Sharon Beth Appelbaum

Sharon Beth Appelbaum

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

White collar crime Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: White Collar Crime, Criminal Defense, Federal Crime ... +3 more

600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA

About Sharon

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 20%

12 years

20%
Sex Crime 15%

21 years

15%
Violent Crime 5%

18 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 11 years

State: California

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 17 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2008

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Appelbaum Law, P.C.

600 W. Broadway, Suite 700, San Diego, CA, 92101

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Sharon Beth Appelbaum's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (9)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | May 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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...l of your legal needs.

Posted by Emma | April 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Incredible Experience with Appelbaum Law

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...rviews with every individual who could contribute to the case, ensuring that no important detail was overlooked. Her preparation was meticulous, and every step was thoughtfully planned. The private investigator she works with was outstanding, uncovering exactly the information we needed to clearly demonstrate the truth and expose the other party’s inconsistencies. Sharon’s expertise, dedication, and genuine care made a stressful situation so much more manageable. If you are looking for someone who will fight for you with skill, passion, and integrity, look no further. From personal experience, I can confidently say Sharon Appelbaum is the attorney you want on your side. Thank you, Sharon, for everything

Posted by Sally | May 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Sharon Appelbaum is the BEST

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... as well as kind, Sharon is a hard-to-find combination who will fight for you. I highly recommend hiring her!

Posted by Madison | April 4, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent law experience, compassionate, succeeds for you..

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...l worries of getting legal assistance. She immediately met, listened, and explained the process, making me feel as if I were the most important client she represented. She was sincerely compassionate to my circumstances and expertly advised me of all my options. Sharon was well versed on all the legalities and easily recommended steps to take moving forward. I was amazed at the information she had, guiding me through every single step of the legal process. She even gave me resources which I found to be incredible, one’s that I could do on my on, saving time and money. She attacked the case with everything she had, often taking calls from me to calm and reassure. She updated me frequently, keeping me up to speed with the process as it progressed. I was terrified of the legal ramification of the illegal situation I had unknowingly stepped into. Thankfully, I was guided to a lawyer who not only has an excellent history with clients, but also personally cares. In my situation, thanks to Sharon’s experience and expertise, I had a positive outcome. I will always be thankful I was sent to the right lawyer for my case. I would highly recommend Sharon if you’ve found yourself in a place where you need an exemplary lawyer. A lawyer who will fight for you and your rights, no matter the situation. Sharon is a person that comes with highest recommendations and will succeed for you.

Posted by Kersi | July 29, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Excellent

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...ron!

See All Client Reviews

Sharon Beth Appelbaum's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sharon
Nicholas Milan Loncar headshot
Nicholas Loncar

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon Appelbaum is a phenomenal attorney. Bright, experienced, zealous and gets results. I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Matthew Depew headshot
Peter Depew

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

2024 - Present

Litigation Counsel of America

Fellow

2023 - Present

San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2023 - Present

Lawyers Club

Member

2018 - Present

Women's White Collar Defense Association

Member

2013 - Present

Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Member

2015 - 2017

End Rape on Campus

Volunteer Attorney

2006 - 2007

Temple Law Review

Note/ Comment Editor

Sample of Legal Cases

No Convictions for Real Estate Agent in Federal Felony Fraud Trial

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.

No Convictions at Trial in Life Case

Trial for client facing life in prison ended with no convictions after experts and extensive cross-examination of accuser dismantled multiple sexual assault charges

Strategic Advice for Public Figure on Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Advised and counseled a public figure on potential lawsuits and criminal charges stemming from unsworn sexual misconduct allegations, including public perception risks.

Case Dismissed Against Falsely Accused Public Utilities Company Employee Facing Life in Prison

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.

Retired Firefighter Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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 Surgeon at Trial in a Federal Conspiracy Case

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.

Doctor Facing Kickback Allegations Receives Reduced Sentence

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.

Insurance Fraud Case with Multiple Allegations

Represented a client against numerous allegations of falsifying insurance claims in Ventura County.

Protecting Client’s Home Security Footage from Unlawful Seizure

Aided client who sought to prevent law enforcement from unlawfully accessing and seizing home security system footage.

Tech Industry Client’s Trade Secret Subpoena Quashed

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 when Victim Wrongly Charged with Domestic Violence

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.

Contractor Cleared of Violent Assault Charges with Self-Defense Claim

Case dismissed by prosecutors against a contractor in New York County after the firm’s investigation and presentation of a viable self-defense claim.

Attempted Murder Conviction Overturned on Appeal in Los Angeles

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.

Non-Life Sentence Negotiated in Attempted Murder Case

Represented client charged with attempted murder, gang, and firearm enhancements. Negotiated non-life sentence.

Felony Mayhem Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor

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.

Mental Health Diversion Granted in Burglary Case

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.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Temple Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Univ of Pennsylvania

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution