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Selected as "Super Lawyer" 2008-2019 with 42 Years of Experience. Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney. Former LA Prosecutor. Client's Choice Winner 2014. Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award. Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbel.
Phil Israels was born in 1948 and raised in California’s Central Valley where he still has family. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley where he was a member for Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and studied Economics, he continued his education at the University of San Francisco, School of Law where he received the prestigious American Jurisprudence Award.
Upon graduation in 1975 and passing the bar in his first attempt, he was hired by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where he worked for almost four years as a prosecutor gaining extensive trial experience. Since 1979, he has been a criminal defense attorney. He sees his role as the protector of the accused. However, his prosecutorial experience has helped him understand the mindset of his adversaries both in the trial court and in negotiations.
Although he has much trial experience his background, skills, and contacts has often allowed him to obtain favorable results without the extra expense associated with trial. As a defense attorney, he has successfully handled cases ranging from accusations of driving under the influence, murder, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and complicated white collar cases. As a prosecutor, he worked in all of the branch offices including West Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Fernando, San Pedro and downtown (Criminal Courts Building, Bauchet Street and Metro). As a defense attorney, he has practiced in all the major courts in Southern California and has successfully defended clients in the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building, Metro, Van Nuys, San Fernando, Torrance, Pomona, Ventura, Airport Court, and Citrus, among other courthouses.
When requested he has traveled across the country to represent his clients. As a defense counsel, he has also gained extensive experience in the Juvenile Courts including Sylmar, Inglewood, Los Padrinos, and Easklake. He is a Board Certified Specialist in the field of Criminal Law, a designation which puts him among approximately one percent of those attorneys who refer to themselves as criminal lawyers in the State of California.
Mr. Israels has been named “Super Lawyer” by the Los Angeles Magazine, an honor which he has received several times. He is often referred cases by Judges, other attorneys, prosecutors and previous clients. In 2008 he was joined in his practice by his nephew, Sam Israels, also a former prosecutor with extensive trial experience and many contacts in the criminal courts. His clients appreciate the team approach and are happy to know that they can rely both on Phil and Sam when the need arises. In his spare time he enjoys sports including skiing, swimming and softball.
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Practice Areas
52 years | 5,000 cases
52 years | 5,000 cases
52 years | 1,000 cases
52 years | 500 cases
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$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1975
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11755 Wilshire Blvd, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
401 Wilshire Blvd, #1200, Santa Monica, CA, 90401
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA, 90503
Showing 1 - 5 of 21 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney
When Phil makes promises, he keeps them. He is so loyal and dedicated to his clients; he makes miracles happen! What an amazing lawyer! Phil not only got me the best deal we could get in the beginning, he ultimately convinced the judge to terminate my probation, reduce felony to misdemeanor, and expu...
Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Israels represented me in case recently, and he did an amazing job, very professional, very skilled in criminal law, and a very nice gentleman. My case got resolved in probation, and a little community service, but I was facing jail time, and I am so grateful to Phil, for his efforts and his ...
Posted by Eric S. | March 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I typically don’t leave reviews unless I have an extremely bad or good experience. Luckily, I’m on this page to speak of a good one. Philip Israels and his team were extremely professional, considerate and timely in handling my legal matter. I’ve worked with various legal teams in the past and even...
Posted by B. B. | March 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney
My 17-year-old son was charged with a criminal case. It was a big issue for my family, not to mention the potential of a criminal record at such a young age. The prosecutor was attempting to hit us hard. Philip Israels and his partner were able to get the case dismissed with minimal financial cost. ...
Posted by Eyeguy | October 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Philip Isreals is the best lawyer in Los Angeles point blank. If you are facing any type of criminal charges major or minor trust me, this gentleman is the one to have on your side. He did the best job I could ever imagine. I was very very afraid of what may occur despite the charges that may or may ...
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Israels is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"Lawyers who spend time giving back in pro bono forums like this are special and should be commended and endorsed. Kudos."
"I highly endorse Mr. Israeis. Very experienced and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse Philip. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"Keen attention to detail and exceptional client service. One of the best DUIs attorneys there is. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Israels, unlike other attorneys he is a born investigator. He knows how to track down the facts."
"I endorse this lawyer. Based upon the quantity and quality of contributions on AVVO, I have found the contributions to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I highly recommend his legal services"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Israels is a leader in his field and is one of the most respected attorneys in his area. He is knowledgeable, professional and a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Israels. A review of his credentials makes it clear that is well-established in the community."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Israels to anyone who is charged with a crime. He is a highly experienced and aggressive attorney who fights to defend each of his clients. I would encourage anyone who is facing charges to contact him to prepare their defense."
"Mr. Israels is an excellent attorney who does the work that it takes to get favorable outcomes for his clients. I strongly endorse him for anyone who has been charged with a crime."
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2017
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2016
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2015
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2014
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2013
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2011
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2010
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2009
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2008
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2005
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
1975
American Jurisprudence Award, Thomson West Publishing
1979 - Present
Partner, Cron, Israels & Stark
1976 - 1979
Prosecuting Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office
1975 - Present
Santa Monica Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1975 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1975 - Present
Criminal Courts Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1975 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
Charges Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict
Case Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
1975
JD - Juris Doctor
1970
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2012
2011
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
My husband has 2 sentences im trying to figure which one will be his release day and can he work down from his minimum sent 1
09 Jul 2019
Does hiring a defense attorney before the prosecutor has time to file charges help me?
02 Jul 2019
How do i figure out what my O.G.S. is and how much time I will be given ?
28 May 2019