Orange County Lawyers, Certified Specialists | Best Attorneys in the OC, California

Lawyer Legion Information Center of Orange County, CA

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Lawyers in Cities in Orange County, CA
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Best Attorneys in Orange County, California
Orange County, CA Legal Resources
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Attorney Licensing in California
California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
State Bar of Orange County, CA Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS)
Lawyer Referral Services in Orange County, CA
Law Schools in Orange County
Orange County Government and Court Resources

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Lawyers by Cities in Orange County, CA

Best Attorneys in Orange County, California

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2024

The following list was determined using multiple 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 Orange County and throughout California, including criminal law, civil law, personal injury law and family law

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 statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing law.
It is difficult to compare lawyers who practice in different areas of the law.

Virginia Louise Landry
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Laguna Hills, CA
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Vincent John Tucci
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Irvine, CA
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Brian Doster Chase
Personal Injury and Products Liability Lawyer
Newport Beach, CA
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Kevin Crockett
Motor Vehicle Accidents and Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer
Irvine, CA
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Daniel W Layton
Tax Lawyer
Newport Beach, CA
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James Walter Michalski
Employment Lawyer
Huntington Beach, CA
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Joseph Abrams
Federal Crimes Lawyer
Orange, CA
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Barry Thomas Simons
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Laguna Beach, CA
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Robert Gibson
Personal Injury Lawyer
Santa Ana, CA
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Michael Ahmadshahi
Copyrights / Trademarks and Business Lawyer
Newport Beach, CA
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Peter Francis Iocona
DUI / DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Laguna Hills, CA
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Chad Raymond Maddox
Criminal Defense and DUI / DWI Lawyer
Anaheim, CA
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More Noteworthy California Attorneys

Orange County, CA Legal Resources

Lawyer Insights
Attorney Licensing in California
California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Orange County, California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
State Bar of Orange County, CA Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS)
Law Schools in Orange County
Orange County Government and Court Resources

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Attorney Licensing in California

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 Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

CLA - California Lawyers Association - 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.

CAOC - Consumer Attorneys of California - 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.

CACJ - California Attorneys for Criminal Justice - 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.

ACAL - Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers - 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.

ABTL - Association of Business Trial Lawyers - 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.

CAAA - California Applicants’ Attorneys Association - 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.

CLA - California Lawyers for the Arts - 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.

CDLA - California DUI Lawyers Association - 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).

ACFLS - Association of Certified Family Law Specialists - 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.

CELA - California Employment Lawyers Association - 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.

Orange County, California Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

OCBA - Orange County Bar Association - The OCBA is a professional organization for lawyers in the community of Orange County, CA. The Orange County Bar Association encourages growth within its members and involvement in the community of Orange County. The association strives to enhance the justice system, support the lawyers serving it, and aid the community served by it. The OCBA also assists the public with finding a lawyer through their Lawyer Referral Service (LRS).

OCTLA - Orange County Trial Lawyers Association - Established in 1963, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) focuses on providing education and training to civil trial attorneys. Membership in the organization aims to give civil trial lawyers a unified voice in promoting and supporting laws that address injustice and ensure equal access to the civil justice system. The primary mission of OCTLA is to protect the rights of people harmed by wrongful acts through education, resource sharing, and legal advocacy.

Lawyer Referral Services in Orange County, CA

Orange County - The Orange County Bar Association ("OCBA") manages a non-profit Lawyer Referral and Information Service. The OCBA has been a trusted source for referrals for the last 50 years. The OCBA has offices in Newport Beach, CA. It is accredited by the State Bar of California. It also meets the standards set by the American Bar Association. Attorneys serving on the LRIS panels are experienced in a variety of different practice areas. OCBA has attorneys that practice in one of more than 35 areas of the law.

State Bar of Orange County, CA 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.

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 Orange County

Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law - Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Orange, California. Founded in 1995, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law is a Private school with approximately 460 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.

Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law
1 University Dr
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 714-628-2500

University of California Irvine School of Law - UCI Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Irvine, California. Founded in 2009, University of California Irvine School of Law is a Public school with approximately 519 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 Irvine School of Law
401 E Peltason Dr
Irvine, CA 92617
Phone: 949-824-0066

Western State College of Law at Westcliff University - Western State College of Law is an ABA-approved law school located in Irvine, California. Founded in 1966, Western State College of Law at Westcliff University is a Private school with approximately 231 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 for this law school to learn more.

Western State College of Law at Westcliff University
16715 Von Karman Ave
Irvine, CA 92606
Phone: 714-441-1748

Orange County Government and Court Resources

Office of the Orange County District Attorney
Orange County Board of Supervisors
Orange County Government
Orange County Public Defender
Superior Court of California, County of Orange
Federal Courts in Orange County, CA

Office of the Orange County District Attorney

Office of the Orange County District Attorney - The Office of the Orange County District Attorney works to enhance public safety and welfare, protect and respect crime victims, and ensure community security through the vigorous and ethical enforcement of criminal and civil laws. The office handles a broad spectrum of cases, from minor offenses to major felonies, striving for justice and accountability. Additionally, it implements innovative crime prevention programs and collaborates with local law enforcement to maintain a safe and secure environment for all residents.

Office of the Orange County District Attorney
300 North Flower Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Phone: 714-834-3601

Orange County Board of Supervisors

Orange County Board of Supervisors - The Board of Supervisors oversees Orange County government and multiple special districts, conducting legislative and executive activities in public meetings. Additionally, it addresses specific personnel and legal matters in closed sessions to ensure thorough deliberation and compliance with legal requirements, fostering transparent and accountable governance in service to the diverse needs of Orange County residents.

Orange County Board of Supervisors
400 W Civic Center Dr
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: 714-834-3100

Orange County Government

Orange County Government - The 22 departments and their respective divisions within the County government aim to make Orange County a safe, healthy, and fulfilling place to live, work, and play by providing essential services to the community. These departments range from public safety and health services to environmental protection and cultural affairs, each contributing to the county's overall well-being and development. Through strategic planning and community engagement, Orange County government strives to meet the diverse needs of its residents and foster a prosperous and inclusive environment.

Orange County Public Defender

Orange County Public Defender - The Offices of the Orange County Public Defender offer efficient, compassionate, and high-quality representation to indigent clients, ensuring cost-effectiveness in their services. Dedicated to upholding the constitutional rights of the accused, the office handles a wide range of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies. It also provides holistic support by connecting clients with necessary social services, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. Through community outreach and public education, the office advocates for criminal justice reform and works to reduce recidivism.

Orange County Public Defender
801 Civic Center Drive West Suite 400
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: 657-251-6090

Superior Court of California, County of Orange

Superior Court of California, County of Orange - The Superior Court of California, County of Orange, is devoted to providing fair and accessible justice to the community. It serves as the trial court for all cases in the county, including civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters. The court is committed to efficient, effective, and impartial administration of justice, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the rights of everyone who appears before it.

Superior Court of California, County of Orange
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: 657-622-6878

Federal Courts in Orange County, CA

United States District Court - Central District of California - Active members who are in good standing of the Bar of California can apply for admission to the Bar of the United States District Court Central District of California. There are twenty-eight (28) judicial positions in the Court. It serves people in southern and central California. The United States District Court Central District of California is one of ninety-four (94) United States District Courts. Additionally, the court has original jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases that fall under federal law.

Lawyers in Orange County, CA