Haytham Faraj
About Haytham
Biography
For more than two decades, I have stood in front of juries in Los Angeles, Chicago and other courtrooms throughout the country and refused to let insurance companies decide what an injured person's life is worth. I am a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major and former military trial lawyer.
My career didn't start with a commission handed to me out of college. I started as an enlisted Marine, earned my way up through the ranks, and went through Officer Candidate School the hard way. In the Marine Corps, we call that a "mustang" — an officer who has actually lived the enlisted experience before ever giving an order. That path shaped who I became as an infantry officer and later a Judge Advocate: over 22 years, I tried some of the most scrutinized military justice cases of my generation, including the Pendleton 8 and the Haditha war crimes prosecutions, which I later wrote about in *No Time for the Truth*.
That discipline never left me when I moved into civilian practice. For more than two decades, I've tried civil cases across California, Illinois and cities througout the United States in state and federal courts and I've compiled a record of 80+ trial verdicts and more than $500 million recovered for injured clients and their families — including a $26.1 million verdict for a pedestrian struck by a negligent driver, $22.6 million premises liability verdict for a client the insurance company had all but dismissed and 22.1 million for a poor immigrant who suffered a serious brain injury. I'm also a senior instructor at the Gerry Spence Method where lawyers from around the country come to learn to be better trial lawyers — so the skill I bring to a client's case isn't theoretical. It's something I teach.
For my clients, that combination — a mustang officer's discipline and a trial lawyer's record — means one thing: I don't build cases to settle them cheaply. I build them to win in front of a jury, and the insurance companies that have sat across from me know it. When you hire me, you're hiring the lawyer who actually goes to trial, not the one who hopes you'll never have to find out whether he can.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
21 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
30%-40%
Sometimes
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Iowa for 7 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 12 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 16 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Michigan for 17 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 20 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of Haytham Faraj, PLLC
21600 Oxnard St, Suite 920, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
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Haytham Faraj's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
17 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Brian | January 30, 2015
Criminal sexual abuse
This lawyer was exceptional. My son was brought in for questioning for a case in which he was accused of criminal sexual abuse. Attorney Haytham sent in all required documents under law to advise the police to contact him regarding any investigation Related to the alleged crime. However the polic...
Posted by Pamela | November 15, 2012
High profile politically motivated military court martial
Sgt Jeffrey Hurst vs United States Our son was falsely accused of crimes leading to the suicide of another soldier in Afghanistan over 1 year ago. A retired Navy Commander family member told us to get him a civilian attorney who had served in the military, retired at least a Major and was a Marine. ...
Posted by Troy | October 12, 2012
Rare legal talent.
Not a litigious person, I did eventually need a lawyer in a situation with my employer. At what was an extremely stressful time for me, Mr. Haytham Faraj was exactly what every person wants in a lawyer, but does not often get; outraged on my behalf, compassionate and warm towards me, and yet wholly f...
Posted by Michael | May 09, 2010
Navy Chief charged with fraternization
I was informed in December that I M going to a SPCm for fraternization and other charges. Honestly I was very scared I thought I am going to loose everything and me and my family will end up on the streets. I start looking for a civilian military lawyer and hired a law firm in Chicago made up of e...
Posted by Luis | March 03, 2010
The lawyer you want representing you.
Mr. Faraj is an amazing lawyer but better yet, a genuine person. Mr. Faraj honorably served our country both as a leader on the enlisted and officer side in the Marine Corps. He was the top defense lawyer in the largest Marine base during his tenure as a Marine. He will represent you with these same ...
Haytham Faraj's Lawyer Endorsements
"Competent, cordial, and caring. That’s Haytham. He and I were on opposite sides of a case. Haytham made all the right moves - with courtesy and dignified advocacy. Respect."
"Fearless and tireless. We served together in the Marine Corps where he was relied upon for the most serious assignments. Along with all of this, he is an elite level athlete placing in Ironman triathlons. He fights and he wins."
"Haytham genuinely cares about his clients and his cases; coupling that with his legal knowledge and experience, he provides highly effective representation for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer/warrior. Haytham is one of America's elite trial lawyers, with a well-earned national reputation for winning "impossible" plaintiff's civil and criminal defense cases. Lawyers from all over the country study under Haytham to learn how to try both criminal and civil cases. His devotion to his clients and the results he gets are unparalleled in his field."
"Mr. Faraj is a master trial tactician incredibly experienced in trying jury trials to great success. An instructor of the famous Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, he a true trial artist. Defense attorneys and insurance companies know his reputation, giving him leverage to get the best possible results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Faraj. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Haytham is extremely knowledgable and talented. He is able to find the client's need, formulate a theory of the case, and give the client a voice in court. He is also an extremely able and competent litigator. I recommend Haytham to anyone looking for an aggressive advocate in court."
"Haytham is an intense person who you know he has your back as your attorney. I had the pleasure of working with, and learning from, Haytham at Trial Lawyer College this last July. He is an amazing person, and attorney, who I am proud to endorse."
"I came to know Haytham through the trial lawyers college. His is an instructor there. Haytham is nothing short of a brilliant trial attorney who clearly cares deeply for his client. His demeanor is that of an unflappable trial attorney."
"I endorse Haytham. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Haytham was one of my favorite instructors at TLC. I would call Haytham if I needed a criminal defense lawyer. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the opportunity to meet Haytham Faraj at the Jerry Spence Trial Lawyer College. He is a faculty member at the college that has help me excel my trial skill. This lawyer is good."
"Mr. Faraj is not only a great attorney, but also an outstanding person. He has a unique skill that sets him apart from other great attorneys: he listens just as well as he speaks. Nothing escapes him. As a client, you will notice his focus and energy from your first meeting with him, and you will know he is your guy. I would sure want him on my team if I were ever in need."
"Excellent attorney. Well respected."
"Haytham Faraj is one of the best trial advocates I know. Quite simply, if I found myself ensnared in the justice system, I would hire Haytham to represent me. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, if you want to leave no doubt that you are in good hands, hire Haytham."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Haytham is a brilliant trial lawyer achieving great results for his clients."
"I met Attorney Haytham Faraj during my training through Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College where Haytham is on staff. It is with very high regard that I submit this endorsement as I have been fortunate enough to have learned very effective trial skills from Haytham that have helped in my own cases. Haytham's skills as a legal advocate are superior to many attorneys you will encounter, partly because he is naturally talented, but also because he dedicates long hours to his clients to ensure he knows every detail necessary to make his points. The harder part comes when Haytham applies those details when he fights for truth and justice in the Courtroom. His delivery is skilled and many times, unmatched by his opponent. This attorney is one of the best of the best in the U.S."
"I have come to know and admire Haytham in the past few years. He will never back away from a difficult matter, and is someone who genuinely cares for advocates for his clients. His experience and track record is nothing short of inspirational to other attorneys. I wholeheartedly endorse Haytham."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. He is outstanding, knows how to relate and communicate with juries, and is the true embodiment of a trial lawyer. He tirelessly pursues justice for his clients - in the criminal or civil arena."
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Military law lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2023
Trial Lawyer of the Year, Gerry Spence Method
1995
The Wheeler Award, U.S. Marine Corps
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Founder and Trial lawyer, The Law Office of Haytham Faraj
2008 - Present
Partner, Puckett & Faraj, PC
2005 - 2008
Senior Defense Counsel, U.S. Marine Corps
Associations
2023 - Present
American Board of Trial Advocates, CAL-ABOTAExecutive Committee
2015 - Present
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesMember
2009 - Present
Michigan Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
District of Columbia BarMember
2005 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
3 million dollars
4.8 million award to mother
2.55 million dollars verdict in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
1.95 million award
5 million award
4.5 million verdict for the parents in Manchester, Iowa
22.1 million verdict
2.1 million award
15 million verdict for parents
Settled
Not guilty on all rape and sexual assault charges
Not guilty on Conspiracy and obstruction. Guilty of another count of obstruction
settled
Win
Full Acquittal
Split verdict
Charges dismissed in the 3rd week of trial
VA reversed its decision
Attempted murder charged dismissed
Not guilty
Settled out of court
Not guilty on all charges
Not guilty on all charges
Acquitted of rape charges
Acquitted of the spying charge and conspiracy
Not guilty
Not guilty on all charges
Not guilty
Education
2009
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
BA
Speaking Engagements
2026
Winning in Opening
2026
Advanced trial skills
2025
Advanced Trial Skills
2012
Cross Examination
2012
2012
Bradley Manning Trial
2011
Media in High Profile Cases
2011
Advanced Trial Skills
2011
2011
2009
2009
Publications
2014
2011
Languages
English
Arabic
Spanish
Farsi
Armenian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Will an arrest in Oxford, MS of Public Drunk, Disorderly Conduct, and Fake ID affect me in the state of IL. (Drivers License).
19 Oct 2015
I got a Change Priority Status in my court papers. My misdemeanor was changed to felony without my knowing. Can I do anything?
16 Oct 2015
I was arrested for a 2nd owi in Michigan, is it possible to get a restricted license to and from work in lieu of the suspension
29 Dec 2013