About Bradley Ashley
Bradley Ashley Bening is an attorney based in San Jose, California, where he specializes in various areas of law, including business litigation, insurance, real estate, construction, intellectual property, corporate and partnership disputes, and professional liability. A member of the State Bar of California since 1982, Mr. Bening is known for excellence in the legal community over the past four decades. In 1982, Mr. Bening earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis, School of Law. While attending law school, he distinguished himself as the Western Regional Winner of the National Moot Court Competition and a finalist in the prestigious New York Competition.
His academic contributions include authoring "The Tahoe Dilemma," which was published in the UC Davis Environmental Law Review. Prior to his legal education, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Chico, in 1978, laying a strong foundation for his future career. In 1991, Mr. Bening co-founded Willoughby, Stuart, Bening & Cook, A Professional Law Corporation, in San Jose. This firm has become a trusted resource for businesses and individuals navigating complex legal challenges across various fields, including business law, insurance, real estate, and construction. In addition to his role as a litigator, he has served as a mediator, special master, and arbitrator, conducting between 75 to 100 mediations annually.
His experience has led to the successful mediation of over 2,000 cases, boasting a remarkable settlement rate exceeding 98%. Mr. Bening’s professional accolades reflect his dedication to the field. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006 and has earned the distinction of being named a Northern California Super Lawyer for six consecutive years. In 2012, he was honored as the San Jose Insurance Law "Lawyer of the Year," evidence of his expertise and commitment to his clients. His involvement in the community is also noteworthy; he has served on the board of Community Housing Developers since 1988 and the board of the Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose since 1994.
Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Mr. Bening is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Outside of his legal career, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, and swimming, reflecting his active lifestyle and focus on adventure.
