PRO
Eric Vaughn Traut
Virtual Consultation Available
About Eric
Biography
Eric V. Traut is one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California. He distinguished himself early in his career as the youngest recipient of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association's "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award in 2003, and then received it again in 2023. Recently, he was selected by the nine chapters of CAL-ABOTA as their “Trial Lawyer of the Year” (2024) which is the highest honor for a trial lawyer to receive in California. He was chosen by the leaders of nine chapters in the state following a presentation on behalf of all the nominees. In his 34 years practicing law, Eric has successfully tried over 100 jury trials.
Eric’s reputation for civility, ethics, and fair-play precedes him. Judges, arbitrators, and mediators alike have openly admired his integrity, compassion for his clients, impressive trial skills, and his gift of advocacy. Often handling unique, high-profile cases, Eric has the respect of his peers and the community in and out of the courtroom. Eric has earned interviews and appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court TV, ABC’s “Primetime” and CBS News.
Eric’s leadership skills have been sought after by numerous legal associations and charitable boards. He has served as President of five prestigious legal organizations in Orange County, including OCTLA, ABOTA, Project Youth-OCBF, Banyard Inn of Court, Italian American Lawyers of Orange County and he will be President of the 7000 member Orange County Bar Association in 2027. Eric has received many awards and honors. In addition to CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, Eric has won the award from the local Orange County Chapter of ABOTA, and the Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award. In September 2023, Eric was honored as a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award. This highly notable award recognizes outstanding members of the legal profession who are role models of ethics and leadership in the legal community.
While Eric loves being a lawyer and changing the lives of his clients, he truly enjoys giving back to his colleagues and the community. As the Past President of Project Youth, Eric led a non-profit organization strengthening Orange County youth and families through unique, award-winning health and educational programs. He continues to serve on the Executive Committee, donating many hours and thousands
of dollars each year to help local at-risk youth. Eric continues to give back to the legal community by volunteering to speak at countless seminars on litigation and trial skills and donating money to charities supported by law firms and legal organizations.
When not practicing law, Eric enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Pam. He cherishes time with his three children, two stepchildren, grandsons Vance and Calum, and granddaughter Holland.
Trial attorney with the experience and resources to win difficult cases for deserving clients.
Eric was voted "Trial Lawyer of the Year" by OC Trial Lawyers Assoc. and served as President in 2002
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
36 years | 2,000 cases
36 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
25%-40%
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 35 years
State: California
Acquired: 1990
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2013
Location
Traut Injury Law
Mobile
Fax
5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 710, Santa Ana, CA, 92707
trautinjurylaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Eric online.
Eric Vaughn Traut's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 49 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Donald | September 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Eric Traut & team for the win !
Start to finish, Eric and his team kept me informed about everything going on with my case. Highly recommended his team took care of everything I needed in a timely manner.
Posted by Priya | August 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly Reccomend!
Eric Traut was extremly helpful and will make sure you get the highest settlement. All of my doubts and inputs were taken into consideration and I felt very taken care of. Emails are answered and attended to very fast as well. This firm is not afraid to go to trail so they will not give in to the ins...
Posted by Andrea | August 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Exceeded My Expectations
I had the privilege of working with Eric Traut as my attorney, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the very beginning, he was professional, attentive, and genuinely cared about my situation. He always took the time to explain things clearly, kept me updated, and made me feel supported through every...
Posted by SHERYL | May 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
100% Would Recommend Eric Traut!
Eric Traut is the perfect combination of professionalism and personality. I doubt that many legal matters are ever considered pleasant, but working with Eric was exactly that. I was treated with respect and put at ease with every encounter. My case was not high-profile, nor high stakes monetarily-yet...
Posted by Ken | February 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Skip the Billboards
When my father was hit by a doctored/MD who lied multiple times on the police report from speeding (he stated driving 35 and was probably going 40+ in a 25 mph neighborhood) to not getting out of the car & administering first aid as required by law for practicing MDs. The accidental lawyer billboards...
Eric Vaughn Traut's Lawyer Endorsements
"Eric is highly respected in his specialized areas of law, recognized in the legal community, and a "go-to" attorney for all issues dealing with personal injury law. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Traut is a highly reputable and experienced personal injury attorney. I strongly recommend him and would certainly trust him with my own case."
"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."
"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."
"The epitome of class and civility in our profession. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Insurance lawyer
Car accident lawyer
Elder law lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Environmental and natural resources lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2013.
Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2013
updated on 01/20/2016This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
“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.”
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Thomas Schulte Community Service Award, Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court
2024
CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, CAL-ABOTA
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
"Top Gun" Trial Lawyer of the Year, OCTLA - Orange County Trial Lawyers Assoc.
2023
Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award, Anti-Defamation League
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Trial Lawyer of the Year, ABOTA
2020
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers
2019
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
2018
Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award, ABOTA
2017
Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Diplomate, American Board of Trial Advocates
2016
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2014
"Top 100 Southern California" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2013
Alumni Hall of Fame, Western State Law School
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2013
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2013
"Top 100 Southern California" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2012
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Top Lawyer, OC Metro Magazine
2012
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2011
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Top Lawyer, OC Metro Magazine
2011
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2010
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2010
OC Look, Orange Coast Magazine
2010
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Angelo Palmieri Civility Award, Banyard Inn of Court
2009
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2008
"Top 50 Orange County" Super Lawyers, Los Angeles Magazine
2008
Alumni of the Year, Western State University Alumni Association
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2005
Southern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2003
Trial Lawyer of the Year, OCTLA - Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
N/A
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1990 - Present
Partner, Traut Firm
Associations
2020 - Present
Orange County Trial Lawyer CharitiesFounding Member
2020 - Present
Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange CountyBoard Member
2019 - Present
America's Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys
2015 - Present
OCBF - Project YouthExecutive Committee Member
2004 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationChairperson of College of Trial Advocacy
Member, Advocates Club
Member, President's Club
Board of Governors
2024 - 2024
Orange County Bar AssociationSecretary
2023 - 2024
Orange County Bar AssociationJudiciary Committee
2023 - 2025
Public Law CenterBoard Member
2023 - 2023
Italian American Lawyers of Orange County - Lex RomanaPresident
2016 - 2017
Banyard Inn of CourtCo-President with Chris Wesierski
2016 - 2016
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaLegislative Committee, Member
2016 - 2016
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember, Advocates Club
2016 - 2016
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember, Board of Governors
2015 - 2025
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember, President’s Club
2015 - 2025
American Board of Trial AdvocatesNational Representative
2015 - 2015
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaContinuing Education Committee, Member
2014 - 2014
OCBF - Project YouthPresident
2012 - 2012
American Board of Trial Advocates - Orange County ChapterPast President
2010 - 2010
American Board of Trial Advocates - Orange County ChapterPresident
2010 - 2011
Orange County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2009 - 2010
Orange County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2008 - 2015
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of CourtInn Liaison
2005 - 2006
Italian American Lawyers of Orange County - Lex RomanaPresident
2002 - 2002
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationPresident
2002 - 2003
Orange County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2000 - 2025
American Inns of CourtMember
1990 - 1990
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesMember
1990 - 2025
Consumer Attorneys Association of CaliforniaMember
1990 - 2025
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
$20,000,000 settlement
$5.235 million jury verdict
$4,099.582 verdict
$3,600,000 jury verdict
$2,880,000 Binding Arbitration
$4.76 million
$2.1 million
Eric Traut represented real party in interest upon appeal
Education
1989
Doctorate in Law
N/A
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2019
2019
2018
2017
"Expedited Jury Trials - Preserving the 7th Amendment"
2017
2017
2017
College of Trial Advocacy
2017
2016
“Expedited Jury Trials”
2016
"Expedited Jury Trials"
2016
2016
2016
“Expedited Trials – The Faster Jury Trial”
2016
2016
Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Annual Seminar
2015
2015
2015
2015
2014
“Motions in Limine”
2014
2014
2014
Unique issues in automobile cases
2014
2013
Trial Advocacy
2012
2011
Ethics
2011
Jury selection under time constraints
2011
Expedited Trials
2011
Expedited Trials & Jury Selection Under Time Restraints
2011
What Jurors Like and Dislike in MIST Cases
2011
Trial Preparation - The Last 90 Days
2011
Demonstrative Evidence at Trial
2010
Jury Selection
2010
Effective Cross Examination
Publications
2019
2019
2019
2019
2019
2017
2017
2017
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2015
2015
2015
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2013
2013
2012
2012
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2011
2010
2010
2009
2009
2008
2008
2008
2006
2003
2002
N/A
Languages
English
Spanish
Korean
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Eric earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
I live in CA but had car accident in NV, in which state do I hire a lawyer?
24 Aug 2021
Can i sue a medical practice for losing a testicle because of a wrong diagnosis
13 Jan 2012
Is my church liable if someone eats at an after-service potluck and gets sick? If so, how do we prevent liability?
16 Jan 2012