We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
PRO
Peter Johnson
Virtual Consultation Available
About Peter
Biography
Peter Johnson, J.D. M.B.A., is a federal criminal trial attorney, adjunct criminal law professor, and dedicated advocate with over 25 years of experience in both public service and private practice. He is passionate about the law and committed to both defending his clients and educating the next generation of legal professionals.
At the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, Peter teaches an undergraduate course in Criminal Law, helping students understand the complexities of the justice system through real-world applications. He previously taught Criminal Trial Advocacy at UCLA School of Law, mentoring law students in the fundamentals of courtroom advocacy.
Peter earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law, where he was a member of the National Trial Team and the Jessup International Moot Court Team. He was also inducted into the Order of Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy. After law school, he had the privilege of clerking for Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals and U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams, III, experiences that provided invaluable insight into the judicial decision-making process.
In addition to his legal background, Peter holds an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, where he also taught courses in finance, corporate strategy, and European business law.
Before opening his own law firm in Southern California, Peter served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Baltimore, Maryland, and a Deputy Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles, California, representing individuals facing serious federal charges. He also worked as a litigation associate in a Washington, D.C., law firm, gaining experience in complex legal disputes.
Throughout his career, Peter has handled hundreds of federal criminal cases, including jury trials, bench trials, evidentiary hearings, and appeals. Whether in the courtroom or the classroom, he remains committed to upholding justice, mentoring students, and providing strong, ethical representation for his clients.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Los Angeles Federal Criminal Trial Attorney and USC Gould adjunct criminal law professor with over 25 years of experience who has litigated hundreds of Federal and White Collar Crime cases.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
25 years
Drug Crime
20%
Federal Crime
20%
25 years
Sex Crime
20%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2025 2023 2022
...
+
1
Licenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 26 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Peter Johnson Law, A Professional Corporation
(310) 295-1785
Fax
407 N PACIFIC COAST HWY, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
peterjohnsonlaw.com/Peter Johnson Law, A Professional Corporation
1601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 290, Hermosa Beach, CA, 90277
peterjohnsonlaw.com/Gallery
Peter Johnson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
25 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (25)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (16)
Case Results (15)
Recommendation (8)
Trustworthiness (8)
Compassion (7)
Responsiveness (7)
Character & Conduct (6)
Communication Style (5)
Practice Area Knowledge (5)
Professionalism (5)
General Knowledge (3)
Cost of Services (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2025 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Consulting with Mr. Johnson
I reached out to Mr. Johnson from the victim's side of a case, hoping to get some guidance and clarity. He was incredibly understanding, patient, and informative. I could truly feel the compassion he has—it helped me feel better not only because of the great information he offered, but because I genu...
Posted by Jasmine | September 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
10/10 Best attorney
Peter was empathetic and skilled. His brilliance was evident in all of his interactions in the court and with how He was always 10 steps ahead. He has a gift of balancing professionalism and empathy. He gave us hope during one of the most difficult times in our life and for that we will forever b...
Posted by NR | January 05, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Stellar Representation
Working with Peter was an eye opener in many ways. It wasn't until he represented me that I learned the importance of having an amazing attorney, let alone just having an attorney. I also was unaware of my wrongs, areas of opportunity, and change of perspective that was necessary to not live a damage...
Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Power and Passion!
PJL is a stellar organization that really makes you feel seen.and heard. Not only does his team fight for you but they really treat you like eard and Peter’s experience is apparent. His credibility and relationships on both sides of the bench have afforded him the ability to negotiate agreeable t...
Peter Johnson's Lawyer Endorsements
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Pete Johnson is a well-respected trial attorney and excellent professor, with both a broad knowledge of the inner-workings of the criminal justice system, and tremendous compassion for his clients. Any client of Mr. Johnson's is in the hands of a top-notch attorney."
"For the last 15 years, I have known and worked with Peter Johnson handling complex federal criminal cases. Peter is a smart, dedicated and meticulous attorney who has a calm and reassuring demeanor with all of his clients. When dealing with difficult bench officers and prosecutors, he is a tenacious and effective advocate. He is an excellent attorney for anyone facing criminal charges."
"I have worked closely with Peter Johnson and have seen firsthand his powerful leadership of criminal defense teams. Peter is truly one of those exceptional lawyers who other lawyers hold in the highest regard. He is a brilliant tactician. He is a great communicator. He is passionate about his work. Peter Johnson is a fierce defender of his clients. I have seen Peter Johnson get amazing results for his clients. I have the utmost respect for attorney Peter Johnson."
"I was in a jury trial with Pete on a complex federal mortgage fraud case. Pete was knowledgeable, hard working and creative throughout. I wholeheartedly recommend him."
"I have known Peter Johnson for almost 10 years, I know that he is a relentless advocate for his clients. He is always prepared, tenacious, and honest. If you are charged or investigated with a federal criminal offense, I can think of no better lawyer to have on your side than Mr. Johnson. He puts the needs of his clients first. He is well-respected by judges. lawyers, and prosecutors. I enthusiastically endorse him and would recommend him to handle the most serious federal criminal case."
Gregory Nicolaysen
Federal crime lawyer
Jerome Haig
Criminal defense lawyer
H Steward
Federal crime lawyer
Richard Raynor
Federal crime lawyer
Joel Koury
Criminal defense lawyer
Ian Wallach
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Top 100, National Black Lawyers
2021
Criminal Defense - Top 100 (California), National Trial Lawyers
1999
Order of Barristers (honors in oral advocacy and brief writing), University of Maryland School of Law
1999
National Semi-Finalist, University of Maryland National Trial Team
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Lecturer In Law, University Of Southern California Law School (Gould)
2008 - Present
Attorney, Peter Johnson Law
2016 - 2021
Lecturer in Law, University Of California Los Angeles
2002 - 2007
Deputy Federal Public Defender, Federal Public Defender Office
2001 - 2002
Law Clerk to Federal District Judge, United States District Court, Maryland
2000 - 2001
Litigation Associate Attorney, Dyer, Ellis & Joseph, PC
1999 - 2000
Law Clerk to Chief Judge, Court Of Appeals Of Maryland
Associations
2021 - Present
The National Black Lawyers Top 100.Member
2021 - Present
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100Member
2019 - Present
University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of LawLecturer in Law
2011 - Present
Central District of California, Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Trial Attorney PanelTrial Attorney
2011 - Present
Central District of California, Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Capital Habeas Attorney PanelCapital Habeas Attorney
2016 - 2021
University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of LawLecturer in Law
Sample of Legal Cases
Preindictment Tax Fraud Investigation
United States Attorney's Office declined prosecution.
Preindictment Investigation
United States Attorney's Office declined prosecution
Education
2009
IE Business Schoool
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1999
University of Maryland School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1993
University of Maryland College Park
B.S.
Speaking Engagements
2024
National Bar Association
How to Win A Criminal Case
2024
National Bar Association
Effective Methods of Ensuring Police Accountability
2014
Association of Federal Defense Attorneys
Ninth Circuit Caselaw Updates
2010
Schiller International University, MBA Program
Lecturer in International Marketing
2010
Schiller International University, MBA Program
Lecturer in International Business
2010
Schiller International University, MBA Program
Lecturer in International Corporate Finance
2010
International University of Southern Europe, Undergraduate Program
Lecturer in Operations Management
2010
International University of Southern Europe, Undergraduate Program
Lecturer Principles of Finance
2010
International University of Southern Europe, Undergraduate Program
Lecturer in European Business Law
2009
Schiller International University, MBA Program
Lecturer in International Business Law
Publications
2020
2020
2019
2019
2019
2019
2019
2018
2018
2008
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Magazine,
Healthcare Fraud: Playing by the Rules
2008
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Magazine
Physician Malpractice: Can Improved Communication Reduce Litigation?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the worst case scenario for being arrested for receiving stolen property ?
14 Jul 2025
Q&A
Will I lose my nursing license if I’m being charged with a felony charge in domestic violence
25 Jun 2025
Q&A
.
16 Jun 2022