Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
11 Client Reviews
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PRO
James Russell Traut
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About James
Biography
Experienced. Passionate. Fearless. Results.
James R. Traut is the founding partner of the Traut Firm, a legal malpractice and personal injury firm located in Santa Ana, California. His practice is devoted exclusively to litigation and focuses on helping plaintiffs throughout Southern California in serious personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, including truck, auto, motorcycle and bike accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death cases, and premises liability. These cases involve brain injuries, spinal injuries, severe fractures, and wrongful death. Mr. Traut also represents clients pursuing legal malpractice claims. His dedication to protecting the rights of those who have been injured by the negligent or wrongful behavior of others has resulted in numerous settlements, arbitration awards, and trial verdicts in excess of $1 million.
In 1972, Mr. Traut obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1976. Mr. Traut is certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification as a Civil Trial Lawyer as well as a Civil Pretrial Practice Lawyer. He is admitted to practice in California.
In recognition of his superb record and high ethical standards, Mr. Traut has been awarded the AV-Preeminent* rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been named Trial Lawyer of the Year by both the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. He is also recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News & World Report, as well as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Traut furthers his legal advocacy skills through his association with several professional organizations. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mr. Traut is also a member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
*AV-Preeminent and BV-Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Car Accident
50%
Personal Injury
31%
49 years
Motorcycle Accident
5%
Trucking Accident
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-40%
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 47 years
State: California
Acquired: 1978
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1992
Location
Traut Firm
(714) 835-7000
Fax
(714) 835-5900
Fax
5 Hutton Centre Dr Ste 700, Santa Ana, CA, 92707
trautfirm.com/attorneys/james-r-traut/Gallery
James Russell Traut's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr Traut 5 Star rating review
I hired Mr. Traut to represent me for an auto accident and was very pleased with the service both he and his office staff provided me. He was always there to answer questions and fought to get me a compensation that was beyond my expectations. I would definitly recommend his services!
Posted by PHILLIP | July 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Automobile accident by drunk driver
I hired Jim Traut to sue for injuries I received in an accident caused by a drunk driver. I was always kept up to date on what was going on. Jim or someone from his staff always took my calls or returned them. Because they file your lawsuit right away, my case was resolved quickly and for top dollar....
Posted by Adam S. | January 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Phenomenal Attorney
My previous attorney was worthless when compared to Traut Firm. I wish I would have known Jim Traut before. They were all nice, always answering my questions promptly. Jim always called me and dispelled all my fears. I will recommend him to any one I know needing legal help. I had the best experience...
James Russell Traut's Lawyer Endorsements
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This attorney hasn't received any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1992.
Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 1992
updated on 02/07/2010A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Reports
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, American Board of Trial Advocates
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2002
Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
1999
Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy
1999
Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Work Experience
1978 - Present
Attorney, Traut Firm
Associations
2012 - Present
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of CourtMember
2004 - Present
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2000 - Present
American Board of Trial Advocates, CAL-ABOTAAssociate Member
1990 - Present
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesMember
1980 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMember
1985 - 2010
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Nunes v. Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
Settled for $9,000,000
Phillips v. Renovate Recycling Center
Settled for $1,000,000, the policy limit
Education
1976
Pepperdine University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
California State University, Los Angeles
Speaking Engagements
2013
College of Trial Advocacy
"Jury Selection"
2010
College of Trial Advocacy
"Jury Selection"
2006
ABOTA Seminar
"Opening Statements"
Languages
English
Spanish