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Shakti Vadgama

Criminal defense Attorney at Cerritos, CA

5.0   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 8 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Shakti

Learn Shakti’s areas of practice.

Experienced, Effective &  Trustworthy

Vadgama Law has earned the reputation as one of the top Criminal & DUI defense law firms throughout Los Angeles County.

​Mr. Vadgama's first experience with criminal law came when he worked for the Chilean Ministry of Justice while studying and working abroad after his first year of law school in Santiago, Chile. Thereafter, Mr. Vadgama worked as a judicial extern in the criminal division of the San Diego Superior Court East County Division. As a judicial extern, Mr. Vadgama prepared bench memoranda for multiple judges on cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, providing his recommendation on how each case should be determined when applying the facts to the applicable law. Mr. Vadgama also interned at a criminal defense firm, where he worked on various criminal cases and advocated on behalf of individuals serving life sentences at parole hearings. He helped and witnessed his supervising attorney win a parole hearing for an individual who successfully used the prison system to rehabilitate himself and change his life around after serving twenty-five years for second degree murder. This moment left a profound impact on Mr. Vadgama and made him realize that a career as a criminal defense attorney was his true calling.

Shakti Vadgama was born and raised in Los Angeles County and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After graduating from UCLA, Mr. Vadgama attended California Western School of Law in San Diego, where he developed a strong passion for advocating on behalf of individuals against entities that are in a position of power.

After law school, Mr. Vadgama spent the first year and one-half of his legal career as a plaintiff's employment law attorney, advocating on behalf of employees in all employment related matters. In his stint as an employment law attorney, Mr. Vadgama successfully negotiated and litigated on behalf of hundreds of clients in both State and Federal court.​

Following his brief stint as an employment law attorney, Mr. Vadgama established Vadgama Law and has dedicated his career towards criminal and DUI defense work, his true passion. Mr. Vadgama has been rated Top 10 in Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of DUI/DWI and Criminal Law Attorneys, has been recognized as a "Rising Star in the field of Criminal Law" by the American Institute of Legal Advocates, and has been received the Top 40 under 40 award by both the National Trial Lawyer and the American Academy of Attorneys.

Mr. Vadgama is licensed to practice law in all State courts throughout California and the United States District Court, Central District of California. Mr. Vadgama is also a member of the Los Angeles Bar Association, the Los Angeles Bar Association Criminal Justice Section, and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

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Vadgama Law
18000 Studebaker Rd.
Ste 700
Cerritos, CA, 90703

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
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Posted by Amir | December 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My DUI Case
I decided to get behind the wheel one night after a few too many and was arrested for DUI. I was really scared and nervous of what was going to happen in the next few months since I was working full time and commuted to work. I was scared that my job would find out but Shakti eased my mind and explained to me what to expect. He had me prepared for every step of the process to avoid any unneeded stress or anxiety. I was afraid I would not be able to afford hiring an attorney but I was surprised at how feasible it ended up becoming. I would definitely recommend this law firm to anybody who was in my position.
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Posted by Michael | October 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
2nd DUI
I found Mr. Vadgama online and from the first phone call I knew I was in good hands. He was tact, poised, and knowledgeable. I didn’t need to look any further and hired him shortly after our conversation. I explained my case to him and he gave me his opinion on how things would go. He did not sugar coat it and only gave me the facts, which I greatly appreciated. There was no false hope, only credible options that could work for me and my specific case. He is genuinely there to help. He is extremely knowledgeable about DUI cases and has extensive experience. He was beyond helpful and genuinely wanted to see the best results for my case. This made me feel less stressed about the situation because I knew he was going to be out there working diligently for me. Not only was he there to answer any and all of my questions throughout the process but also helped me with valuable information to make my case run as smoothly as possible. He handled my case professionally and never hesitated to tell me exactly what to expect. He was timely with his responses and always filled me in after each hearing. In the end he was able to get me a reduced sentencing. It turned out better than I imagined. I occasionally have questions about the after math and he is always available to answer my questions. Highly recommend for anyone going through a DUI especially in the LA county area.
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Posted by Charles | August 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Service - Charges Dropped!
I hired Mr. Vadgama to rep me for a DUI case that I was illegally stopped for. Thank God I did because he helped get the case dropped. I talked to several lawyers and have 0 experience, but he made the process easy. He didn’t seem like someone just trying to get my money, he actually cared. He was honest, straight forward, easy to talk to, and most importantly - He did not OVERCHARGE! Highly recommended.
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Posted by Noah | January 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply the Best
Shakti is a very special person who I will forever be grateful for. I hired him for a DUI case in East LA court and a DUI DMV case. He gave me a very detailed summary of everything I should expect when we first met and everything went exactly how he described. He came up with a game plan that we stuck to and it paid off big time! I have a really good job and would have been fired if it weren't for Shakti and the amazing work he did on my case! After getting arrested I felt like my life was falling apart and everything I worked hard for was going to be destroyed. Shakti not only kept positive but he made it feel like a friend or family member was representing me and not just some random lawyer. Trust me this is the guy you want in your corner!
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Posted by Christo | December 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Lawyer you want on your case.
Best decision I made in 2019 was hiring Shakti Vadgama for my case. Shakti was very informed about my case and how to get the best results - and he did! Very knowledgable about my case. He later out a great game plan to follow. He listened to my concerns. He spoke to me like a real person, not someone who needed to show off that he was a lawyer. Felt very comfortable with him about me case. He did not take down to me or make me feel like I was in the wrong. I highly recommend him and his firm to handle your case
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Posted by Ghazal | August 31, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
You want him in your corner!
I recommend you hire Shakti and his team. They are honest, compassionate and helpful beyond measure. As soon as they pick–up the phone, you realize you're in good hands. They understand what it is like to be going through the difficulty of being arrested and charged with a crime. They explain the process, if you do not understand, they explain again and again. They take their time to look at all the evidence, build a defense, persuade the prosecutor, advocate in front of the judge and deliver the best possible outcome as processed. Unlike other lawyers, it's not all about how much you can pay, but what they can do for you. I recommend them!
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Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you shakti and law firm for major sucess
My DUI got dropped down to just a speeding ticket thanks to shakti and his law firm. They saved me alot of time and alot of money. I would highly recommend hiring them. After i got my DUI i was terrified. I was one of those people who wasn't sure how to go about handling it/timid about hiring a particular lawyer as well to beat this case considering i blew a .09/felt like i got screwed over by law enforcement. However i highly suggest you go with shakti and his law firm because they took matters into there own hands and acted swiftly/efficiently. I didn't even have to show up to my court dates. They showed up for me. They also beat the case and the DUI Was dropped. Thank you shakti and lawfirm. God bless!
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Posted by anonymous | June 5, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
AMAZING...NOT your shark lawyer!!!
We had a free phone consultation with Shakti and OMG he is amazing. So calming and patient during a stressful DUI situation and so so so amazingly knowledgeable. He answered all our silly questions and was honest. In a heart beat we would go with Shakti.
Posted by Dustin | May 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyers around
Although attorney Shakti wasn’t involved in my overall case itself, he was there to answer any questions I had. Always got back to me right away and never made things any more complicated than they already were. I have had many other firms contact me at the beginning of my ordeal, most of them seemed like they had no time for me and were talking to me like I already knew what was going to happen, you could say the majority of them seemed uninterested almost. But, when Shakti got in contact with me he made things very easy to understand and as busy as him and his associates are he made it seem as if I was the only client he was handling. I could not have gotten a better law firm and I highly recommend them to anyone struggling with a DUI, you will get the utmost customer service and care from the McDowell law firm.
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Posted by Michelle | October 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
They make it easy, best decision I ever made was to call.
I had little money,But my son was arrested. I took a change and gooled Lawyers I was called back with in 5 mins, he was down to earth and we set up a consultation, My son and I visited his office, And after talking with him I knew he was the real thing. Very nice super, smart and most of all set my mind at ease, We started to talk money of course that alway a problem in my world he sent up a payment plain with no interest, with a small down payment and payment I could afford, at one point I had a numb in the road with payments I spoke with up front he help with that also, I’m on my last payment the case was dropped to almost nothing I my son never had to go to court, So if your thinking about this Lawyer your not going to be sorry. In my opinion this was a great experience in a bad situation! I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
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Posted by Christian | October 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good girl in a bad situation
I truly appreciate Shakti. He was the first lawyer I spoke to that actually cared about my case. He responded to my request for a lawyer in 30 minutes. He explained to me my options. He was very realistic about my predicament. His firm is very inexpensive in comparison to other firms. I appreciate him because he always treats you like you're his only client. He always kept me in the loop in regards to my case. I could always reach him easily via his personal cell phone number. His law firm helped me beat my case. I'm truly thankful for him.
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Posted by vivek | July 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
Shakti and his Team are amazing attorneys. Shakti is a very skilled and knowledgeable. I was falsely accused of Domestic Violence and Shakti represented me. Shakti’s quick thinking, communication and trust worthiness is a blessing to have on your team. He made my family and I feel at ease during the entire time, We went thru jury trial and he proved my innocence with 12-0 not Guilty verdict. He helped me put my life back on track. I highly recommend Shakti and his team.
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Posted by Angelo | May 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI CASE
If your ever in need of a great attorney I highly suggest you contact Shakti. I had gotten a DUI and his firm helped me out immensely. First I contacted them in a Wednesday night and he was able to consult with me that same week on Friday for FREE. He was straight forward with the likeliness of the outcome and how the whole process was going to work and what they could do for me. He quoted me a price of 2,700 and I was given the opportunity to put down what I could afford and schedule me on a payment plan that I could afford. Also the times I couldn’t make the payments on time he was fully understanding and worked with me 100% with no fuss at all. They were able to get all my DUI fees reduced along with making sure I was only given the 3 month first time offender course as opposed to the 6 month due to my HIGH BAC level and got me out of jail time. Working with Shakti made my whole situation kind of feel like it never happened, he never once judged me on my situation and provided great support and stuck to his word on how he would be able to help me. From day 1 nothing changed throughout the whole process. They represented me in court on my first hearing without needing my presence and gave me options of the plea deal for my sentencing hearing. I can’t stress it enough on how true to his word he was and how everything played out how he said it would in the end. If your ever in need of an attorney I highly suggest you get in contact with this guy, super chill, PROFESSIONAL and honest. Like I said he and his firm made my whole DUI case seemed as if it never happened. I got my DUI 10/8/18 and I already got my license back on 5/8/18 and already done with everything completely due to their help. If you have any questions from a former client of his my email is on here and I can further share my phenomenal experience with Shakti.
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Posted by Darwin Arreola | April 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DV Case
After an unfortunate night that involved my girlfriend catching a domestic violence case that was completely unjustified, we knew we needed legal guidance asap. Extensive research lead me to Shakti Vadgma and his firm. After meeting with Shakti we knew we had found the right attorney firm for our case. His honest and detailed information gave us piece of mind while knowing we were in good hands. His professional and experienced associate Lonie went to bat in court, landing a sweet deal that will eventually dismiss the charge all together. I highly recommend Shakti, Lonie and their firm for any legal support.
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Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Genuine and highly knowledgeable.
Mr. Vadgama helped me with a case back in December, and it was the best call I ever made. I was stuck in a delicate situation that required immediate attention and experience in a timely manner-- I was not disappointed. After listening to my case, Shakti was very intent on helping me to understand what was going on and what my options/ outcomes may be. We came up with a plan that was well executed and helped my case tremendously. I am deeply grateful Mr. Vadgama's help and would recommend his legal services any day. Thank you again.
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Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
AMAZING!
I contacted Shakti one day before my court date. I was freaking out because I thought I waited too long to get an attorney to help me out. Shakti immediately made me feel at ease about my case and the situation I was in and him and his team took my case on one days notice at a VERY reasonable price and were able to get me an incredible deal. He is such an honest, personable and knowledgeable attorney. I strongly recommend Shakti and his team for any criminal/DUI case.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Attorney
  • Los Angeles Criminal and DUI Defense Firm
  • 2017 - Present
  • Managing Attorney
  • The Vadgama Law Firm
  • 2017 - Present
  • Associate Attorney
  • Law Offices of Goldberg & Loren, P.A.
  • 2016 - 2017
  • Associate Attorney
  • Lawyers for Workplace Fairness, APC
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Law Clerk
  • The Torkzadeh Law Firm
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Law Clerk
  • Law Offices of Laura R. Sheppard
  • 2014 - 2014
  • Judicial Extern
  • San Diego Superior Court - Criminal Divison
  • 2013 - 2013
  • Law Clerk
  • Affordable Housing Advocates
  • 2013 - 2013
  • Legal Research & Writing Honors Instructor
  • California Western School Of Law
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Law Clerk
  • Chilean Ministry of Justice
  • 2012 - 2012
  • Law Clerk
  • Glenn L. Silverii & Associates
  • 2010 - 2011
View all work experience

Education

  • California Western School of Law
  • JD
  • 2014
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • BA
  • 2009

Legal Cases

  • People v. Zepeda
  • People v. Aquino
  • People v. Weber
View all legal cases

Associations

  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Attorney Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Central District of California
  • Attorney Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Western District of Texas
  • Attorney Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Attorney Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
  • Attorney Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • California Employment Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2016 - 2017
  • National Employment Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2016 - 2017
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
  • Attorney Member
  • 2016 - 2017
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • 2019
  • 10 Best for Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • 2019
  • Rising Star
  • American Institute of Legal Advocates
  • 2018
  • 10 Best for Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • American Academy of Attorneys
  • 2018
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • 2018
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2018
  • 10 Best Attorneys- Client Satisfaction
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • 2017
  • Pro Bono Honor's Society
  • California Western School of Law
  • 2013
View all awards

Publications

  • Downey High School News Letter
  • Know Your Rights
  • 2019

Speaking Engagements

  • Criminal Law Basics
  • Understanding Your 4th Amendment Rights
  • 2019
  • Downey High School Career Day
  • Career in law
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (14)
Endorse Shakti
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. He is sharp, knowledgeable, and zealous and goes the extra mile to fight for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shakti is compassionate, empathetic and kind. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney, master negotiator, good communicator, outstanding writer and has impeccable analytical skills. His clients can rest assured they are in good hands!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vadgama is one of the most professional and hard-working attorneys I know. If you are considering hiring him for your criminal defense needs, rest assured you are in excellent hands."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shakti Vadgama is a top notch, honest, hardworking and skillful attorney. I have had the pleasure to see is work close-up and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone. I highly endorse him. If you are looking for A+ legal representation, look no further."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. He understand that facing a DUI or criminal charges can be overwhelming and that hiring an attorney is an important decision. He enables people to understand their and options. During the consultation, he takes the time to review the facts of your case and will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shakti is knowledgeable about criminal law. He works hard and I endorse him for all criminal law matters."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Having known and worked with Shakti for years, I can speak from direct knowledge and firsthand experience to attest to his excellent work ethic and adept knowledge of the law. He is a creative thinker and an excellent advocate who truly cares about the well-being and interests of his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shakti is attentive to detail and a strong advocate for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Shakti Vadgama is a fully knowledgeable and well trained attorney in all practices of law."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Shakti is a bright attorney and a strong advocate for his clients. We have worked together on several matters and I have aways found his work to be outstanding. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shakti is a rising star in the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Vadgama is a true professional, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Without question - one of the most knowledgeable, compassionate and hardworking attorneys in the community. When I have questions about employment matters I go to Mr. Vadgama. When I have questions about civil procedure - again, I go to Mr. Vadgama, as he always has the answers. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Shatki is a very professional and capable attorney. He is knowledge in all areas of employment law."
View more endorsements

Avvo Contributions

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Cerritos Criminal defense Lawyer Shakti Vadgama
Shakti Vadgama
Criminal defense Attorney
Cerritos, CA
Licensed for 8 years
Free Consultation