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Diane Carol Bass
also known as Diane Bass
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About Diane
Biography
I grew up on Long Island, New York. From the age of eight, all I wanted to do was dance.
I had the great good fortune of studying with a woman who had danced with the original Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in our small town, which was remarkable. I took classes with her, took the train into New York City on weekends to train with professional dancers, and spent my childhood completely certain that ballet was my future.
Then I got injured my first year of college.
So I transferred to UC Irvine and became a drama major. Which, looking back, was the best accident of my life. I spent three years reading Shakespeare, performing, learning how to inhabit a character, how to command a room, how to read an audience. I didn't know yet that I was also learning how to be a trial attorney.
After graduation, a theatrical manager told me that a pretty face is a dime a dozen in LA - if you sing and dance, go to New York. So I went. I waitressed. I taught exercise at 7am. I rode the subway at 6am counting rats while I waited for the train. I went to auditions. I did extra work on All My Children. I was on those subways hours a day, sleeping three hours a night, scraping coins together to pay rent.
After four years of that, I walked out of ABC Studios, looked up at the marquee, and thought: I have a bachelor of fine arts and I have studied with some of the greatest teachers in the world. This is not what I spent my life working toward.
I moved back to California and decided to go law school. My grandfather was a lawyer so it was always in the back of my mind that if I couldn’t dance or act, I would be a lawyer.
I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into.
LAW SCHOOL AND THE LONG WAY AROUND
Law school was three of the most brutal years of my life. I studied twelve hours a day, seven days a week and I borrowed an enormous amount of money to pay tuition. My years in ballet taught me discipline and dedication. My years struggling in New York City gave me grit and determination. I was more driven than ever to succeed.
I graduated with honors.
Then I got a job with an aviation litigation firm in downtown Los Angeles, on the 36th floor of a skyscraper, doing work that was absolutely, completely, soul-crushingly boring. The Talking Heads song — “My god, what have I done?”— was my anthem. After two years of civil litigation (which is an oxymoron!) I quit, to figure out what to do with my life.
Then, 2 different people — one a public defender, one a DA — told me independently and in completely separate settings: I think you would be a great public defender.
I went to see a lawyer I knew and mentioned it. He picked up the phone. I had an interview the next day. I got the job.
My first two years in the Public Defender's Office I did 24 trials in 24 months. I knew nothing about criminal defense when I started. But from the very first case, I knew I had found my purpose. I was in court. I was helping people. I was fighting for people the system was stacked against. For the first time since I'd left ballet, I felt completely at home.
Experienced, Aggressive, Compassionate, Criminal Defense Attorney in Federal and State Court
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Drug Crime
35%
Sex Crime
35%
White Collar Crime
30%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2026
Licenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Diane C. Bass
(855) 647-3111
Mobile
5440 Trabuco Road, Suite A4, Irvine, CA, 92620
dbasslaw.com/diane-c-bass/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Diane online.
Diane Carol Bass's Reviews
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26 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 11 - 12 of 12 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2009
I highly recommend Diane Bass
Diane has save me twice. Once in a Federal case that spanned from 1996 to 2001, and the second time in 2005. I consider her to be my Good Luck Charm. Although I am completely ignorant of Criminal Law, Diane was always there to talk to me and keep me informed. She also prevented me, on several occ...
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2009
Tax fraud
I worked for a tax firm years back that was doing shaddy business. Diane was the best crimainl attorney out there. Out of all 14 of us involved, I got the best deal thanks to Diane. She was very professional and on top of things at all times. I felt she was looking after me like I was a family member...
Diane Carol Bass's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Bass is a highly competent attorney with experience in both state and federal courts. She has a keen analysis of legal issues and is one of the most compassionate attorneys I have ever come across. I fully endorse her."
"Ms. Bass is an excellent attorney in and out of the courtroom and a highly skilled trial attorney."
"I highly recommend Diane Bass. She takes the time to assess her client's needs and is very compassionate. Diane presents effective and thorough arguments and is well known within the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Bass is not only well-prepared and zealous in defending her clients, she has a sense of compassion matched by few others."
"I endorse Daine. She is a lawyer who knows the law, the business and cares about her client."
"Diane is an excellent federal practitioner with tremendous experience in federal criminal matters."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Diane is a fearless advocate, equally at home in federal court and state court. She is a determined and skillful advocate, as well as a good person in general. I highly recommend her."
"I have had the pleasure of seeing Diane in action in the courtroom and working on a case. I have also been able to work with her when coaching high school mock trial. I can say without a doubt that Diane is top notch attorney. She is a zealous advocate for those who are lucky enough to be her clients, and she is also a great teacher and mentor. I definitely endorse this lawyer."
"Diane is an intelligent, caring and resourceful attorney who always has time to help a client or colleague in need. She uses her vast legal knowledge, skills and experience to obtain excellent results for her clients. It is, therefore, my great pleasure to endorse her, not only as a colleague, but as a friend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Bass is driven and determined to obtain the best results for her clients."
"Diane is an accomplished attorney in state and federal court. She cares deeply about her clients and takes great effort to understand their unique circumstances and get the best resolution possible. Ultimately, Diane gets great results for her clients."
"I endorse Diane because she is an experienced and effective criminal defense lawyer. I refer Diane all of my federal cases because of her expertise in this area. Diane is an asset to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Diane Bass since 1996. Diane is a knowledgeable attorney who cares for her clients and works very hard to get the very best results for them."
"I endorse this lawyer. There are many good lawyers in Orange County. There are many caring lawyers, also. However, very few are good, caring lawyers with an extensive state and federal criminal law background like Diane. She knows the law, knows the court system and knows when to be tough and when to cut the right deal. I strongly recommend Diane to my clients and they have only said positive things about her."
"Diane's practice in Federal law is unique since her focus is on such an intricate area of law. She's one sharp woman and knows the "ins and outs" of a Federal courtroom. Clients who have a need in this very tricky area of law are lucky to have her on their side!"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Diane is an intelligent, hardworking and above all compassionate attorney. She fights hard for her clients rights and has been successful."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Ms. Bass is one of the few attorneys in Orange County with extensive experience in both the State and Federal Courts, and she is highly respected in both for her litigation skills and dedication to her clients."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top Lawyer, OC Metro Magazine
1990
Dean's Scholarship, Southwestern University School of Law
1990
Dean's Honor List, Southwestern University School of Law
Work Experience
1997 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Diane C. Bass
1996 - 1997
Deputy Alternate Defender, Orange County Alternate Defender's Office
1992 - 1993
Attorney, DiCaro, D'Antony et. al.
1991 - 1991
Legal Intern, MGM Pathe
Associations
2011 - Present
William P. Gray Legion Lex American Inn of Courtmember
2011 - Present
Constitutional Law FoundationMock Trial Coach
2010 - Present
Orange County Jewish Bar Associationmember
2009 - Present
Federal Bar Association Orange CountyMember
2009 - Present
Orange County Women Lawyers Associationmember
2007 - Present
UC Irvine School of the ArtsDean's Leadership Counsel Member
Orange County Bar Association
member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
member
California Public Defenders Association
member
Families Against Mandatory Minimums
member
2006 - 2007
South Orange County Bar AssociationPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
USA v. Client
Case Dismissed
USA v. Client
Case dismissed
Education
1991
Southwestern Univ SOL
law
1983
Univ of California Irvine
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2014
South Orange County Bar Association
How Social Media Can be Used Against Our Clients
2014
North Orange County Bar Association
What Every Criminal Lawyer Needs to Know about Federal Criminal Practice
2010
University High School
When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers
2010
Bill of Rights Day
Bill of Rights Day
Publications
2010
www.thedefensediva.blogspot.com
What Recourse
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides