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Liann Raquel Sabatini
About Liann
Biography
Ho’oponopono (pronounced “ho-o-po-no-po-no” in Hawaiian) means to “make things right and just”. In Hawaii, ho’oponopono is a means of conflict resolution; where people come together peacefully and commit to healing through reconciliation and forgiveness.
Born and raised on the rural south side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Liann (or Li as her friends call her), implemented ho’oponopono from early on in life to resolve any kind of conflict, always seeking the best and most just results. She continues that practice to this day.
Starting the summer of her first year of law school, Li interned at the Public Defender’s Office and stayed on as an intern, post-bar clerk, and ultimately became a Deputy Public Defender, proudly serving the San Diego community for over 10 years. During that time, she assisted in the litigation of more than 10,000 cases, and personally handled her own felony caseload for the majority of her career that included being lead counsel for more than 2,000 felony cases. Specializing in the art of trial, Li has tried close to 60 cases to verdict, covering every imaginable alleged crime including murder, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, mayhem, domestic violence, sex crimes, weapons charges, drug offenses, and even thefts and DUIs.
Whether it was a serious felony that called for life without parole, or a misdemeanor that would not result in more than a fine, Li implements ho’oponopono into every single case she handles, ensuring that her clients not only receive exceptional legal representation, but also justice. Li is known in the legal community for her effective and zealous advocacy, her ability to command respect in any courtroom and negotiation she enters, and to obtain incredible results for her clients by ensuring that the prosecutors, judges and jurors see her clients as she does: human beings with deep and compelling histories deserving of reconciliation and forgiveness, not just another number and charge. Her commitment to humanizing clients with grace and humility is what makes Li a force to be reckoned with.
When she is not making her opponents work harder, Li is a devoted mother who loves to travel (far and often), see live music, try new restaurants, and is an avid reader.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
65%
14 years | 10,000 cases
DUI and DWI
5%
14 years
Drug Crime
5%
14 years
Expungement
5%
14 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Virtus Law Group, LLP
401 B Street, Suite 2010, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Liann Raquel Sabatini's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Dustin | August 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Incredible Attorney
I seldom write reviews unless the experience is notably good or bad. However, I found myself in a difficult situation needing legal representation. Liann Sabatini was my attorney, and she was outstanding throughout the ordeal. She provided unwavering support and diligently worked on my case to secure...
Posted by William | May 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Liann Sabatini is the gold standard of lawyers
I contacted the Law Office of David P. Shapiro because my 17 year old son had been arrested and was being detained at a juvenile detention facility. Ms. Sabatini visited my son the following day and reviewed his case. She was straight forward with me from the beginning. Ms. Sabatini told me what was ...
Posted by Denise | May 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Juvenile
Excellent juvenile defense attorney
Ms. Sabatini was excellent. She was so knowledgeable and we felt so comforted having such a caring and smart attorney helping us navigate some very confusing and scary territory. She was so easy to talk to and so responsive to our questions. I would highly recommend her, without reservation, if you e...
Liann Sabatini
Replied last May 04, 2023Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words. Beyond happy for you and truly grateful for the opportunity to help.
Liann Raquel Sabatini's Lawyer Endorsements
"Liann is undoubtedly a phenomenal criminal defense lawyer thanks to her legal acumen, but it's her motivation for the job that makes her a true asset to her clients- she is genuinely invested in the person behind the charges. Over her illustrious career, she's been able to gain the respect of judges and prosecutors, and most importantly, everyone she has helped."
"Phenomenal attorney all around. I've had the pleasure of working on a few cases alongside Ms. Sabatini and continue to be impressed by her experience and knowledge in the field of criminal defense. Not only is she a fierce and passionate advocate in the courtroom, but she is also a personable, kind, and caring individual with her clients and colleagues."
"Liann is regarded as one of San Diego's best criminal defense attorneys and I am honored she joined my firm in the summer of 2022. She has been an invaluable resource to myself and the other attorneys at the firm, but most of all to her clients!"
"I had the pleasure of working with Liann for 8 years. She is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in San Diego."
"Liann is a fierce and effective advocate. In the decade I have known her, I have personally seen her argue motions, trials, and other hearings--all with great success. You are in good hands with Liann."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Liann for nearly ten years. We worked side by side at the Public Defender's Office. She is caring, tenacious, smart, and full of integrity. She is a wonderful person and advocate."
"Being accused of a crime is a frightening experience. In those situations, you want to have an attorney that will speak truth to power and speak truth to you. You want some one that will stand up and fight with everything she has and Liann will do just that. She is one of the finest litigators I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and I work with a group of the finest litigators one can find. She is passionate about her cases, she is dogged in her preparation, and she is a straight up beast in front of a jury. You would be in great hands if you hired her."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Liann for about 10 years. She's tough, unafraid, cool to hang out with, and passionate in stopping injustice. Highest recommendation from me!"
Elmira Yousufi
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Sagerian
Litigation lawyer
Nate Crowley
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Stars, SuperLawyers
2024
Top Ten Ranking, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2011
Dean's List Recipient, California Western School of Law
2011
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Services, California Western School of Law
2010
Pro Bono Honors Award, California Western School of Law
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Partner, Virtus Law Group
2012 - 2022
Deputy Public Defender, County of San Diego
Associations
2022 - Present
San Diego Lawyer's ClubMember
2012 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2022
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2012 - 2022
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Education
2011
California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
University of Hawaii, Manoa
Political Science
Languages
English