James R. Traut is the founding partner of the Traut Firm located in Santa Ana, California. His practice is devoted exclusively to litigation and focuses on helping plaintiffs throughout Southern California in serious personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, including truck, auto, motorcycle and bike accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death cases, and premises liability. These cases involve brain injuries, spinal injuries, severe fractures, and wrongful death. Mr. Traut also represents clients pursuing legal malpractice claims. His dedication to protecting the rights of those who have been injured by the negligent or wrongful behavior of others has resulted in numerous settlements, arbitration awards, and trial verdicts in excess of $1 million.
In 1972, Mr. Traut obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1976. Mr. Traut is certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification as a Civil Trial Lawyer as well as a Civil Pretrial Practice Lawyer.
In recognition of his superb record and high ethical standards, Mr. Traut has been awarded the AV-Preeminent* rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been named Trial Lawyer of the Year by both the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. He is also recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News & World Report, as well as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Traut furthers his legal advocacy skills through his association with several professional organizations. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mr. Traut is also a member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
- Pepperdine University School of Law
- J.D. (1976)
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- California State University - Long Beach
- Bachelor's Degree (1972)
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- Attorney/Founder
- Traut Firm
- Current
- Opening Statements, ABOTA Seminar
- Jury Selection, College of Trial Advocacy
- Jury Selection, College of Trial Advocacy
- Certified Civil Trial Specialist
- National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate
- The National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Super Lawyer
- Super Lawyers
- Rated a “Super Lawyer” for the past 15 years.
- AV-rated Preeminent
- Martindale Hubbell
- AV Preeminent Rated in 2016, 2018, 2019
- Best Lawyer
- U.S. News & World Report
- Best Law Firm, Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs, Tier 1, Orange County
- U.S. News & World Report
- Trial Lawyer of the Year
- Orange County American Board of Trial Advocates
- Orange County Bar Assn.
- Current
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- Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court
- Member
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- Orange County Trial Lawyers Assn.
- Member
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- American Board of Trial Advocates, CAL-ABOTA
- Associate Member
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- Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
- Member
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- California State Bar # 84839
- Member
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- California
- State Bar of California
- ID Number: 84839
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- Free Consultation
- Contingent Fees
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- Legal Malpractice
- Products Liability
- Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Uber/Lyft Accidents
- English: Spoken, Written
- Spanish: Spoken, Written