I defend people who are charged with serious state and federal cases around the country. In the same capacity, I also do appeals and writs, which is where you try to reverse a conviction. I've handled cases from Hawaii to Maine, Florida to Oregon, Texas to South Dakota and just about everywhere in between.
I was a board certified criminal law specialist by the age of 39. I'm routinely in the media, and have been for years, either for my own cases or in terms of providing commentary. While I have represented countless celebrities, I'm most proud of the fact that when other defense lawyers get in trouble, they call me. I'm not much of a plea bargain guy. There are lawyers who will take your money and start in on you, attempting to scare you into pleading guilty.
I'm not that guy.
I've been practicing law for 21 years, having been admitted in Utah before California. I started my practice with $ in the bank the day after I passed the Bar Exam. I was 26 years old. Certainly defending high profile cases or celebrities can be lucrative, but that's not why I do it. I do it because I love people -- especially people who come from an array of backgrounds. I'm fluent in Spanish and French, and I can read and understand Italian. I live by Bertrand Russell's famous quote: "Remember your humanity, and forget all the rest."
My mentor was David Kenner. He was basically the first criminal defense attorney in America who focused on rap and hip hop clients. He was "there at the beginning." He was there when West Coast rap and Death Row Records took off in the late 1980's. He acquitted Snoop Dogg in 1991 in a murder case, and has represented all the household names in rap. (Dre, Cube, Easy, Tupac (RIP.) I met David one month after arriving in California, 21 years ago. To this day, I talk with him at least three times per week. I will never be able to quantify how much I've learned from him. I call him my father "in law."
People often ask me why I defend the "worst of the worst?" That's a fair question. I understand it completely, but my answer has always been the same: "The more controversial or notorious the client, the closer I feel to my higher power."
Thank you for reading this. Mark.
_____________
NOTE: In terms of media appearances, there are too many news articles and stories which can be detailed here, but I would encourage you to visit my website to see a sampling: . Here are a few:
See me profiled as one of LA's go-to celebrity lawyers:
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?q=articles/news/the_black_diaspora_news/34323
(quote from me at bottom of page)
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3
Practice Areas
24 years | 1,000 cases
24 years | 1,000 cases
24 years | 100 cases
Sometimes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2003
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024
State: Utah
Acquired: 2001
468 N Camden Dr, Suite 225, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
Showing 1 - 5 of 43 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
If I could go back in time I would have NEVER hired him. He’s a liar! Took our money and did nothing to help us. I wish I could find someone to help me get my husband’s conviction expunged for his lack of work. He told us he had an office in Beverly Hills but he kept meeting us in random places. Lied...
Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Please take a moment to look at this monsters social media accounts. He relished in the deaths of the children lost in the Texas floods. Don’t give this animal one dollar.
Posted by Jon | February 7, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This guy is a total scam artist... You can tell by all the 5 star fake reviews nobody gets that many 5 stars... I gave this guy a ton of money he lied about what he would accomplish he waited to the last second to file my paperwork While doing the very bare minimum amount of work...Just Google his na...
Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
To say that Mark knows what he's doing is an understatement the man is a genius in his field. I was looking at going to trial for a crime I didn't do. Mark took my case and got the charges dropped.
Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2020 | Hired Attorney
I was beyond blessed to have the opportunity to have Mark represent me throughout a rough point in my life. Through the bad decisions I made I had to face judgement. However, Mark was there! He was by my side through and through. He represented me and also who I truly was as a person. As my attorney ...
"Mark McBride is an absolute powerhouse attorney. Many litigators are lucky enough to cultivate talent in one or two facets, but Mark McBride dominates every spectrum of litigation- motions practice, legal research & writing, client management, negotiations, pretrial matters, post trial matters, and of courser, trail itself (whether a bench or jury trial). Mark is a trusted colleague, scholar, gentlemen, and family to me. If I ever need an attorney myself, I would absolutely choose Mark McBride."
"I worked with Mark McBride on a few California criminal appeals. He is steady, knows his material quite well, and immensely effective in court and on motion."
"To say, "I endorse this lawyer" would be an understatement, as I not only endorse Mr. McBride but stand behind and co-sign for him and his work. He is powerful and incredibly brilliant in and out of the courtroom; as his wheels never stop turning when fighting for you. I am especially fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Mr. McBride on a few matters so early in my career. Being able to soak up his wealth of knowledge has been a gift and privilege. Therefore, hands down, Mr. McBride is THAT guy and THE guy you want in your corner, when up against the "Goliaths" of our State and Federal courtrooms."
"Mark is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced attorney in criminal cases involving serious felonies and is well respected within the legal community. I highly recommend Mark. I have also observed and followed his high profile case involving Willie Cooks with the habeus corpus. McBride has also provided a Continuing Legal Education course on the same topic and inspired other attorneys with his experience throughout the case. Highly Recommend!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Tenacious, quick-witted, learned, and fearless, Mr. McBride is a formidable advocate. Indeed, he is a virtual well of knowledge when it comes to Appeals, Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Defense. Point blank, Mr. McBride is a trial lawyer in the classic sense. Hence, he does not shy away from even the most difficult of cases. If you're in trouble and all bets are off, call Mark."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. McBride is a very strong advocate for his clients and he is well versed in all areas of criminal law and defense. I worked with him in a Federal Matter, and his advocacy was instrumental in obtaining a positive result for our mutual client."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mark has provided me with great legal advice regarding criminal defense and trial tactics over the years. I have found his knowledge and experience in criminal defense outstanding. I highly recommend Mark."
"Mark McBride, Esq., is the most fearless and knowledgeable high profile criminal lawyer I have ever met. Trust me: I know several "high profile" lawyers, and none come close to Mark's talent. I've seen him literally pick apart highly seasoned, well-respected detectives in murder trials. This man is just a winner And,. he truly cares about his craft - he will travel all over the country to defend clients in huge, complicated federal cases. Bottom line: I would call Mark right away if G-d forbid I caught a case."
"Mark is my go to guy for a good brainstorming session on strategy. He's kindness, generosity, and intelligence are limitless. He is a lawyer's lawyer and a ferocious advocate for his clients."
"Mark is a great attorney and very knowledgeable. He truly fights for his clients and he is very highly respected in our field. I endorse Mark McBride."
"Mark's a Fighter! He won't allow the prosecutor to railroad his client and will do whatever it takes to defend his client."
"When you are in federal court and the stakes are high don't gamble with an unknown quantity. Mark McBride will come through for you. He makes impossible cases look like cake walks. You won't find a harder working or more respected lawyer in federal court to help you out of a jam when your life is on the line. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have seen the results of Mark's work by being a member of the Private Defenders. He is a tireless advocate for his clients. He takes pride in his craft. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Mark is an amazing attorney. Mark is highly skilled and deals with complex federal and criminal law issues. He is highly knowledgeable and is always willing to help if he can. I can not recommend Mark enough."
"Mark is an exceptional criminal defense attorney. His extraordinary ambition and talent, and his wealth of knowledge of federal criminal and appellate law make him the go-to colleague when it comes to referring large scale or complex federal and appellate matters."
"Mark is a fantastic high caliber attorney who shines on taking high stakes cases and winning. I highly recommend Mark as an attorney."
"14 years of practicing criminal law is what we call experienced. Marks knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his outstanding pro bono contributions. His client reviews are beyond stellar. READ THEM! Results matter and with Mark you get them. Do yourself a favor and call him for a consultation if your in or near Beverly Hills."
"Mark has unparalleled insight as a professional. He is exceptionally creative in crafting solid defense strategy. Mr. McBride has superior writing skills and is one of the top trial and appellate/writ attorneys in Los Angeles. I highly recommend him."
"Mark is one of the best criminal defense attorneys I know, whether it's a misdemeanor, felony or a federal offense. Mark is always there with best defense possible. His legal acumen is remarkable and never fails to amaze me or his clients with his persistence, skill, and determination to do whatever is required to best serve his clients."
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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.
Private reproval, public disclosure issued in CA, 2024
updated on 11/11/2025Private reproval, public disclosure means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar warns the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
2012
Trial Lawyer of the Year, The Private Defenders
2010
Hollywood's Top Lawyers for Celebrities in Trouble, The Wrap -- Hollywood Newspaper
2001 - Present
Owner / Attorney, Law Offices of Mark McBride, P.C.
2011 - Present
The Private Defenders of California, Inc.Member
Not guilty on all counts.
2000
law
N/A
undergraduate
2009
Federal and State Appeals and Writs
2010
Spanish
French
Legal Answers
A package was seized through usps with an ounce of marijuana sent through priority 2 day mail. What can I expect to happen?
24 Feb 2015
Can a person who has a restraining order placed on them, shoot guns and post pictures on social network?
09 Feb 2015
Brother in-law filed for Civil Harassment Restraining Order against my husband
02 Feb 2015