William A. Bogdan
William A. Bogdan
Partner
He/Him
“Why do law bios always read like obituaries written in the present tense? You’re not here to find out where I went to school or what bands I like, though I’m happy to discuss those topics. You’re here to see if I’m the right person to help you either avoid litigation or get you out of it by all means necessary.”

William A. Bogdan
Partner
He/Him
“Why do law bios always read like obituaries written in the present tense? You’re not here to find out where I went to school or what bands I like, though I’m happy to discuss those topics. You’re here to see if I’m the right person to help you either avoid litigation or get you out of it by all means necessary.”
About Bill
Bill’s regular caseload is split between employment and construction issues. He brought his East Coast training and Jersey smarts (not an oxymoron) to San Francisco in 1986, and has defended companies and individuals in state and federal court for almost forty years.
As a litigator at heart, Bill thrives on case strategy, strong discovery, and thoughtful resolution of cases for his clients.
The National Law Journal named Bill as one of its Litigation Trailblazers in 2023 for his success in the groundbreaking case Kuciemba v. Victory Woodworks, where he convinced the California Supreme Court to reject the take-home COVID liability theory against employers. The case addressed whether employers must compensate nonemployees who claim to have been infected by an employee who brought the virus home. After moving through state and federal courts, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bill’s client, leading the Ninth Circuit to dismiss the case.
While wins are often highlighted, Bill also values lessons learned from cases that seemed unsuccessful at first glance:
Areas of Focus
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2026
- National Law Journal, Litigation Trailblazer, 2023
- The Daily Journal, Top Defense Verdicts, 2023
Credentials
Education
- Boston University School of Law, JD, 1986
- Pennsylvania State University, BA, with honors and distinction, 1983
Bar Admissions
- California
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- US District Court for the Central District of California
- US District Court for the Eastern District of California
- US District Court for the Northern District of California
Thought Leadership
Presentations
Bill has lectured at Lloyd's of London, the DRI Employment Law Committee Annual Meeting, the AGC Legal Advisory Committee, and a variety of public and private audiences on employment and construction issues. Most recently, he spoke at the Pentarisk Construction Conference regarding crisis management.
Publications
Bill's employment law articles have appeared in California Labor and Employment Law Quarterly, The Job Description, and the Defense Research Institute's For the Defense.
- "A Pair Beats Four of a Kind: Take-Home COVID and the 'Rowland' Duty Factors," The Recorder, July 12, 2023
Event
- Hinshaw’s Labor & Employment Regional Law Updates, Jan 10, 2024
In The News
Insights for Employers Alert
Press Releases
- 102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™, Aug 21, 2025
- Daily Journal Names "Take-Home" COVID Case Handled by William Bogdan One of The Top Defense Verdicts of 2023, Feb 22, 2024
- Hinshaw Partner William Bogdan Selected for National Law Journal 2023 Litigation Trailblazers, Nov 1, 2023
- Appellate Spotlight: Ninth Circuit Reacts to California Supreme Court Ruling, Dismisses "Take-Home COVID" Case, Aug 4, 2023
- "Take-Home COVID" Case Handled by Hinshaw Named by Law360 as one of its Top Five Personal Injury Cases to Watch in 2023, Jan 5, 2023
Interests
Did you know...
Bill’s essay about an encounter with Elvis Costello, a pair of undergarments, and a worldwide online audience won a prize in the Amoeba Records Anniversary Contest.
Community/Civic Activities
- Pennsylvania State University, Schreyer Honors College, External Advisory Board
Thought Leadership
Presentations
Bill has lectured at Lloyd's of London, the DRI Employment Law Committee Annual Meeting, the AGC Legal Advisory Committee, and a variety of public and private audiences on employment and construction issues. Most recently, he spoke at the Pentarisk Construction Conference regarding crisis management.
Publications
Bill's employment law articles have appeared in California Labor and Employment Law Quarterly, The Job Description, and the Defense Research Institute's For the Defense.
- "A Pair Beats Four of a Kind: Take-Home COVID and the 'Rowland' Duty Factors," The Recorder, July 12, 2023
Event
- Hinshaw’s Labor & Employment Regional Law Updates, Jan 10, 2024
In The News
Insights for Employers Alert
Press Releases
- 102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™, Aug 21, 2025
- Daily Journal Names "Take-Home" COVID Case Handled by William Bogdan One of The Top Defense Verdicts of 2023, Feb 22, 2024
- Hinshaw Partner William Bogdan Selected for National Law Journal 2023 Litigation Trailblazers, Nov 1, 2023
- Appellate Spotlight: Ninth Circuit Reacts to California Supreme Court Ruling, Dismisses "Take-Home COVID" Case, Aug 4, 2023
- "Take-Home COVID" Case Handled by Hinshaw Named by Law360 as one of its Top Five Personal Injury Cases to Watch in 2023, Jan 5, 2023
Bill's Insights

Press Release
Aug 21, 2025
102 Hinshaw Lawyers Recognized in 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch™

Press Release
Nov 1, 2023
Hinshaw Partner William Bogdan Selected for National Law Journal 2023 Litigation Trailblazers

Insights for Employers Alert
Jul 13, 2023
A Pair Beats Four of a Kind: Take-Home COVID and the 'Rowland' Duty Factors

Press Release
Oct 11, 2019
Hinshaw Bolsters Personal Injury/Property Damage Practice in San Francisco