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Ken Norelli, a seasoned trial lawyer, graduated from Hastings College of the Law in 1994 and began his legal career as a Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defenders Office. Over the course of his tenure, Norelli successfully tried a diverse array of cases, ranging from murder and gang-related crimes to sex-crimes and more. After a decade with the Public Defenders Office, he transitioned to the role of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, where he handled complex fraud, property crimes, and cases involving career criminals. Following his time with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Norelli returned to the Orange County Public Defenders Office before eventually assuming the role of Supervisor. During his tenure, he oversaw divisions such as Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency, as well as the Newport Beach Facility Division. In 2022, Norelli retired from public service and established his own firm, Ken Norelli, Attorney at Law, while also working as a contract attorney for The SoCal Law Network alongside Alan Castillo, Peter Iocona, and Marlo Cordero.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
3848 Campus Dr Suite 207, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Andrew | November 23, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
I was referred to Mr. Norelli for a case consultation, and he was great with explaining everything in detail with clarity and professionalism. He walked me through his strategy step by step and was very patient and understanding when answering all of my questions. I highly recommend Mr. Norelli if yo...
Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Ken is very intelligent, and personable. He has a genuine personality, and all the skills to give you the best outcome for your case. I was in some big trouble, my future job opportunities and potential relationships would have really suffered if I didn't have Ken to help me. He was able to get my se...
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
i recently had the privilege of working with Ken. he was there throughout every step of the case. he offered good advice. his professionalism and expertise was very evident. thank you so much Ken for your support throughout this journey.
Posted by Sheila | August 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Kenneth Norelli was upfront and honest with me about my case. He kept me in the loop and didn't pull any punches with me. This is what I was looking for. I figured if the attorney I chose wasn't a sugar coater then that was who I wanted and that's what I got!! I would have never been able to close my...
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
I’ve been around criminal defense work for over 20 years and mr Norelli is the best I’ve seen. He is an excellent negotiator and master litigator…a true warrior in the field. He’s respected by everyone; I can’t think of a better advocate if want on my side.
"I endorse this lawyer. When Mr. Norelli retired from the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, we were in need of a contract attorney. Mr. Norelli turned out to be the perfect fit for our practice at The SoCal Law Network and will likely become a member of The SoCal Law Network based on his incredible contributions. Mr. Norelli is a consummate professional and an incredibly talented attorney. Mr. Norelli is always prepared for any matter we present to him. Before any appearance he ensures that he is not only well-versed on the case history; but also the case law associated with the case. In only three short months, Mr. Norelli has obtained six, yes, six dismissals and four substantial reductions in charges on some of our most serious criminal matters. Mr. Norelli is not only an asset to us; but to his own clients as well. Mr. Norelli is a true lawyer: always prepared and always ready to do battle on behalf of clients."
"I have known Ken for over 20 years and have worked with him for over 10 years in the Orange County Public Defender's Office. Ken is a true advocate for his client's and an extremely creative defense attorney."
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2021
Orange County Public Defender's 25-Year Service Award, Orange County Public Defender's Office
2016
Orange County Public Defender's Management Promotion Award, Orange County Pubic Defender's Office
2022 - 2022
President, Ken Norelli, Attorney at Law
2019 - 2022
Supervisor - Harbor Justice Center Division, Orange County Public Defender's Office
2016 - 2019
Supervisor - Juvenile Delinquency & Dependency, Orange County Public Defender's Office
2007 - 2016
Orange County Alternate Public Defender's Office, Orange County Public Defender's Office
2004 - 2007
Special Assistant, U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office - Kauai, Hawaii
1994 - 2004
Orange County Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender's Office
2022 - Present
St. Thomas More SocietyAttorney Member
2021 - Present
Orange County Bar Association-Lex RomanaAttorney Member
2017 - Present
Orange County Bar Association-Criminal SectionAttorney Member
2005 - Present
Hawaii State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Not Guilty: Attempted Murder
Not Guilty: 1st Degree Murder
Not Guilty: Murder
Not Guilty: Kidnapping for Robbery
1994
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
2018
Delinquency for Investigators
2018
Dependency for Investigators
2018
Dependency Introduction
2017
Cross Examination Techniques
2015
Stable Trial Frameworks and Dynamic Trial strategies
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
English