Law Firms in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the largest legal markets in the United States, shaped by entertainment, media, real estate, international trade through the ports, and a huge consumer population. Most local cases go to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which runs courthouses across the county. Federal matters are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and appeals go to the California Court of Appeal or the Ninth Circuit.

Every attorney practising in California must be licensed by the State Bar of California. Its online attorney search shows whether a lawyer is active and lists any public discipline. Certified specialists, approved by the State Bar's Board of Legal Specialization, have extra recognised expertise in areas such as family, criminal, immigration or estate planning law. Be careful with notarios or immigration consultants who are not attorneys, as they cannot give legal advice.

Residents often look for attorneys in Los Angeles after car accidents, for employment claims, tenant and landlord disputes, divorce and custody, and criminal defense. The city has large immigrant communities, so immigration lawyers handling green cards, work visas, asylum and naturalization are in steady demand. Businesses hire Los Angeles law firms for entertainment contracts, intellectual property, real estate, employment compliance and litigation.

Fee models vary. Personal injury and many employment cases are taken on contingency, where the lawyer is paid a share of any recovery, and California requires a written agreement for these. Other work is billed hourly, by flat fee or with a retainer. Many firms in Los Angeles work in Spanish, and others offer Korean, Armenian, Mandarin, Tagalog, Persian or Russian. Narrow down by practice area below.