Eric Vaughn Traut
- Santa Ana, CA
- Licensed for 30 years
About Eric
Eric Traut distinguished himself early as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California when he was recognized as the youngest winner of the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award in the history of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association and has gone on to try more than 100 jury trials over his 30- year career. For ten consecutive years, Eric has been selected by his peers to the list of Super Lawyers, including the “Top 50 Orange County” and “Top 100 Southern California” as featured in Los Angeles Magazine.
Additionally, Eric is honored to be named to the list of Best Lawyers of America a recognition reserved for only the top 3% of the Bar. Eric is 1 of only 65 members in the entire state of California, and 1 of only 3 members in Orange County who practices law in the areas of plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death. Eric has handled high-profile cases that have resulted in appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., and ABC's "Primetime." Eric was the youngest member ever admitted to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) at the age of 33, where he served as President of the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA in 2010.
He is currently one of just 200 ABOTA Diplomates to have tried more than 100 jury trials, of the 7000 members of the organization. In January 2020, he received the Trial Lawyer of the Year award from the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA, which is recognized as the highest honor a Southern California Lawyer can receive, awarded annually to a recipient exhibiting the best traits of a Southern California trial lawyer.
In December 2019, he received The Robert Samuel Barnes Award from the Orange County Bar Foundation's Project Youth, which is only given to a recipient who has contributed substantially to Project Youth in order to assist in best serving the youth and families of Orange County. In January 2018, he received the ABOTA Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award, which is only given to a member whose integrity, civility and professionalism inspire trust among counsel and clients, and promotes respect for the profession.
As the Past President of the Orange County Bar Foundation, Eric led a non-profit organization strengthening Orange County youth and families through unique, award-winning health and education programs. In 2008, he was named as Alumni of the Year at Western State University Law School and was inducted into the school’s "Hall of Fame" in 2013. He is a recipient of the Angelo Palmieri Award for Civility from the Banyard Inn of Court and was the first lawyer to be awarded the OC Look award by Orange Coast Magazine, an award given to those individuals who exemplify success and style in Orange County.
Eric has been a speaker at countless seminars on litigation and trial skills, spoken at various law schools about the importance of civility and professionalism and published multiple articles on strategy and practice.
Practice areas
- Personal injury: 75%
As the youngest winner ever of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association’s prestigious Trial Lawyer of the year award, Eric Traut distinguished himself as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California. He has been selected by his peers through votes tallied by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the top 50 Super Lawyers in Orange County for 2008 thru 2011, and has been named by the magazine as a Super Lawyer in 2004 through 2011. He was the youngest member ever admitted to the Orange Coun
31 years, 2,000 cases
- Wrongful death: 25%
31 years, 250 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Korean
Photos and videos
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Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Active | 1990 | 02/15/2021 |
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.
Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension
issued in CA, 2013updated on 01/20/2016
This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
Eric's comment:“This was probation after I had obtained advice from two ethics lawyers who advised it was proper to charge fees as work was performed. Our firm focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases which this has no relation to whatsoever. Review the endorsements below for the truth about my practice and reputation.”
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Lawyer of the Year | ABOTA | 2020 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2020 |
| The Robert Samuel Barnes Award | OCBF | 2019 |
| Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements | Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements | 2019 |
| America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys | America's Top 100 | 2019 |
| Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award | American Board of Trial Advocates | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2018 |
| Best Law Firms | Best Lawyers in America | 2018 |
| Best Law Firms | Best Lawyers in America | 2017 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2017 |
| Diplomate | American Board of Trial Advocates | 2016 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2016 |
| Best Law Firms | Best Lawyers in America | 2016 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2015 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2014 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| "Top 100 Southern California" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2014 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| Alumni Hall of Fame | Western State Law School | 2013 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2013 |
| "Top 100 Southern California" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2013 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2012 |
| Top Lawyer | OC Metro Magazine | 2012 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2011 |
| Top Lawyer | OC Metro Magazine | 2011 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2010 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2010 |
| OC Look | Orange Coast Magazine | 2010 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2009 |
| Angelo Palmieri Civility Award | Banyard Inn of Court | 2009 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2009 |
| Alumni of the Year | Western State University Alumni Association | 2008 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2008 |
| "Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers | Los Angeles Magazine | 2008 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2007 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2006 |
| Southern California Super Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2005 |
| Trial Lawyer of the Year | Orange County Trial Lawyers Association | 2003 |
| AV Preeminent | Martindale-Hubbell | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Traut Firm | 1990 - Present |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County | Board Member | 2020 - Present |
| America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys | N/A | 2019 - Present |
| Banyard Inn of Court | Co-President with Chris Wesierski | 2016 - Present |
| Orange County Bar Association | Chairperson of College of Trial Advocacy | 2004 - Present |
| Banyard Inn of Court | Past President | 2002 - Present |
| American Board of Trial Advocates - Orange County Chapter | Past President | 1998 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Member, Advocates Club | N/A |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Member, President's Club | N/A |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Board of Governors | N/A |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Legislative Committee, Member | 2016 - 2016 |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Member, Advocates Club | 2016 - 2016 |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Member, President’s Club | 2016 - 2016 |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Member, Board of Governors | 2016 - 2016 |
| American Board of Trial Advocates | National Representative | 2015 - 2015 |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Continuing Education Committee, Member | 2015 - 2015 |
| Orange County Bar Foundation | President | 2014 - 2014 |
| American Board of Trial Advocates - Orange County Chapter | President | 2010 - 2010 |
| Orange County Bar Association | Board Member | 2010 - 2011 |
| Orange County Bar Association | Board Member | 2009 - 2011 |
| Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court | Inn Liaison | 2008 - 2015 |
| Lex Romana | President | 2005 - 2006 |
| Orange County Bar Association | Board Member | 2002 - 2003 |
| Orange County Trial Lawyers Association | President | 2002 - 2002 |
| American Inns of Court | Member | 2000 - 2015 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles | Member | 1990 - 1990 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of California | Member | 1990 - 1990 |
| Orange County Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 1990 - 1990 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| News.Law | Eric Featured In News.Law For $3 Million Verdict! | 2019 |
| Los Angeles Daily Journal | Eric Featured in the LA Daily Journal | 2019 |
| EricTraut.com | Eric Traut Named to 2020 Best Lawyers in America List | 2019 |
| Best Lawyers | Featured in Best Lawyers for one of his most recent verdicts of $3 million in a personal injury case. | 2019 |
| Long Beach Press-Telegram | Press-Telegram Features Eric on Costco Shooting Controversy. | 2019 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Western State College of Law | law | N/A |
| California State University, Fullerton | undergraduate | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Orange County Trial Lawyers Association dinner | Eric presented on the topic of civility and professionalism | 2019 |
| Mock Trial Demonstration | Eric Demonstrates Mock Trial on a Wrongful Death Case. | 2019 |
| American Bar Association's 2018 Section Annual Conference | "Put a Human Face on What Might be an Unpopular Client." | 2018 |
| Newport Harbor Bar Association | "Expedited Jury Trials - Preserving the 7th Amendment" | 2017 |
| National Business Institute Seminar | "How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted (and Keep Theirs Out)” | 2017 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles 2017 Panel | "Handling UM/UIM Claims and Spotting Bad Faith Issues" | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| College of Trial Advocacy | College of Trial Advocacy | 2017 |
| Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Conference | “How to Win at Mediation” | 2017 |
| Ventura County Bar Association | “Expedited Jury Trials” | 2016 |
| Sonoma Travel Seminar | "Expedited Jury Trials" | 2016 |
| IALOC April Meeting - MCLE with Eric Traut and Pam Liosi | “Expedited Jury Trials MCLE” | 2016 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles | “UM/UIM Claims from First Contact to Conclusion” Auto-Matic Accident Cases Seminar | 2016 |
| Combined Claims Conference | “Expedited Trials – The Faster Jury Trial” | 2016 |
| CAALA Vegas | "Motorcycles: Lane Splitting and Comparative Fault" | 2016 |
| Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Annual Seminar | Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Annual Seminar | 2016 |
| Judges' Night | Award Presenter for Superior Court Clerk of the Year | 2015 |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | Expedited Jury Trials | 2015 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles | Trial Skills | 2015 |
| ABOTA Seminar | Actual Expedited Civil Jury Trial Presented by the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA | 2015 |
| Whittier School of Law | “Motions in Limine” | 2014 |
| Orange County Bar Association Ethics CLE | “Civility and Professionalism: A View from the Bench and Bar” | 2014 |
| Legal Internship Recognition Dinner | Emcee for Project SELF Legal Internship Recognition Dinner | 2014 |
| Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles | Unique issues in automobile cases | 2014 |
| Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles | MIST: Making It Successful in Trial | 2014 |
| College of Trial Advocacy | Trial Advocacy | 2013 |
| Combined Claims Conference | “Expedited Jury Trials in California” | 2012 |
| Specialty Credits Seminar | Ethics | 2011 |
| Palm Springs Convention | Jury selection under time constraints | 2011 |
| Orange County Trial Lawyers Monthly Dinner Meeting | Expedited Trials | 2011 |
| Newport Harbor Bar Association Dinner | Expedited Trials & Jury Selection Under Time Restraints | 2011 |
| Las Vegas Convention | What Jurors Like and Dislike in MIST Cases | 2011 |
| College of Trial Advocacy | Trial Preparation - The Last 90 Days | 2011 |
| College of Trial Advocacy | Demonstrative Evidence at Trial | 2011 |
| San Francisco Convention | Jury Selection | 2010 |
| Robert A. Banyard Inn Monthly Dinner Meeting | Effective Cross Examination | 2010 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Joseph D. Gough v. Robert Early Belcher | $3,600,000 |
| Naruko v. Pechanga Indian Reservation | $2.88M |
| Bailey v. United States | $4.76 million |
| Sorensen v. Vernola Family Trust | $2.1 million |
| City of Moreno Valley v. Superior Court of Riverside County | Eric Traut represented real party in interest upon appeal |
Traut firm is the best!
Posted by Lani
Mon Dec 07 2020
More than satisfied!
Posted by Sam
Wed Nov 18 2020
Amazing experience
Posted by Noah
Fri Oct 02 2020
Personal Injury
Posted by Michael
Tue Sep 22 2020
Prompt, professional and thorough.
Posted by Elizabeth
Thu Sep 17 2020
Highly Recommend Mr. Eric Traut!
Posted by Katie
Mon Jun 22 2020
Robert Batistic EA.
Posted by Robert
Thu Jun 11 2020
Intelligent and Diligent
Posted by Chad
Mon Apr 20 2020
Great Experience
Posted by Cathy
Fri Apr 17 2020
Under-Insured Motorist
Posted by Jennifer
Fri Oct 05 2018
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Attorney endorsements
(13)Tyler Kring, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 30, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Traut is a highly reputable and experienced personal injury attorney. I strongly recommend him and would certainly trust him with my own case.
Robert Bryson, Litigation Attorney on Mar 24, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Eric for the past couple years on an insurance bad faith case. Eric's insight, courtroom presence and legal acumen is above reproach. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a highly qualified and professional trial lawyer. I look forward to working with Eric in the future.
Charles Piccuta, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 24, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Eric is a top notch trial attorney. If you go with him you are getting the best.
Eric is a great person and lawyer. I am proud to call him a friend and if you hire him as your personal injury attorney you have made a great choice.
Morvarid Ahmadi, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
The epitome of class and civility in our profession. I endorse this lawyer.
Neil Pedersen, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Eric Traut. Eric is one of the finest personal injury attorneys in Orange County. I regularly refer personal injury matters to Eric and I have never been disappointed with his superior competence, his aggressive approach or his results. I highly recommend Eric.
Donald Sjaarda, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Eric Traut tries personal injury cases. Big cases, small cases, he tries them all. In addition, he is generous with his time and knowledge, sharing his hard-won experience with other attorneys to help them become better advocates. Eric is an asset to the profession and to the community. I highly endorse him.
Paul Lee, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 22, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Eric Traut is widely recognized as one of the premier trial lawyers in Southern California. As a fellow member of the Orange County Bar Association and Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, I can confirm that he garners widespread respect of the Orange County and Southern California legal communities, both for his preeminent trial skills and for selflessly giving back to the legal community. He does an outstanding job teaching trial skills to other lawyers through the Orange County College of Trial Advocay. I endorse him without reservation.
I met Eric many years ago when I was first starting out and he gave me many useful tips and great advice that I still follow today. He is one of the best attorneys in Orange County and beyond.
I endorse this lawyer.
Eric Goodman, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 23, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Eric is the best personal injury attorney in OC. He’s personable and well respected by colleagues, clients and Judges. Years ago, I had the privilege in being on a jury for a case that Eric was litigating and got to watch his courtroom talents first hand. That’s why I refer personal injury matters exclusively to him. I have even referred my own family members to Eric for representation.
Christian Lassen, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 1, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Geralyn Skapik, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 9, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Eric is a great attorney that fights for his clients rights. He is an excellent trial lawyer and understands what it takes to win. Eric also gives back to the community and is involved in many legal organizations. I highly recommend Eric to assist you with your legal matters.
Cost
- Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.25%-40%