Eric M. Schroeder has been litigating subrogation cases for over 30 years.  He has seen the subrogation industry grow from a niche segment to one of national and corporate level interest, involving billions of dollars at stake.  Eric was in on the ground floor and continues to be heavily involved today, serving the industry and his clients in matters both small and extraordinary.

Along with subrogation cases tried to verdict in both state and federal courts, Eric has arbitrated and mediated cases in many states, as well as Canada.  On more than one occasion, he has been the first to file suit against a number of manufacturers for product lines held sacred by their companies.  These lines of cases have led other attorneys with the same product failures to consult with Eric for insight and guidance on prosecuting similar claims.   More notably, Eric was counsel of record in PG&E v. Superior Court [American Guarantee & Liability Company] (2006) 144 Cal.App4th 19, which dealt with the recovery of an insured’s deductible in litigation and has become a key precedent for the industry in catastrophic loss litigation.

Eric has been a speaker or presenter on subrogation matters for numerous clients and groups including the National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) and California Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (CAIIA).  He has authored and co-authored numerous subrogation related articles published in the NASP Subrogator® magazine and other industry periodicals.  His involvement on behalf of the industry also includes terms as the NASP Regional Legislation Liaison and as Co-chair of the NASP Northern California chapter. Most recently Eric was a featured speaker at the NASP National Conference held remotely due to the pandemic.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable influences on subrogation that Eric has been a part of is the catastrophic wildfires which have occurred in California.  Since the 1990 Painted Cave Fire in Santa Barbara, Eric has been involved in well over 100 wildfire investigations for his clients.  In those matters which have been pursued in litigation, Eric has served as co-lead, liaison or as an executive committee member on almost every major California wildfire since 1992.  Together, with core subrogation attorneys from a handful of select firms, they have transformed the magnitude of industry recoveries in these devastating events from millions to billions of dollars. In 2021 Eric’s contribution in this regard was noted by the Los Angeles Daily Journal while bestowing its Attorney of the Year award to one of his colleagues

Personally, Eric is known as a jokester with a sarcastic wit.  He has been married for over 36 years to Diane, a veterinarian and his much better half.   With her, Eric has coached, cajoled, managed and mentored three amazing sons.  Golfing, riding his road bicycle, hiking and driving autocross are just a few of the things he enjoys and finds little time to do.  He does, however, spend free time volunteering and supporting causes including local youth sport leagues, SPCA, Chicks in Crisis and Heifer International.  His philosophy of “work hard and have fun while doing it” is likely best summed up from his high school years, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, lettered in three sports, attended Boys’ State, was elected Senior Class President and at the end of the year was selected by his classmates as the Class Clown.

Education

• J.D., University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law (1990)
• B.A., University of Missouri, Columbia (1986)

Bar & Court Admissions

• All California State Courts
• United States District Court – Central District, California
• United States District Court – Eastern District, California
• United States District Court – Northern District
• United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• Pro Hoc Vice Counsel – Nevada