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Sharon Appelbaum is a nationally recognized criminal defense and white-collar attorney, celebrated for her relentless advocacy and strategic approach to high-stakes cases. With over 20 years of experience, she has represented clients in complex state and federal matters, including allegations of financial wrongdoing, sexual misconduct, and corporate misconduct. Sharon’s expertise encompasses a wide range of white-collar fraud cases, such as money laundering, cybercrime, healthcare fraud, and regulatory violations. Her ability to craft tailored defense strategies, supported by a team of experts and investigators, positions her as a formidable advocate in both criminal and civil investigations.
A former NYC prosecutor, Sharon’s tactical expertise is underscored by her leadership in a landmark fraud case that resulted in 94 indictments. She has successfully tried cases to verdict in multiple jurisdictions, earning her recognition as a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers and a fellowship with the Litigation Counsel of America. Beyond the courtroom, Sharon provides crisis management services, ensuring minimal disruption to her clients’ lives and businesses. At Appelbaum Law, P.C., she delivers strategic, high-level defense, combining precision, dedication, and a deep understanding of the legal landscape to protect her clients’ interests.
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17 years
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21 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 45 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA, 92101
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | May 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Sharon is an amazing lawyer. She is highly professional and got me out of an awful situation in flying colors. She was always quick to respond to my phone calls and emails, and made me know that everything would be okay despite the severe trouble I was in. I highly recommend Attorney Appelbaum for al...
Posted by Emma | April 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Sharon Appelbaum at Appelbaum Law, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Sharon is exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated — truly going above and beyond what I ever expected from a law firm. She took the time to personally conduct inte...
Posted by Sally | May 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Sharon is an incredible attorney. She represented me in a restraining order petition – absolutely a rock star. Easy to talk to, personable and smart, she was an ally that worked extremely hard for us, was compelling in court, and presented a well-organized and excellent presentation of my case. Tough...
Posted by Madison | April 4, 2022 | Hired Attorney
I don’t do a lot of reviews, but I wanted to take a minute and express my gratitude for Sharon. She came with highest recommendations from one of the best and longest winning lawyers in CA. A lawyer who handles the most recognizable faces in the industry. She went beyond my expectations and my initia...
Posted by Kersi | July 29, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
I contacted Sharon to help me evaluate my compensation package when seperating from a previous employer and she provided me with fantastic advice and great information to help me ask the right questions and secure the best possible package to support my family and I through the transition. Thanks Sha...
"Sharon Appelbaum is a phenomenal attorney. Bright, experienced, zealous and gets results. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ms. Appelbaum is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in LA. She is a former NYC prosecutor, admitted and accomplished in multiple states. She has worked on everything from celebrity murder cases to first DUIs with the same meticulous attention to detail."
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2025
2025 Legal Visionary, Los Angeles Times
2024
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
2024
Top 100 Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2023
Top 100 Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2022
Top 100 Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2006
Barrister Award, Temple University Beasley School of Law
2006
Outstanding Oral Advocate, Temple University School of Law
2004
Beasley Scholar, Temple University Beasley School of Law
2002
Dean's List, University of Pennsylvania
2002
Cum Laude, University of Pennsylvania
2014 - Present
Managing Attorney, Appelbaum Law, P.C.
2014 - 2014
Attorney, Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
2013 - 2014
Trial Team Coach, Pepperdine University School Of Law
2007 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney's Office
2024 - Present
Litigation Counsel of AmericaFellow
2023 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2023 - Present
Lawyers ClubMember
2018 - Present
Women's White Collar Defense AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Women Lawyers Association of Los AngelesMember
2015 - 2017
End Rape on CampusVolunteer Attorney
2006 - 2007
Temple Law ReviewNote/ Comment Editor
Successfully defended a real estate agent facing extensive jail time during a federal trial in the District of New Jersey. Ultimately, the client received a single misdemeanor and no jail time.
Trial for client facing life in prison ended with no convictions after experts and extensive cross-examination of accuser dismantled multiple sexual assault charges
Advised and counseled a public figure on potential lawsuits and criminal charges stemming from unsworn sexual misconduct allegations, including public perception risks.
Case dismissed after firm’s investigation revealed contradictions and falsehoods against a client facing life in prison who had been the target of false accusations due to a nasty divorce.
No charges were filed after the firm conducted an independent investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against a retired firefighter and shared with law enforcement
Represented at trial a surgeon charged in a federal health care fraud case with conspiracy, illegal kickbacks, and money laundering in the Northern District of Texas in a complicated multi-defendant case.
Represented a doctor in San Diego County originally facing substantial prison time for multiple allegations regarding kickbacks and Labor Code violations. Obtained a lesser sentence on a plea to far fewer charges and minimal jail time.
Represented a client against numerous allegations of falsifying insurance claims in Ventura County.
Aided client who sought to prevent law enforcement from unlawfully accessing and seizing home security system footage.
Successfully quashed the subpoena when tech industry client was subpoenaed across state lines on suspicion of stealing trade secrets from a prior employer.
Case dismissed by prosecutors on the eve of trial after firm’s independent investigation in a case where the actual victim had been charged with domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon in Los Angeles County.
Case dismissed by prosecutors against a contractor in New York County after the firm’s investigation and presentation of a viable self-defense claim.
Defended client at trial in Los Angeles charged with two counts of attempted murder; case was overturned on appeal due to error made by the Judge which our firm had pointed out and preserved at the time.
Represented client charged with attempted murder, gang, and firearm enhancements. Negotiated non-life sentence.
Represented student in Los Angeles County charged with felony mayhem. After defense investigation and negotiation, charge was reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail time.
Represented client in Los Angeles County charged with burglary. Investigated and had a mental health evaluation conducted. The judge granted mental health diversion, and the client pled to a lesser count.
2007
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2025
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Can you still report somebody who forced themselves on you after years ?
27 Jun 2025
Statue of limitations?
29 Jun 2025
I would like to know the exact date I am done with probation. I had 1 violation (about 2 weeks after sentencing)
04 Jun 2025