Santa Barbara Lawyers

Harvey Stern, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the legal field. His journey began at Kent State University, where he not only excelled as a member of the tennis team but also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Upon graduating, Harvey embarked on a ten-day vacation to Los Angeles, a trip that ultimately extended into a thirty-year residency. In the vibrant city, he pursued his legal education at UWLA School of Law, graduating in 1996 with a Juris Doctorate degree. Harvey's entrepreneurial spirit manifested in the establishment and successful management of various...

The Law Offices of Melissa J. Lyons, Inc., is here to help injured workers across Southern California navigate the complicated Worker's Compensation system. We understand the devastating impact work injuries can have, both on the injured work and their loved ones. We strive to make the process and simple as possible and enable workers to rest and heal.

MITCHELL REED SUSSMAN, is the leading consumer advocate of Timeshare Exit, Timeshare Cancellation and Timeshare litigation in the United States having successfully prosecuted actions against the world's largest timeshare companies. His office has gained the release of tens of thousands of timeshare owners from the burdens of timeshare ownership. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York in 1973 he graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He came to the west coast upon graduation from GW and in 1976 he graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. ...

My practice encompasses a wide variety of tax matters for businesses and individuals including partnership, corporate and individual taxation issues, international tax planning, entity formation, and mergers and acquisitions. I have represented clients in the real estate, entertainment, and healthcare industries. I structure transactions to optimize tax results, including tax-deferred Section 1031 real property exchanges. I draft and negotiate partnership and limited liability company operating agreements, and other contracts relating to the formation, sale, merger, acquisition, and liquidation of companies. I also handle executive compensation matters, including non-qualified deferred compensation plan and stock...

For several years, Michael Malk aggressively litigated cases for a plaintiff's firm in Los Angeles, obtaining exemplary results for his clients in cases against some of the biggest companies in California who were represented by some of the biggest law firms in the nation. Since founding his own law firm in 2007, Mr. Malk continues to zealously represent his clients' interests. He understands that each client and each case is different. Some cases are amenable to early resolution so that the parties can obtain a sure result and move on with their lives without the stress of litigation, while other...

Highly experienced, focusing on criminal defense, personal injury and general litigation. From providing pre-litigation counsel to winning intense jury trials, I have worked closely and effectively with my clients to fight for their best interests. As a former criminal prosecutor, I have handled hundreds of cases in court. Therefore, I know how to present my cases in a light most favorable to a judge and jury. I have also worked for some of the greatest civil litigation law firms in the nation and handled many areas of practice including but not limited to personal injury and criminal law.

I was born...

From 1987 to 1990, he was a staff attorney at Westside Legal Services, in Santa Monica, California where he was the lead trial lawyer representing lower income families and individuals who could not afford a lawyer. In 1990, DeSimone founded the cutting edge civil rights law firm Schonbrun & DeSimone. Later known as Schonbrun DeSimone Seplow Harris & Hoffman, the firm established a reputation as one of the most prestigious civil and employment rights law firms in the State of California and in the entire country.

After twenty-five years as a partner, Jim decided to carve out his own path by...

A tough, fearless and savvy federal criminal defense attorney since 1970. Forged in the trenches of the largest U.S. District Court in the U.S. – Los Angeles, California. Hardened by the toughest federal judges, Nixon appointees. Unrivaled credentials. 44 years of daily fighting against U.S. Attorneys. Recognized legal scholar with federal trial and appellate expertise. Proven by experience to be “par excellence” by judges, prosecutors and attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell's ratings and 35 published opinions in successful appeals. Joseph Shemaria graduated from U.C.L.A. Law School in 1969 with the most prestigious academic honors. He was a Senior Editor of the...

Patrick Steinfeld is the founder of Champions for Justice... an exclusively wrongful death law firm in California. Patrick is an award winning, nationally recognized wrongful death attorney with 36-years of experience. He has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. The Steinfeld Law firm has offices in Beverly Hills, San Diego, and San Francisco, with satellite offices and meeting locations (by appointment) throughout California. We have obtained some of the biggest wrongful death settlements in California and the country. - Free Consultation - Costs nothing to get started - Pay nothing (no fees or costs) until settlement For more information call us at (424)...

For over 20 years, James D. Pacitti, the founder and managing attorney, has aggressively represented and assisted thousands of clients in entertainment, intellectual property and business matters and in state and federal litigation. James D. Pacitti has been practicing law since graduating from Fordham University School of Law in New York City in 1995 and is licensed to practice in California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Philadelphia, James went to college at Northeastern University in Boston, graduating cum laude. After graduating law school, James practiced in his hometown for three years prior to relocating to Florida where...

Matthew K. Joy is a trial attorney at The Dominguez Firm. With over a decade of experience litigating difficult liability cases, Attorney Joy has helped hundreds of accident victims in California recover millions in compensation. He’s a fierce advocate of road safety and promotes the firm’s values by delivering outstanding legal representation and client service, as part of the personal injury trial team.

Matthew is known for handling complex cases involving wrongful deaths, amputations, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paraplegic injuries, auto accidents and premises liability; as well, cases of serious accidents involving trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, drowning, construction and elevators;...

Attorney Simon Aval has been practicing criminal law since 1999. Over the years he has gained invaluable experience handling thousands of criminal cases and has completed over 150 Jury Trials. He is a Certified Specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He has been chosen as a Superlawyer by Los Angeles Magazine. He has been selected as one of the Best Attorneys in Los Angeles.

RANA PARSANJ IS AN ATTORNEY IN GLENDALE FIGHTING TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES OF EACH OF HIS CLIENTS.

Rana Parsanj began his legal career as an attorney with the Mendocino County Public Defender's Office and continued his career with the Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office. Coming back to where he grew up here in the Los Angeles Area, Rana brings the courtroom experience and dedication so valued in a public defender office to the matters he handles daily.

Rana has handled thousands of cases and works to protect his clients at every stage of their matter. Rana has experience...

Una Lee Jost is a California licensed attorney, serving the legal needs of nonprofit organizations and small businesses.

Through her 17+ years of legal experience, Una has gained broad perspective in the many ways that law intersects with life. After receiving her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2001, Una worked as in-house legal counsel for a nonprofit university as well as a civil litigator at Los Angeles law firms defending public entities, big businesses, and others. In 2010, Una started her own law practice in order to put her decade-plus of legal experience into use in...

Daniel is a South Bay native and veteran of the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine, Daniel served four years active duty in the infantry (3d Battalion, 3d Marines and 3d Battalion, 4th Marines), and was recognized for his service by two separate commanding officers, receiving commendations and awards. Daniel also served as acting platoon sergeant, leading a platoon of marines while stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-Nine Palms, California. After his service, Daniel attended the University of California, Berkeley where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctor at...

Mr. Varga’s experience as an Attorney in Los Angeles spanning four decades gives him a unique legal perspective. He graduated from Stanford University in 1975 with a BA in Psychology. Then, he pursued his law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. After passing the bar, Stephen A. Varga began his legal career in 1980, focusing primarily on personal injury and criminal law. In 1982, Mr. Varga began practicing solo and opened his own law office. In 1999, he moved his practice to the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. With a wide variety of criminal defense...

Professor Raul Sabado has been practicing and teaching law since 2004. After a couple of years in private practice and seven years as a successful trial lawyer in the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, he founded his own private offices. The service area includes Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties.

“I have walked many paths in life. I started life out as an attorney, have been a minister, a school teacher, but the most important job I’ve ever had is a father. When my son, Danny was born, it changed my life. When he was diagnosed with autism, it shook my world. When the school system and the state tried to cut off his services because of this current budget crisis in California, it pointed me to my true calling. I have often wondered why I’ve been privileged to be able to have three very satisfying careers as...

BIG FIRM EXPERIENCE…SMALL FIRM SERVICE® Melvin N.A. Avanzado is the principal of The Avanzado Law Firm, APLC. Mel is a trial lawyer and outside general counsel, representing clients in complex matters in entertainment, media, intellectual property, sports and employment. Mel has extensive experience practicing with big law firms but now practices in his own small firm so he has the ability to provide personalized service to his clients. Mel is extensively involved in his community. Mel is active with numerous non-profit organizations, serving as general counsel to the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles and the UCLA Alumni Association...

I am the managing partner of Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell, a Pasadena, California, based boutique personal injury firm that was established in 1981. Our law firm represents clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, or the death of a loved one, in accidents of all types, including automobile, motorcycle, trucking, premises liability and products liability. Professional Recognition: - Named 2014 Consumer Attorney of the Year by Consumer Attorneys of California - Selected as Top 100 Attorney in Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine, 2012, 2013 and 2020 - Designated a Super Lawyer in a survey of my peers, as announced in Los Angeles...

Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Raffi H. Ohanian focuses his practice in the areas of catastrophic personal injuries. He was admitted to the California Bar in 2007 after earning a J.D. that year from Southwestern University School of Law and obtained a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in 2004. While in law school, Mr. Ohanian was the president of the Armenian Law Students Association and was actively involved in the local community. While at Loyola Marymount University, Mr. Ohanian studied in an elite honors program in Oxford, England at Queen’s College. Prior to joining Thon Beck Vanni Callahan &...

I have seen it all when it comes to unfair treatment in the workplace. As an employment lawyer in Los Angeles with more than 25 years of experience, I know how to level the playing field when 'your Story becomes our Fight.' I vigourously represent employees who have experienced wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, discrimination, unpaid wages, and more. Saving careers is our mission. With offices in Pasadena and Ontario, our team of employment attorneys in Los Angeles serve clients throughout Southern California. Exclusively representing workers, we recover the damage done by unethical employers for Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Retaliation, Wrongful Termination, and...

Attorney David Dastrup has extensive success with DUI Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Suspended License, Speed Contest, Exhibition of Speed, Hit and Run, Warrants, Probation Violations, Drug Possession, Drug Paraphernalia, Shoplifiting, Petty Theft, Public Intoxication, Drunk in Public, Trespass, Disturbing the Peace, Prostitution, Solicitation, Domestic Violence, and many other criminal defense cases in Los Angeles County Courts and Orange County California Superior Courts. Trusted by courts, relied on by clients, and organized in business. We protect our clients’ constitutional rights. We fight for your driver's license. We fight to keep your record clean. We appear in court and fight...

I am a retired Navy Judge Advocate helping families, working professionals, parentrepreneurs, and creatives attain work-life balance. I am a licensed attorney in California, Colorado, and the District of Columbia. I am also a certified as a mediator and peer specialist. I help my clients find a work-life balance goal, then craft solutions to empower them to attain those goals. For most of my clients, that means providing compassionate family law services to restructure a family: from marriage to divorce; reworking custody and visitation; adding a new member to the family through adoption; or restoring safety. I will guide you...

Results-driven attorney with broad based experience providing legal advice to multiple business units in the areas of commercial transactions, labor and employment, privacy, and technology. Timely and effectively drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including software license agreements, master service agreements, partner/reseller agreements, subcontractor agreements, consulting and marketing agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and proprietary information agreements.

Successful at creating, implementing and training on internal and external facing template agreements and policies. Consistently delivering practical business solutions and comprehensive legal support in a complex and dynamic high-growth environment within the business. A collaborative leader that enjoys building relationships with key stakeholders to...

Former Senior Attorney, Social Security Administration (Pasadena, CA SSA/OHO)


Former Administrative Law Judge, California Department of Social Services (Los Angeles, CA State Hearings Division)


I represent clients throughout the entire Social Security disability application process. In addition to representing clients applying for SSDI and SSI benefits in the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO), I also handle cases involving Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) overpayments, children and survivor's benefit issue, also with providing assistance with retirement benefits.

My practice is unique in that I represent Social Security clients who are dealing with issues involving SSA Field Offices regarding suspension, termination and reinstatement of SSI...

Lara Law Firm is personal injury law firm that handles all kinds of personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, serious injuries, brain injuries, spine injuries, car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, trip and fall, and product liability cases. YOU PAY US NOTHING UNLESS WE WIN. We will come to you and/or provide our services remotely if you prefer. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Consolations are free, so you lose nothing by calling us. We will be happy to discuss your case with you, so call us!

Sergio Alejandro Copete is the owner of Copete Law Firm, a full service law firm that provides legal services in the areas of: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Immigration Law, Landlord / Tenant, Real Estate, Business Litigation and general Civil Litigation. Sergio Alejandro Copete is bilingual, speaks English and Spanish fluently and provides individual attention to every case and every person that contacts the firm. In his years of experience, he has successfully obtained great results for his clients, as shown by the reviews he has received by his clients on his various pages on the web. Sergio Alejandro Copete provides services all...

Linda L. McLarnan-Dugan, Esq. has over 29 years of experience in the legal field following her admission to the California State Bar. She handles all types of cases which deal with the family. Her practice include all areas of Family Law; Probate; Conservatorships; Guardianships; and Estate Planning. She regularly is appointed a Minor’s Counsel in Family Court and CAC Attorney in Probate Court. She is a member of the State Bar of California; Pasadena Bar Association, 2019 President of the Pasadena Bar Association, Chair 2011-2014 Pasadena Family Law Bar; Pasadena Tournament of Roses; and ...

Mr. Karim's practice is almost exclusively dedicated to employment litigation. Mr. Karim represents clients in various employment law matters ranging from counseling to litigation in court to representation before administrative agencies. Mr. Karim was selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2017, 2019, and 2020, an honor reserved for lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Southern California received this distinction in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. Yosi is an inspired, aggressive and successful advocate for his clients. He is personally committed to making a difference in his clients’ lives. Nothing makes Yosi happier than getting his clients’ lives back on track.

Yosi’s practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents that have caused his clients catastrophic and life-altering injuries. In addition, he represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in challenging cases involving product defects, dog...

Darlene’s commitment to her clients’ wins makes Trevino Law the leading personal injury firm in California. Darlene understands the intricacies of the law and uses her years of experience as an insurance claims adjuster to get the best settlement for her clients. Darlene’s heart for justice is reflected not only in her cases but in her everyday life. She has led in several positions, including serving as the Parliamentarian and Board of Directors for the AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and President and Vice President of the National TEAM Referral Network. Darlene’s philanthropist nature has triggered her to team up with...

Attorney Anthony A. Arzili has devoted his practice to criminal defense and DUI for over a decade. He has handled thousands of cases in all LA courthouses and in the process developed strong relationships with the decision-makers in those courts. He believes that specializing in criminal defense allows him the knowledge and experience to acheive outstanding results. Anthony also believes in keeping his clients informed at all stages of the proceedings. Call or email us for a free case evaluation. 562-907-4448 or AnthonyArzili@gmail.com

James (Jim) Parke has practiced law in California for over 45 years. Jim graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1975 and from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1978. An esteemed expert in all areas of family law, Jim has spoken on several family law-related topics throughout Southern California and regularly contributes to divorce recovery workshops. He has also written several articles related to family law. Jim understands the psychological aspect of family law and he knows the importance of helping a client pass through the dissolution process as quickly, painlessly, and fairly as possible. He is diligent, caring, and works...

Tracy Green is a founding member of Green & Associates. She specializes in representing professionals in civil, administrative and criminal matters. Green's practice has an emphasis in health care and she has represented a variety of professionals and providers for 20 years. A tenacious lawyer who really cares for her clients, Green was recognized by Public Counsel as Outstanding Advocate in 1999 and is nationally recognized as an expert in health care. Green has also had the honor of being nominated to the Board of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers where she currently serves and brings...

Elizabeth Johnson is a licensed attorney in California, Virginia, and Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and German from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she also broadened her perspective by participating in an immersion program in Berlin, Germany. Fluent in conversational German, Elizabeth went on to pursue her Juris Doctorate at American University, Washington College of Law, where she served on the Editorial Board of the *Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law*, one of the top-cited legal journals in its field. While in law school, Elizabeth gained valuable practical experience. She interned with...

Bobby Saadian, Esq., JD/MBA, is the Founding Partner and Managing Attorney at Wilshire Law Firm. He has spent more than a decade dedicating his practice to representing catastrophic injury victims and their families in motor vehicle accident, product liability, wrongful death, and other complex personal injury cases. Bobby has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of his clients, including eight-figure recoveries of $17.1 million and $12 million.
Bobby’s expertise has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Following an exhaustive peer-review process, Bobby was honored by Super Lawyers as a Southern California Rising Star from 2012 to 2017, and...

Jim Robinson, an attorney by profession, is the pioneering force behind JurisPro Inc., a distinguished marketing firm showcases the expertise of expert witnesses to legal professionals, insurance carriers, and the media. JurisPro proudly hosts a complimentary nationwide directory encompassing over 10,000 fields of expertise at www.JurisPro.com. Additionally, Jim co-founded www.ExpertWitnessProfiler.com, a platform renowned for generating exhaustive background reports on expert witnesses.

Derek Pakiz heads the litigation department at The Reeves Law Group and supervises the firm’s attorneys. Drawing upon decades of practice, Derek offers clients exceptional skills and a deep understanding of cases involving personal injury law. Over the course of his career, Derek has successfully resolved thousands of cases for clients through mediation, arbitration, litigation and numerous trials. Derek’s practice covers a wide range of personal injury cases from serious car accidents to slip and fall accidents, with a specialty focus on catastrophic injury cases, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis, amputation, and wrongful death. His expertise has garnered significant results,...

DUI defense attorney, author, and lecturer Jon Bryant Artz has specialized in DUI Defense for over 48 years and has been called “the Best DUI Lawyer in California” by CNN Legal Analyst Roger Cossack. Designated a 2020 SuperLawyer™, Mr. Artz is known throughout the California courts for winning "unwinnable" drunk- and drugged-driving cases and keeping 99% of his clients out of jail (and driving) on a first or second DUI offense. Artz has the confidence to win "Not Guilty" verdicts—all charges dismissed—in over 81% of his DUI jury trials, even in cases involving prior convictions, injury accidents, BAC test refusals,...