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also known as Lou Pilato, Louis Pilato
California and New York licensed attorney with over 30+ years of experience in either prosecuting criminal offenses or engaging in criminal defense work, to include DUI offenses; in repesenting both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation matters; in supervising and/or managing staff and support personnel; and in developing expertise as a litigation or trial specialist, having engaged in well over 400 jury trials.
Background includes over ten years of public service with regional prosecutors office where attained status of chief trial attorney and ultimately engaged in well over 150 jury trials and countless non jury proceedings and hearings. Later, managed general practice law firm where focus of attention was engaging in criminal defense matters and in that capacity was involved in another 50+ jury trials, etc. More recently has engaged in criminal and DUI defense work and/or civil litigation matters in the Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties.
As a prosecutor, achieved a 95% conviction rate, and the duties included heading the homicide bureau, the career criminal bureau, and the special investigations unit (which was responsible for all major or high profile matters). Became the leading trial attorney for the office. Cases included over thirty homicide trials, various organized crime situations, violent sexual offenses, bank robberies, home invasion matters, etc.
Cases as a private defense counsel included the same type of criminal offenses. Has achieved a 75% rate of acquittal on behalf of the clients and also been recognized as one of the premier attorneys in the area, often receiving referrals from other law firms or attorneys when they could not negotiate a resolution for their clients and the cases were scheduled for trial.
Licensed to practice law in both New York State and California. When appropriate, is able to effectively negotiate settlements and/or to successfully argue positions to lay people, attorneys, and judges and juries on variety of matters to most certainly include criminal issues.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Mr. Pilato has made criminal law and civil litigation specialties by obtaining extensive experience on both sides of the aisle. Beginning his legal career as a criminal prosecutor, he quickly rose up the ranks so as to become the leading trial attorney in his office and to also learn the attitudes and procedures being utilized by law enforcement agencies and officers. He then shifted gears and for over 25 years has been a polished criminal defense attorney and civil litigation advocate, handling all types of matters in local, state and federal courts. While Mr. Pilato is comfortable in the courtroom fighting for his clients before judges and juries, and has engaged in well over 400 jury trials, he knows that the two pre-requisites for a favorable end result are establishing a trusting relationship with his client and then conducting a thorough and exhaustive investigation. That is why he takes whatever time is necessary to know both the client and the agencies or officers that have begun proceedings against the client. His successes have resulted in Mr. Pilato being cited in Marquis Whos Who In American Law on multiple occasions.
5
Practice Areas
38 years | 7,500 cases
38 years | 2,500 cases
38 years | 500 cases
38 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 1973
No misconduct found
36 Lomada Street, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, 92694
5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000, West Tower, Newport Beach, CA, 92660
6200 Stoneridge Mall Road, 3rd Floor, Pleasanton, CA, 94588
228 Hamilton Ave, 3rd Floor, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
8 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Beware!
Man, where do I even begin with this guy? First thing things *STAY FAR AWAY* from this guy, my family dished out 10k for this guy and he did nothing but fill my head with lies/tell me things I wanted to hear only for none of those things to come to fruition, he is extremely uncommutative and uninform...
Posted by Lola | May 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Hands down the best
I am extremely happy with the results. When he walked into the courtroom it was evident he was well known. It took nearly a year to fight the case, but he was able to lower the felony to a misdemeanor with no jail time. You will not regret hiring this attorney. He has over 40 years as a criminal defe...
Posted by Darlene | March 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
MRS
if you want to be in prison for the rest of your life hire Calabria Law Group and Louis Pilato. Si usted quiere estar en la carcel por el resto de su vida contrate a Calabria Law Office and Louis Pilato. La Sra. Rosa le dirá maravillas del bufete y dsps que pague no le contestarán mas. Si usted tuvo ...
Posted by Tanisha | January 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Scum Bucket & Crooks
Louis Pilato & law firm he works for Calabria Law Group. To the money I put down & ran with it. My son is facing serious charges against him and has been since Sept 2021. I hired Louis Pilato for my son case. The courts were in the process of determining if my son was competent or incompetent. due to...
Posted by Audrey | December 27, 2021 | Criminal Defense
Honest, knowledgeable.m
Mr. Plato was not our Defense Attorney. I consulted with him post conviction after firing our Attorney for lying throughout the ordeal of our lives, and for doing nothing at all in my son's case. Nothing. 3 years and we had to push to start trial and our *great* Attorney didn't even know the case and...
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Lou on several matters. Not only is Lou extremely dignified and professional, he is also a highly experienced and skilled attorney who is very comfortable in the courtroom. He is tough when necessary and always seeks to obtain the best result for his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Pilato as an exemplary attorney and a true professional. I had the opportunity to work with him on a range of difficult cases, both civil and criminal, and to learn from his expertise. I regard him as thoughtful, experienced, and ethical. In fact, very few other lawyers can deliver such quality results. Having worked with hundreds of other lawyers, Louis is surely one of the best. For all of these reasons and more, you want Louis Pilato with you in court, confident in your selection of such a worthy advocate."
Contracts and agreements lawyer
2019
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
2007 - Present
Owner, Pilato & Associates
1996 - 2005
Managing Partner, Fero, Pilato & Ingersoll
2007 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1974 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
NG Verdicts after trial
1974
Juris Doctorate
1967
Bachelor of Arts - Magna Cum Laude
English