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, as well the evaluation of non-litigation insurance coverage issues for both insurers and insureds.

Mr. Willoughby has been selected for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” since 1995 for the areas of insurance and personal injury litigation.  He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2004.

Mr. Willoughby has been a member of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates since 1985. He is also a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers which includes trial attorneys from 30 countries throughout the world. Active Academy membership is limited to 500 Fellows from the United States. He has also been a member of the International Association of Insurance Counsel for over 20 years.

Mr. Willoughby received his Juris Doctor degree from Hastings College of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University.

He met his wife Jan to whom he has been married for 45 years at San Jose State. He and Jan have two children and two grandchildren. In addition to his family, Mr. Willoughby is an avid fly fisherman, golf enthusiast, and skier. He also enjoys the theater, and is a devoted San Jose Sharks fan. He is also actively engaged in volunteer charitable activities. Currently, he is the immediate past board chairman of Hospice of the Valley.