Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
8 Client Reviews
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Ezekiel E. Cortez
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About Ezekiel
Biography
Ezekiel E. Cortez is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization after passing the federal specialist examination.
For over a decade, Mr. Cortez has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers In America- a national standard of excellence for the legal profession. Mr. Cortez has been listed in San Diego Magazine's "Best Lawyers In San Diego" in 2001 and 2005-2009 as one of only a handful of elite criminal defense lawyers described by the magazine as the type of lawyer that other "attorneys would go to if they needed a [federal criminal defense] lawyer." Mr. Cortez was also listed in Super Lawyers for the 2009, 2008 and 2007 edition of California: San Diego, Criminal Defense: White Collar category as one of the "Seriously Outstanding Top 5%" in his field.
As an ambassador for his profession, Mr. Cortez was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in October 2003 by the State Department to teach trial techniques to defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges at the University of Concepción, in Chile. Mr. Cortez has taught Criminal Justice Administration at San Diego State University and at MGU (Moscow University) in Moscow, Russia and has also taught trial techniques at the University of San Diego School of Law and at California Western School of Law and has taught advanced trial techniques for CACJ, NACDL and various trial institutes.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 42 years
State: California
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Ezekiel E. Cortez's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews
Posted by Aldo | May 06, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
Our Hero
We are eternally grateful with Mr. Cortez and all the team, the dedication, professionalism and work ethic that was demonstrated in our family's case was impressive and beyond, Mr. Cortez did not go for the easy way out and searched and fought for the result we were hoping for, he managed for justic...
Posted by Max | March 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Mad Max
One of the most intelligent human beings I have ever known in my life. Like a great chess player he times his every move. Thank You Zeke...
Posted by Kristy | June 04, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Trusted Lawyer
Mr. Cortez and Ms. Valentine are hands down the most professional and caring lawyers I have ever encountered. From the beginning of my husbands case they were honest, dedicated and truly cared for the well being of all parties involved. I would hire his team again in a heart beat and recommend Mr. Co...
Posted by Michael Fanghella | February 13, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Ezekiel E. Cortez Understands your Moment
Mr. Cortez represented me in one of the most highly publicized legal proceeding in So. California. His attention to detail, aware of what was happening to me and the proceedings always provided me with the most available options to consider. His understanding of the complex nature of the case being ...
Posted by Cindy M | March 18, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes
The Best attorney to have in your corner !!!
Tireless, efficient, capable and professional are just a few words I would use to discribe what Zeke brings to the legal system. My case was handled with a sincere and respective approach during a difficult time in my life. Zeke's professional staff where very supportive, excellant communications and...
Ezekiel E. Cortez's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ezekiel “Zeke” Cortez is widely regarded as one of the most capable and intelligent criminal defense lawyers in Southern California. He has a towering reputation in the Federal Courts. He has a deep understanding of the personalities of all of the Federal players, including the bench, so he is able to gain traction using nuanced and creative arguments where others have failed. He has been an indispensable resource to me and other criminal defense practitioners. I have sought his advice in several complex matters involving, for example, extradition from foreign counties, the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act, and complicated Federal Sentencing Guideline calculations. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Cortez is one of the most knowledgeable, professional and experienced criminal defense attorneys in the country. His understanding of his client's legal issues is balanced by a highly nuanced approach to the human being he is representing. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Mr. Cortez is an outstanding lawyer. I have personally observed his work on many occasions and during my work at the federal court. He is a highly regarded, top-notch criminal defense lawyer. He is extremely good at what he does, and I would recommend him without hesitation."
"I highly endorse the work of Mr. Ezekiel Cortez. Mr. Cortez is a dean of the federal defense bar. He is highly respected by fellow members of the bar, the federal prosecutors, and the courts. He is a relentless advocate, a skilled trial lawyer, and he cares deeply about the best interests of his clients. Mr. Cortez also possesses a razor-sharp legal mind and excellent judgment, and is able to quickly advise on practical solutions to the most complex of legal issues. He is preeminent in his field and I would recommend Mr. Cortez to anyone in need of a highly experienced, ethical, and effective counsel."
"I heartily endorse Mr. Cortez. I have worked with him on serious, complex cases and he always impresses. He is very client oriented and gets excellent results"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Zeke is a wonderful lawyer who always gets the best possible result for his client."
Carla Keehn
Elder law lawyer
Jason Conforti
Federal crime lawyer
Domenic Lombardo
Criminal defense lawyer
Victor Torres
Criminal defense lawyer
Oleg Cross
Personal injury lawyer
Charles Sevilla
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
The Best Lawyers in America award, Best Lawyers in America
2024
Best Law Firm, Best Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Best Law Firms/Best Lawyers, U S News & World Report
2015
San Diego Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
San Diego Top Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2004
Fulbright Scholarship, California State Department
Work Experience
2005 - 2006
Instructor, Moscow University
2004 - 2005
Adjunct Professor, San Diego State University
1983 - 1987
Senior Trial Attorney, Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc
Associations
1997 - Present
Lawyers Club of San DiegoMember
1984 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Lifetime MemberMember
Sample of Legal Cases
U S v. Bagdasarian, 652 F.3d 1113 (9th Cir. 2011)
Client's victory.
U.S. v. Castro-Carbajal, 439 F.3d 1149 (9th Cir. 2006)
Conviction reversed on appeal.
Education
1983
University of San Diego School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
California State University, San Diego
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Institute of Criminal Defense Advocacy
Trial Techniques
2009
Constitution Week
The U S Constitution - A Live Demonstration
Publications
2015
Inside the Minds Series, Aspatore Books
Caveat Advocatus, When They Turn the Tables on You: Potential Federal Criminal and Civil Pitfalls in the Path of the Unsuspecting Civil Litigator
2009
Encyclopedia of American Civil Liberties
Various Articles
1985
Federal Defenders of San Diego,
Federal Defense Manual,"
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Guides