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Ian Michael Wallach
About Ian
Biography
Ian Wallach is a trial lawyer at heart. He zealously and vigorously fights for his clients, taking great pleasure in his work. He combines his strong academic and writing skills--polished while at a national law firm -- with the litigation tactics learned in his many jury trials as a public defender.
While at U.C. Hastings in 1999, Mr. Wallach was chosen for a clerkship with the Office of the Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague, and participated in drafting the indictment of Slobodan Milosevic. He then joined the prestigious firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps at its New York office where he worked in civil litigation until 2003. He is admitted to practice in both New York and California, and is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court, among other Federal Courts.
Mr. Wallach opened his own firm in 2005, and his pro bono work included representing three Guantanamo Bay detainees in federal habeas actions in connection with the Center for Constitutional Rights.
In 2006, Mr. Wallach moved to Los Angeles and joined the Office of the Public Defender. He tried approximately 30 jury trials in less than two years, and established himself as an exceptional trial attorney. He was also able to resolve hundreds of matters without needing to push for trial, although he was always willing, if not hungry, to try the case -- a quality that distinguishes him from most attorneys and makes him exceptionally effective in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients.
Mr. Wallach has published several articles on justice, hosted a show about issues of criminal justice reform ("Wallach on Law"), and appeared on radio and television shows nationwide addressing issues of criminal justice. His firm, The Law Offices of Ian Wallach, is dedicated exclusively to criminal defense and civil rights.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 20 years
State: California
Acquired: 2005
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2020
Licensed in New York for 26 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2000
Licensed in Colorado for 7 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2018
Location
Law Offices of Ian Wallach, PC
5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 750, Los Angeles, CA, 90045
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Ian Michael Wallach's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
64 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (64)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (30)
Lawsuits & Disputes (14)
DUI & DWI (6)
Car Accidents (2)
Civil Rights (2)
Expungement (2)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Business (1)
Child Custody (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Drug Crime (1)
Entertainment (1)
Juvenile (1)
Litigation (1)
Personal Injury (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer and a compassionate human being
Sometimes you find yourself on the wrong side of the law even though you may be totally innocent, and it can be a harrowing experience. At such times you feel as if you have no control over your life and begin to question everything you know and believe in. This can leave you totally unprepared to fa...
Posted by Monica | May 04, 2015 | DUI & DWI
Excellent Attorney
Ian is phenomenal! I contacted him for a dui case, he was very knowledgeable and informative on California law and how to handle the situation. He is very inviting and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him to anyone that needs an attorney to get the job done.
Posted by Paul | November 06, 2014 | Criminal Defense
I give my highest recommendation to this wonderful lawyer and person.
Last year I was charged with multiple felonies following the death of an employee in an industrial accident. I'd had no previous experience with the criminal justice system and was in a state of panic. I needed a great lawyer and quickly. I was referred to Ian by another attorney who told me he h...
Posted by SP | August 14, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Honest, reliable, and dependable...
Ian Wallach came highly recommended after I was arrested for a DUI involving a car accident. My husband and I sent an email inquiring about his services and he responded immediately, even though it was on the weekend. During our consultation, Ian was forthright, giving us all the different scenarios ...
Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2013 | DUI & DWI
A lawyer with strength and compassion
I hired Ian to help me with my DUI case. He was great. Very responsive and intelligent. I knew that he would make this awful experience bearable. When hiring lawyers, he was the only one who told me it would be alright. He helped me stay calm during this process which was very appreciated. I highly r...
Ian Michael Wallach's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I know Ian from his membership on the Federal Criminal Justice Act panel and his work with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Ian is a fierce advocate for his clients. He is a knowledgeable, conscientious, and tenacious criminal defense attorney that is well-regarded in Los Angeles. I highly recommend him."
"Ian is a well respected Criminal Defense attorney in our community. He is a zealous advocate for his clients, fighting to defend them against charges they face. I endorse this attorney."
"Ian is not only an amazing attorney, both in the civil and criminal fields, but I can say, without hesitation, that he is one of the most motivated people I have ever met. Ian represents every client with a fervor and zeal rarely seen in the mostly stuffy, and formal legal arena. Any client that is fortunate enough to have him on their side has a secret weapon, and couldn't ask for more."
"Ian is super knowledgeable and charismatic. He's doing great things to improve inmate's rights and help people in tough situations. I highly recommend Ian's services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Extremely well respected attorney in the community - by the court and by his peers. Ian is a wonderful asset to the criminal defense bar as he is intelligent and charismatic but aggressive. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"Ian has been a great resource to me and other attorneys in the Los Angeles legal community concerning criminal defense matters. Ian is known for his zealous advocacy, passion for civil rights, and his great knowledge of the law. I highly recommend Ian."
"Attorney Ian Wallach donates his time posting very helpful legal answers in the Avvo community to assist individuals seeking advice. This demonstrates a compassion to help people in need. He is an asset to the legal profession. I fully endorse him."
"Mr. Wallach is an incredible attorney. He is constantly working hard to achieve the best results for his clients His success in a courtroom is unparalleled. I highly recommend Mr. Wallach for all criminal defense matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ian is well known in the legal community as an effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the few who will fight to the last limb."
"Ian is becoming a legend well ahead of his time. His skills and determination have achieved truly remarkable results. There's a lot to learn from Mr. Wallach and the way he handles his cases. I have yet to meet an attorney whose passion is more clearly manifested in each and every day's work."
"Ian is well known in Southern California criminal defense community. He fights tirelessly for his clients and will call a cop on his BS. Working at the Public Defender's office gives him an insight into how the system works and he will use this to benefit his clients. He is also an attorney I call on frequently for advice on cases. I definitely endorse him!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Ian Wallach is a true genius...he is talented, resourceful, kind and willing to go the extra mile for all his clients and fellow attorneys. It is always a pleasure working with him; a real professional who's never afraid of a tough case! Bravo on all your recent successes...you deserve all the accolades and more!"
"Ian and I are both members of the Indigent Criminal Defense Association in Los Angeles. He is both passionate about his craft and extremely knowledgeable."
"This guy is wicked smart -- and one helluva nice guy. His breadth of knowledge regarding how to get right to the heart of a criminal matter -- and how to find that teeny nuance in order to turn the case -- is stunning. Despite the surfer exterior, he's tough as nails in the courtroom and comes prepared for any matter, no matter how big or small. Ian is the real deal. He brings the heat to any prosecutor. He sees the big picture; he visualizes how to win; and then he goes and does just that. I endorse Ian without reservation."
"Mr. Wallach is a highly skilled, hardworking, diligent and reputable trial lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ian is the consummate criminal defense attorney. He is aggressive, creative, intelligent, and thinks outside the box in the defense of his clients. Ian has an outstanding trial record and fights endlessly for his clients until the prosecution capitulates and/or he obtains his "not guilty" verdict."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.
Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2020
updated on 03/29/2021This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
Honors
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Lawyers in California, American Lawyer Media
2012
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Preeminent Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Ian Wallach
2011 - Present
Member, Feldman & Wallach
2006 - 2011
Deputy Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender for the County of Los Angeles
2005 - 2006
Owner, Wallach Law Office
2004 - 2005
Associate, Friedland, Laifer & Robbins LLP
2003 - 2004
Associate, Coblence & Warner LLP
1999 - 2003
Associate, Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps
Associations
2011 - Present
Bar of the United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
2011 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association Indigent Criminal Defense AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2011 - Present
Association of Surfing LawyersMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Bar of the Ninth Circuit Court of AppealsMember
2007 - Present
California Public Defender's Association
2006 - Present
Bar of the United States Supreme CourtMember
2005 - Present
Bar of the State of CaliforniaMember
2005 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
Bar of the Second Circuit Court of AppealsMember
2000 - Present
Bar of the State of New YorkMember
2000 - Present
Bar of the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New YorkMember
2000 - Present
Bar of the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of New YorkMember
1995 - Present
Phi Beta KappaMember
2018 - 2021
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Panah v. USA
Settled for $425,000 for Plaintiff
Abu Ghanem et al. v. Bush, et al., Nos. 05 – 1638; 05 – 1639; No. 05 – 1678 (D.C. Cir.)
Release or Cases Pending (Matters transferred after Mr. Wallach joined the Office of the Public Defender for the County of Los Angeles
Ricatto v. Ricatto, 4 A.D.3d 514 (N.Y. App. Div. 2d Dep't 2004).
Injunction upheld
The Union Labor Life Insurance Co. v. Olsten Corporation Health And Welfare Benefit Plan
In excess of $2 Million to client.
Hoepker v. Kruger, 200 F. Supp. 2d 340 (S.D.N.Y. 2002))
Matter dismissed
Criminal Matters
Education
1999
UC Hastings COL
Juris Doctoc
1995
Univ of Oregon
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
Webinar
Cross-Examining the Police Officer: Asking the Questions That Let the Jury See Bias
2020
Strafford Webinar
“Federal Tort Claims Act Cases, Recovering for Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, and Property Damage. Limits on the Independent Contractor and the Discretionary Function Exceptions
2019
Jazzin-up Your Jury; Selection, Connection and Persuasion
Set Up A Knockdown When Blue Isn't True: Voir Dire In Cases Involving Officer Credibility"
2019
Cross-Examination Techniques
Cross-Examining the Police Officer: Asking the Questions That Let the Jury See Bias
2006
WBAI Evening News with Andrea Sears, New York, New York
Motions filed by Department of Defense in pending Guantanamo Bay related habeas actions
2006
The UC Hastings Symposium About The War on Terror, Panel Member discussion representation of Guantanamo Bay Detainees
Representation of Guantanamo Bay Detainees
2006
Morning Edition, WPFK, Los Angeles, California
Motions filed by Department of Defense in pending Guantanamo Bay related habeas actions
Publications
2021
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
The Use of ‘Ultra-Particularity’ to Invoke Qualified Immunity
2017
2016
California Lawyer Magazine
Federal Tort Claims & The Issue Of Sovereign Immunity,
2013
America Radio Now with Ernie Brown
Eric Snowden and the NSA leaks
2013
24/7 News
Nidal Hasan's denial of right to assert "defense of others" argument
2013
WAJR Morgantown, WV AM-1440 (www.wajr.com)
FISC Order, Obama, Feinstein, and Graham response
2013
850 KOA Denver, CO (www.850KOA.com)
FISC Order, Obama, Feinstein, and Graham response
2012
Bakersfield Californian
Case highlights cost, complexity of battling valley fever in prisons
2011
2006
New York Law Journal
Graham Amendment and Guantanamo
2002
FOR THE RECORD, A Publication of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, Volume XI, No. 2 Spring/Summer 2002
New York District Court Elaborates On Restored Copyrights, And Holds That For Museums And Artists, The First Amendment May Trump A Privacy Claim Under New York Law
2001
FOR THE RECORD, A Publication of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP, Volume VII, No. 1 Winter 2001
Coverage for Patent Infringement Actions Under Commercial General Liability Policies
Languages
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do i try to get house arrest
05 Sep 2015
Q&A
I am a co-defendant with my boyfriend on a petty theft case, I am out on bail, he is not. Can I visit him in Jail?
27 Sep 2013
Q&A
Can a 647b be expunged?
14 May 2013