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Best Attorneys in Los Angeles County, California
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Best Attorneys in Los Angeles County, California

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2020

The following list was determined using a number of factors including both objective and subjective criteria. Lawyers were selected based on their career accomplishments, high profile and famous cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications. This list represents some of the most highly accomplished lawyers currently practicing in Los Angeles County, California.

When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
It is impossible to accurately determine a countywide shortlist of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing law.
It is difficult to compare lawyers who practice in different areas of the law.

Richard Alan Hutton
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Pasadena, CA
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Daniel R Perlman
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Mark K Rosenfeld
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Beverly Hills, CA
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Margaret Glahn Lodise
Estate and Probate Law and Trusts Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Lisa H. Mattern
Criminal Defense and Sex Crimes Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Steven Mark Sweat
Personal Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Matthew Bennett Forrestt Biren
Personal Injury and Brain Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Craig Sturm
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Justin Farahi
Personal Injury Lawyer
Torrance, CA
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Brian Panish
Personal Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles, CA
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Michael David Payne
Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyer
West Covina, CA
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Darren Todd Kavinoky
Marijuana Law and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Encino, CA
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Los Angeles County, CA Legal Resources

Helpful Videos
California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Los Angeles County, California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
City and Regional Bar Associations in Los Angeles County
Multicultural Bar Associations in Los Angeles
State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS)
Law Schools in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Government and Court Resources
Overview of Los Angeles County and California State Laws

Helpful Videos

Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Daniel R. Perlman on Fox News

Brand Video Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys

Tax Attorney Newport Beach - Daniel W. Layton, Esq.

California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

The State Bar of California - The State Bar of California enforces the bar rules that govern professional conduct. Approved by the California Supreme Court, the bar rules are binding upon all lawyers licensed to practice in California. One of the first states to unify its bar and make it mandatory, California requires all attorneys licensed to practice law must belong to the State Bar of California, sometimes called the "California Bar Association."

California Lawyers Association (CLA) - The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is a nonprofit, voluntary organization that acts as the home for the Sections of the State Bar of California and the California Young Lawyers Association. As an organization independent from the State Bar of California, the California Lawyers Association (CLA) is focused on the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. The CLA is a powerful network of 100,000 members.

Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) - The CAOC is a nonprofit professional association for attorneys who focus on personal injury, wrongful death, and product safety. Founded in 1961, the Consumer Attorneys of California is an organization that provides resources and education to lawyers practicing in civil courts throughout California. The CAOC is also an advocacy organization that opposes legislation that would limit access to the civil courts.

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) - The California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) was formed in 1973 and is the country's largest statewide organization of criminal defense lawyers . The CACJ works to defend the rights and due process of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education to its members. Since strengthening its presence in the California State Capitol, CACJ provides the criminal defense bar with a more unified voice on legislative matters.

Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (ACAL) - The ACAL is an invitation-only society of family formation law attorneys who are licensed to practice law in California and have demonstrated extensive experience in adoption law and assisted reproduction (ART) cases. Members of the Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers practice with the highest standards of ethics and professional competence in this area of law.

Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL) in California - The ABTL is a nonprofit professional organization of lawyers practicing in the areas of business law and commercial litigation across California. The mission of the ABTL is to promote competence, excellence and professionalism within this area of practice. The Association of Business Trial Lawyers has five chapters across the state in Los Angeles, Northern California, San Diego, Orange County and the San Joaquin Valley.

California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA) - The CAAA is a nonprofit professional association that serves California's injured workers and the attorneys who represent them in workers' compensation cases. The California Applicants' Attorneys Association's goals are to provide fair compensation benefits to injured workers and their families. The organization also advocates for gender equality, immigrant rights, and government accountability in workers' compensation cases.

California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA) - The CLA is a professional association of lawyers who represent artists with intellectual property law, business law and contracts. Founded in 1974, the California Lawyers for the Arts provides resources and education to attorneys while advocating for the best interest of the artistic community. The organization assists the public with mediation services and referrals to attorneys while advocating for the best interests of artists and innovators.

California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) - The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) was founded in 1989. Attorneys in the CDLA promote the rights of the accused to encourage a fair criminal justice system with a focus on DUI charges. The CDLA uses its influence to advocate for legislative changes in the criminal justice system. The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA).

Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) of California - The ACFLS is an independent nonprofit organization of lawyers who have earned board certification as a family law specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. The organization is dedicated to preserving and improving the practice of family law while promoting board certification for the specialty area of family law and family relations law. The ACFLS is made up of some of the best family law attorneys practicing in the state of California.

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) - The CELA is a nonprofit association of lawyers representing plaintiffs in employment law cases against their employers. Many of California's top employment law attorneys are members. The California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) is an affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). The organization provides education and resources to practicing attorneys while advocating for labor issues that are in the interest of workers across California.

Los Angeles County, California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

LACBA - Los Angeles County Bar Association - The LACBA is one of the largest voluntary bar associations in California and the United States. The Los Angeles County Bar Association serves over 20,000 legal professionals throughout their career, providing lawyers with education and resources to assist their practice. The organization has a long history of public service in and around Los Angeles County such as pro bono services and public awareness campaigns.

CAALA - Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles - The Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles (CAALA) is a nonprofit association of civil trial attorneys in Los Angeles. It is the largest county-level association for plaintiff attorneys in the United States. The CAALA supports its members by providing training, education, and networking opportunities while emphasizing high-quality legal representation and ethical conduct. Through its efforts, the CAALA focuses on defending consumer rights within the civil justice system.

LACCBA - Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association - The Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association (LACCBA) is a prominent legal association focused on criminal defense practice within the Los Angeles County court system. Committed to advancing the skills and knowledge of its members, LACCBA offers valuable resources, educational programs, and a platform for legal professionals to collaborate and advocate for fair and effective criminal justice outcomes in Southern California.

Lawyer Referral Services in Los Angeles County

Attorney Referral Service for the Los Angeles County Bar Association - The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) of the Los Angeles County Bar Association helps the public find qualified attorneys and access general legal information for free. Founded in 1937, it is the oldest and largest service of its kind, trusted for over 75 years. Clients can get attorney referrals with free 20-minute consultations in English and Spanish, available online or by phone. All LRS attorneys charge fees and are certified by the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association.

Glendale Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service - The Glendale Bar Association manages a Lawyer Referral Service serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Los Angeles, CA. The Lawyer Referral Service is a non-profit program certified by the State Bar of California. The GBA also has an online attorney request form on its website. Attorneys on the panel are experienced in a wide variety of practice areas including criminal defense, family law, immigration, and bankruptcy.

Lawyer Referral Service of the Santa Monica Bar Association - The Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) of the Santa Monica Bar Association (SMBA) is certified by the State Bar of California and meets the American Bar Association (ABA) standards. The service uses a rigorous screening process. The attorney must be an active member in good standing with the California State Bar. The service also screens the attorneys for their experience in a given practice area.

San Fernando Valley Bar Association Attorney Referral Service - The Attorney Referral Service (ARS) is managed by the San Fernando Valley Bar Association (SFVBA). The non-profit public service helps individuals find a qualified attorney in Los Angeles County including Ventura, San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley and Santa Clarita Valley. The offices for the Attorney Referral Service are located in Tarzana, California. Established in 1948, the SFVBA manages one of the longest-running State Bar Certified attorney referral services in California.

San Gabriel Valley Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service LRS - The San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service is a nonprofit organization with over 100 lawyers in good standing with the State Bar of California, offering legal assistance to those in need. They match clients with attorneys who specialize in their specific legal issues, ensuring the right fit for each case. Sponsored by three local bar associations, the service is certified by the State Bar and meets American Bar standards. Clients can trust this service to provide expert legal referrals and help solve their legal problems.

City and Regional Bar Associations in Los Angeles County

BHBA - Beverly Hills Bar Association - The Beverly Hills Bar Association aims to serve its members, lead the legal profession, and advocate for justice in the community. Its vision is a world where there is justice for everyone. The association's goals include addressing member needs, providing leadership on key issues, raising professional and ethical standards, educating the public, facilitating access to legal services, and supporting the justice system. Additionally, it seeks to build a strong financial infrastructure to support these goals.

Century City Bar Association - The Century City Bar Association (CCBA), founded in 1969, is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California. With over 4,000 member lawyers, the CCBA aims to provide top-quality legal programming, foster a strong sense of community among Century City lawyers, and honor outstanding legal achievements. The association is dedicated to facilitating networking opportunities, continuing legal education, and leadership development for its members. It also hosts significant events like the Annual Installation Banquet and Awards Ceremony to celebrate the contributions of distinguished attorneys.

PBA - Pasadena Bar Association - The Pasadena Bar Association, established in 1917, is dedicated to supporting the diverse legal community in Pasadena. It encompasses a wide range of legal practices, including Antitrust, Business Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, and more, reflecting the vibrant and thriving legal landscape of the area. The association provides its members with extensive resources, career development programs, and networking opportunities to enhance their professional growth. Membership is open to a broad spectrum of legal professionals, fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the legal field.

SFVBA - San Fernando Valley Bar Association - The San Fernando Valley Bar Association (SFVBA), established in 1926, is a premier local bar association in California. With over 2,000 members, the SFVBA has a longstanding tradition of serving both the legal community and the public through its various public service programs. The association provides valuable resources to attorneys, including networking and referral opportunities, continuing legal education, and discounted services. Membership caters to a diverse range of legal professionals, from sole practitioners to large law firms.

SMBA - Santa Monica Bar Association - The Santa Monica Bar Association (SMBA) is a volunteer organization operating through its Board of Trustees, officers, and various committees. These committees provide members with opportunities to engage more deeply within specific areas of focus. The association's structure includes a roster of officers, a court advisor, trustees, committees, and sections, fostering active involvement and professional development. The SMBA is dedicated to serving the legal community and enhancing the practice of law in Santa Monica.

Multicultural Bar Associations in Los Angeles

John M Langston Bar Association - The John M. Langston Bar Association, founded in the 1920s in Los Angeles, has a rich history of supporting African American legal professionals. Initially known as the Blackstone Club, it was created in response to the exclusionary practices of other bar associations. In 1968, it officially became the John M. Langston Bar Association and later incorporated as a nonprofit in 1990. The association provides exceptional programs and events, including scholarships, bar exam tutorials, mentorship, community law clinics, continuing legal education, and the Langston Law Institute.

Mexican American Bar Association (MABA) - The Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (MABA) was first conceived in 1956 by attorney Manuel Martinez, who believed that Mexican American attorneys needed a support group based on shared culture and history. By 1960, a small group of attorneys began holding formal, regular meetings, which led to the formation of the Mexican American Lawyers Club. The organization quickly grew, changing its name to MABA and focusing on increasing representation of Mexican Americans in the legal field. Today, MABA continues to empower the Latino community by supporting Latino lawyers, law students, and bench officers through philanthropic, educational, and civic endeavors.

Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) - The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) was established in 1919 to promote the full participation of women lawyers and judges from diverse backgrounds in the legal profession. It advocates for fairness, equality, and the improvement of women's status by supporting their equal rights and representation. With over 1,000 members, WLALA is one of the largest local women's bar associations in California. The organization is a powerful advocate for women attorneys, persons of color, the disadvantaged, and the under-represented in Southern California.

State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS)

California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) - The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS) includes eleven areas of specialization certified directly by the State Bar of California with an additional eleven areas certified by five different national organizations that have been accredited by the American Bar Association. One of the goals of the CBLS is to give consumers another tool to use in selecting an attorney. The Standards for Certification in each specialty area was adopted by the Board of Governors.

Board certified lawyers in Los Angeles - Browse and compare lawyers who are board-certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization and practice in Los Angeles County, California.

Specialty Areas:

Admiralty and Maritime Law - Admiralty and Maritime Law is the practice of law dealing with substantive and procedural aspects of the law that governs vessels, navigation, and shipping. The term "admiralty and maritime law" also includes personal injury claims, marine pollutions, and much more. Attorneys in California who are board-certified specialists have demonstrated dedication and experience in the field of Admiralty and Maritime Law.

Appellate Law - Attorneys who are board certified in Appellate Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated significant knowledge and experience in the areas of civil and criminal appeals. Lawyers represent people throughout the appellate law process in both state and federal appellate courts, including the California Court of Appeals, the Federal Court of Appeals, the California Supreme Court, or the United States Supreme Court.

Bankruptcy Law - Bankruptcy Law is under the jurisdiction of the federal government, and bankruptcy matters are heard in federal court. There are both national and state-specific certifications. In California, the board certification for bankruptcy law is awarded by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). The bankruptcy attorney must demonstrate substantial involvement in the practice of bankruptcy law to earn the board-certified specialist distinction.

Criminal Law - In California, attorneys can become certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). Board-certified attorneys include criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders, or prosecutors. These attorneys work within the criminal justice system at the local, state, or federal level.

Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law - For California's Board Certification program the term "estate planning, trust, and probate law" is the practice of law that includes multiple areas, for instance, creating a will or trust, and protecting assets. A trust and estate attorney who applies for board certification in California must demonstrate that within the specified period he or she has been substantially involved in the practice of estate planning, trust, and probate law. Furthermore, an attorney who is a certified specialist has demonstrated proficiency in this specialized field of law.

Family Law - Only attorneys board certified in family law can advertise or identify themselves as "certified specialists" or "board certified" in California for that field. Furthermore, the board certification for family law is awarded by the CBLS. A certified family law specialist has experience performing various types of legal matters (e.g., marital settlement agreements, legal separation dissolution, etc.)

Franchise and Distribution Law - An attorney who is a franchise and distribution law specialist assists their clients with the operation of their franchise, general business issues, and problems that come up when looking to buy or sell a franchise. Furthermore, a board-certified specialist lawyer has met the rigorous requirements of the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS), such as passing the legal specialist examination, demonstrate substantial involvement, and complete continuing education requirements.

Immigration Law - An immigration specialist is an attorney who has been board certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). He or she has demonstrated substantial involvement in the practice of immigration law. The immigration system is extraordinarily complex with many difficult issues, therefore, it is important that an attorney has an understanding of it. Immigration Specialists have met the rigorous application requirements by passing exams, demonstrating experience, and participating in the field amongst other requirements.

Legal Malpractice - Legal malpractice lawyers represent the clients in lawsuits against their former attorneys. In the state of California, an attorney can become specialized in the field of Legal Malpractice. The board certification for legal malpractice law is awarded by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). An attorney seeking certification in legal malpractice must demonstrate that during the specified time period he or she has been substantially involved in the practice area.

Taxation Law - Board certification attorneys are highly qualified attorneys who have met many requirements such as passing the legal specialist examination, demonstrate substantial involvement, and completed continuing education. Tax laws are changing every year, a specialist must understand the changes that are made to any regulations. A tax specialist is required to demonstrate involvement in the practice of taxation law and this can include handling individual income tax, real estate income tax, and/or corporate income tax.

Workers' Compensation Law - Worker’s compensation is a system designed to manage workplace injuries. Attorneys that focus on workers' compensation law involves employees' rights, employers' defenses, and benefits provided for workplace accidents. Workers' compensation law includes activities before the state administrative agencies that regulate workers' compensation claims, as well as jury trials and appellate practice. An attorney seeking board certification in Worker's Compensation Law must demonstrate that within the applicable time period the attorney has substantially involved in the specialty practice area of the law.

Law Schools in Los Angeles

Loyola Law School - Loyola Law School is an ABA-approved law school located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1920, Loyola Law School is a Private school with approximately 1027 students currently enrolled. The Juris Doctor or J.D. is the degree program offered for law students wishing to enter the legal profession and pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. View the Lawyer Legion profile and browse the alumni directory for this law school to learn more.

Loyola Law School
919 Albany St
Los Angeles, 90015
Phone: 213-736-1000

Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law - Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Malibu, California. Founded in 1971, Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law is a Private school with approximately 492 students currently enrolled. The Juris Doctor or J.D. is the degree program offered for law students wishing to enter the legal profession and pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. View the Lawyer Legion profile and browse the alumni directory for this law school to learn more.

Pepperdine University Rick J. Caruso School of Law
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, 90265
Phone: 310-506-4611

Southwestern Law School - SW Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1911, Southwestern Law School is a Private school with approximately 805 students currently enrolled. The Juris Doctor or J.D. is the degree program offered for law students wishing to enter the legal profession and pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. View the Lawyer Legion profile and browse the alumni directory for this law school to learn more.

Southwestern Law School
3050 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, 90010
Phone: 213-738-6834

University of California Los Angeles School of Law - UCLA Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1949, University of California Los Angeles School of Law is a Public school with approximately 975 students currently enrolled. The Juris Doctor or J.D. is the degree program offered for law students wishing to enter the legal profession and pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. View the Lawyer Legion profile and browse the alumni directory for this law school to learn more.

University of California Los Angeles School of Law
385 Charles E Young Dr E
Los Angeles, 90095
Phone: 310-825-4841

University of Southern California Gould School of Law - USC Gould is an ABA-approved law school located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1896, University of Southern California Gould School of Law is a Private school with approximately 590 students currently enrolled. The Juris Doctor or J.D. is the degree program offered for law students wishing to enter the legal profession and pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. View the Lawyer Legion profile and browse the alumni directory for this law school to learn more.

University of Southern California Gould School of Law
699 W Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, 90089
Phone: 213-740-7331

Los Angeles County Government and Court Resources

County Counsel Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Departments
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Los Angeles County Public Defender
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Courthouses in Los Angeles County

County Counsel Los Angeles County

County Counsel Los Angeles County - The Office of County Counsel provides legal representation and advice to the Board of Supervisors, County departments, and public agencies as mandated by County charter and State law. It promotes County objectives while minimizing legal risk and is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism (IDEA) to foster a culture of belonging for all.

County Counsel Los Angeles County
500 W Temple St # 648
Los Angeles, 90012
Phone: 213-974-1811

Los Angeles County Departments

Los Angeles County Departments - The Los Angeles County government comprises 38 departments, various agencies, and around 200 committees and commissions. Additionally, it includes over 500 political districts. These districts encompass school boards, water districts, and sanitation boards, each with distinct responsibilities and constituencies. Together, they work to provide comprehensive services and governance to the county's diverse population.

Los Angeles County District Attorney

Los Angeles County District Attorney - The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in Los Angeles County, California. It is the largest local prosecutorial office in the United States, handling a vast array of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The office is dedicated to ensuring public safety, pursuing justice, and upholding the law. It also provides support and advocacy for crime victims and engages in various community outreach programs to prevent crime and enhance community relations.

Los Angeles County District Attorney
211 West Temple Street Suite 1200
Los Angeles, 90012
Phone: 213-974-3512

Los Angeles County Public Defender

Los Angeles County Public Defender - The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office provides legal defense services to individuals accused of crimes in Los Angeles County who cannot afford to hire private attorneys. It is the oldest and largest public defender's office in the United States, offering representation in a wide range of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The office is committed to ensuring the constitutional right to effective legal representation, promoting justice, and advocating for fair treatment within the criminal justice system.

Los Angeles County Public Defender
19 West Temple Street 19-513 CSF
Los Angeles, 90012
Phone: 213-974-2811

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles - The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (LASC), is the largest trial court in the United States. It serves the population of Los Angeles County and handles various case types. These include civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases, ensuring comprehensive judicial services. The LASC is dedicated to delivering fair and timely justice while enhancing public trust and confidence in the legal system. Additionally, the court engages in various community outreach programs to educate the public about the judicial process and their legal rights.