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Brian Neal Gurwitz
About Brian
Biography
If you are facing criminal charges in state or federal court, the outcome of your case may depend on the expertise of the attorney you hire.
Brian Gurwitz’s experience and success is rivaled by few other criminal defense lawyers in California.
A former Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, Mr. Gurwitz played a key role in some of the most contentious, high-profile cases during the 13 years he served in that office. He tried dozens of cases and served as a supervisor in the office’s largest felony trial unit.
In addition to trial work, he gained a reputation as an exceptional appellate lawyer who was repeatedly called upon when the stakes were highest. He argued four cases before the California Supreme Court (prevailing in each) and dozens more in the Court of Appeal, including seven that resulted in published decisions.
Of all his accomplishments in the Orange County DA’s office, Mr. Gurwitz takes particular pride in his work investigating and prosecuting corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement, and obtaining the release of inmates after investigating their cases and determining they were wrongly convicted. These experiences helped shape his belief that government power is easily abused, and that a strong criminal defense is a critical check against that misuse.
Mr. Gurwitz entered private practice in 2007. What can be a hard transition for some proved seamless for him, as he brought the same relentless work ethic and standard for excellence that has marked his entire career. He has tried and won many serious cases before juries, and he has negotiated outstanding resolutions in countless more. Some of these were high-profile cases that resulted in significant media attention, but out of respect for his clients’ privacy and dignity, Mr. Gurwitz does not list those cases on his website.
Mr. Gurwitz is one of a small fraction (less than 1 percent) of criminal law lawyers in the state (both prosecutors and defense attorneys) to be recognized as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization. He has trained hundreds of lawyers statewide, testified before both houses of our Legislature on criminal justice legislation, and served as a consultant to the California Law Revision Commission.
Mr. Gurwitz was recently honored by his peers when they elected him as a member of the Board of Governors of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the state’s largest and most prestigious organization of criminal defense lawyers.
Mr. Gurwitz has earned the highest scores from his peers in surveys conducted by a variety of lawyer-rating organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell (“AV-Preeminent” rating for the highest level of professional excellence and integrity), Avvo (a perfect score of 10), and Super Lawyers. But he is most proud of the dozens of outstanding reviews he has received from his clients at the conclusion of their cases.
Mr. Gurwitz understands the immense stress that accompanies you or a loved one becoming the target of a criminal investigation or prosecution. He is here to put his extensive knowledge and experience to work for you. He is available for an initial conversation seven days per week.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
30 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, APC
1422 Edinger Avenue, Suite 100, Tustin, CA, 92780
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Brian Neal Gurwitz's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 157 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome Lawyer!
I am so glad we chose Brian! He is an expert in his field, with many years of experience solely on criminal cases. Because of him, my brother is getting a better chance at life. We reached out to Brian as a last minute notice and he was able to meet with my brother the same day. He prioritizes matchi...
Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyer and great human being
Brian helped us through a very difficult situation with empathy and sound advice. He’s both a great lawyer and a great human being. He cared so deeply for us at a personal level and brought that energy to our legal situation. We trusted him completely. Highly recommend!
Posted by Mark | March 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Brian is the Absolute Best of the Best
A close family member was in an extremely troubling situation, but we were very fortunate to be referred to Brian. With God's help, Brian achieved an outcome that literally seemed impossible at the outset. The final disposition of the case was the absolute best possible outcome imaginable. My family ...
Posted by Douglas | December 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Lawyer Ever with Heart and Caring
Brian took me under his wing and carried me through the process with clear and thorough discussions. He helped minimize the restitution that I owed for my bad decision. After completing the legal work with the court system, Brian was extremely supportive answering questions for the next steps.
Posted by Rita | October 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank You!
We have appreciated the length in which Brian stood by us during a very lengthy process. He was always concerned for our family and asked about our kids and their well being as well. Very grateful for his presence in an overwhelming time!!
Brian Neal Gurwitz's Lawyer Endorsements
"Brian is one of the brightest attorneys I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Not only is he committed to staying current on the law, but he has a real passion for the practice of criminal defense and most importantly, a loyalty to his clients. Brian is a real maverick, not afraid to protect the rights of this clients, even if it means standing up to authority with a vengeance. He is a skilled advocate with a wonderful sense of humor. I would highly recommend Mr. Gurwitz to anyone who wants a tough defender with a strong sense of compassion and commitment."
"Brian and I worked together in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Even as a new prosecutor, Brian quickly developed a reputation as a "lawyer's lawyer." Many lawyers in our office would call Brian to help them with difficult and novel legal issues. As he gained experience, Brian's abilities were called on more and more frequently and in some of the highest-profile cases handled by the Office. Further, Brian was known as a person of uncompromising ethics and the highest integrity. In addition, Brian is personable and well-liked by both his colleagues and opponents. He is an effective, dedicated and hard-working attorney and I would recommend his services without qualification."
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Brian for many years now, and I am honored to endorse him. He is an excellent criminal attorney, and I refer every criminal case that comes across my path to him. I have seen him do remarkable things to help his clients. If I or a loved one needed a criminal attorney, God forbid, Brian would be whom I would call, without hesitation."
"As a former Deputy District Attorney I worked with Brian when he was a fine, ethical, and aggressive prosecutor. I've known him as a defense attorney for many years and he is an equally fine and aggressive defense attorney who is tremendously enthusiastic for the positive outcomes of his clients as well as compassionate. He is a credit to the defense bar."
"Brian is an aggressive and skilled trial lawyer and negotiator. As an attorney who has worked with Brian, I can say with certainty that he knows the law, knows the system and knows how to get the very best results for his clients. On many occasions I have brought Brian into a case to assist me because of his exceptional skills. I continue to be impressed by his skills, attentiveness, and results."
"Brian is highly knowledgeable in his field. I would strongly recommend him to any client facing criminal charges. He knows the system inside and out and is well-respected in the community."
"Brian Gurwitz, in my humble opinion, is the greatest of all criminal defense attorneys in Orange County. His deep knowledge of the law, intelligence, warmth, and humor make him a pleasure to work with and a powerful ally. His creativity in solving problems for his clients is legendary. I fully endorse Brian Gurwitz."
"Mr. Gurwitz is a smart and creative attorney second to none in his practice."
"I endorse Brian. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brian achieves excellent results and I would not hesitate to send more referrals to Brian in the future. I absolutely endorse Brian."
"Mr. Gurwitz is an exceptional attorney who brings a wealth of legal knowledge to his cases combined with a tireless commitment to his clients. His years of experience as a prosecutor gives him a unique understanding of the system many defense lawyers do not possess. This combination is often more than his opponents can handle and he finds a way, either through litigating or strategic negotiation, to achieve the best results for his clients. It is a pleasure to work as co-counsel with him on any matter."
"I am very fortunate to have Brian as a referral attorney for all criminal law matters. I exclusively practice family law which, at times, has cross-over issues with criminal defense. Without hesitation, my referrals to Brian always comment about his expertise and efficiency. It is rare to have an attorney whose reputation sets himself apart not only from his peers but the profession itself. Brian's ethics and professionalism sets the standard."
"Conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is well-known that Mr. Gurwitz is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the Criminal Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of known reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Brian Gurwitz has the expertise and personal qualities you need in a criminal defense attorney: respected by judges and law enforcement officials, and absolutely committed to the fearless protection of your rights with both determination and integrity."
"I highly endorse Brian's work. I met Brian when we were both regional counsel to the Recording Industry Association of America: he represented the Western Region, I worked in the Southern. I was immediately struck by his great personality and the eagerness with which he approached his duties as an attorney, and since our first meeting my respect for him and an attorney and friend has only deepened. Throughout our working relationship I continually recognized his intelligence, his work ethic, and his ability to clearly communicate complicated legal issues in an uncomplicated and straightforward manner as his best assets. I have absolutely no reservations about recommending his services to anyone: I would trust him with any legal matter of my own, and will gladly refer to him anyone in his area who needs legal advice or assistance."
"Brian is an effective lawyer and quality person."
"I recently met Brian, but knew him by reputation previously. He is an outstanding lawyer in Southern California and one of the few that i would call upon if I were in trouble."
"Brian is an excellent attorney and I wholeheartedly endorse his work. I have known Brian for years, and therefore can attest to the outstanding client service and lawyering skills he possesses. Brian has extensive and diverse experience as a Deputy District Attorney, Director at the the RIAA, and in private practice. I have sent clients, friends, clients and other lawyers to Brian, all with great success. He's a lawyer's lawyer."
"I've had the privilege to know Brian Gurwitz for more than 12 years both personally and professionally. I've read the other endorsements posted by those who know him within the legal community and couldn't agree more with the accolades he has received concerning his legal acumen and courtroom abilities. I would however like to mention something else about Brian that I feel is equally important to those in the process of selecting an attorney to defend them in a criminal matter. What is so very special about Brian is that he is a wonderful human being. He is caring, extremely bright and works tirelessly to obtain the best results for his clients. I am able to see how deeply he cares for his clients, how he often he makes himself available to discuss their concerns day and night, and how committed he is to assisting clients both in and out of the courtroom. Anyone with the foresight to select Brian as their legal counsel has made a decision that will benefit them for a lifetime."
Thomas Tuttle
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Eric Francisconi
Litigation lawyer
Cameron Talley
Criminal defense lawyer
Brian Seastrom
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Aaron Fairchild
Business lawyer
Warren Morten
Business lawyer
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Richard Wilner
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Experience
Honors
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Top OC Criminal Defense Attorneys, OC Metro Magazine
2011
AV "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2011
Recognized as One of the Top Five Defense Attorneys in OC, OC Metro Magazine
2010
Best Defense Attorney of 2010, OC Weekly's "Best Of OC" Edition
2008
Outstanding Service and Commitment Award, Recording Industry Association of America
2005
2005 Orange County Public Safety Award, Orange County District Attorney and Orange County Sheriff
2005
Pursuit of Justice Award, Association of Deputy District Attorneys
2005
Commendation, California Legislature
2003
Commendation, California Law Revision Commission
1998
Certificate of Completion, Advanced Appellate Advocacy Program, NDAA National Advocacy Center (Columbia, South Carolina)
1994
Moot Court Awards for Brief Writing and Oral Advocacy, McGeorge School of Law
1994
Law degree awarded "With Distinction", McGeorge School of Law
1994
American Jurisprudence Award, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing
1993
Trial Competition Team Award, San Diego Defense Lawyers Association
1990
Student Senator of the Year, Loyola Marymount University
1990
Undergraduate degree awarded "cum laude", Loyola Marymount University
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Owner, The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, APC
2008 - 2009
Western Regional Counsel, RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)
2007 - 2008
Litigation Associate, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
1994 - 2007
Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
Orange County Bar FoundationFellow
2010 - Present
Orange County Jewish Bar AssociationTreasurer
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2009 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Temple Beth SholomBoard of Directors
2009 - Present
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2012
New York City Bar AssociationJudge of National Moot Court Competition
2008 - 2010
California High Technology Crime CommitteeRecording Industry's Representative
2002 - 2002
California Law Revision CommissionSentencing Law Consultant
2000 - 2003
California District Attorneys AssociationMember of Publications Committee
2000 - 2006
California District Attorneys AssociationMember of Appellate Committee
2000 - 2007
California District Attorneys AssociationMember of Legislative Committee
1998 - 2001
Constitutional Rights FoundationJudge and Coach for Mock Trial Program
1997 - 1999
Whittier Law SchoolMock Trial and Moot Court Judge
1997 - 2000
Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action CommitteeBoard Member
1994 - 2007
Orange County Deputy District AttorneysMember
1994 - 1997
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of CourtMember
1993 - 1994
McGeorge School of LawMember, Trial Competition Team
1992 - 1993
Pacific Law JournalComment Editor
1989 - 1990
Loyola Marymount UniversityStudent Senate
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Gregory Haidl, et al.
Defendants convicted. (Prosecuted case.)
People v. George Jaramillo
Defendant convicted. (Prosecuted case.)
People v. Alyssa Georgie
Client declared factually innocent
Education
1994
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
law
1991
California State University, Sacramento
N/A
1990
Loyola Marymount Univ
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2018
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
New Laws for 2018
2014
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
Moderator - Bankruptcy Options for the Criminal Defendant: A Practical Approach
2014
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
Proposition 47: What to Expect and How it Applies
2013
South Orange County Bar Association
Criminal Law Legal Update
2013
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
US Supreme Court Review and Predictions
2013
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
Winning Strategies in Defending Domestic Violence Cases with Parallel Proceedings in the Family Law Courts
2013
North Orange County Bar Association Continuing Education Dinner
McNeely v. Missouri Update
2012
Sicily Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Preserving the Record for Criminal Appeals
2012
Sicily Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Substance Abuse for Lawyers
2011
Several Panel Discussions with Criminal Law Judges and OC Sheriff Dept. Officials
Realignment: California's New Sentencing Law
2010
Stemming the Tide of Media Piracy
Music Piracy Enforcement: What is Working, What is Not.
2009
Whittier Law School Career Event
Careers in Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement
2008
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hearing
Testimony in Support of Anti-Piracy Legislation
2008
Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association Summer Conference
How to Prosecute Music Piracy Cases
2006
California Legislature, Public Safety Committees (Senate and Assembly)
Testimony in Support of Legislation
2006
Association for Criminal Justice Research
Perspective of the Prosecutor on Three Strike Reform
2005
Legal Issues in Felony Prosecutions (California District Attorneys Association)
Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases
2004
USC Annenberg Institute for Justice and Journalism
Forum: Three Strikes and Mandatory Minimums
2004
The John and Ken Show (KFI 640)
Proposition 66/The Three Strikes Law
2004
The Bill Handel Show (KFI 640)
Proposition 66/The Three Strikes Law
2004
KPCC 89.3 Public Radio
Proposition 66 (Three Strikes) Debate
2002
Orange County District Attorney's MCLE Event
Understanding Proposition 36 – California's New Drug Treatment Laws
2001
Orange County Narcotic Officers Association
Proposition 36 - California's New Drug Treatment Law
2001
Do's and Don'ts of Courtroom Testimony
Orange County Sheriff's Department
2001
Discovery Law Seminar (California District Attorneys Association)
The Peace Officers' Bill of Rights
Publications
2007
The Los Angeles Times
Resign, Sheriff Carona
2007
The Journal for the Advancement of Criminal Justice
Has the three Strikes Law Been Properly Implemented Since Its Enactment or Has It Been Abused?
2004
California District Attorney's Association - Statewide Legal Guide
Recusal Monograph (Editor)
2004
California District Attorney's Association – White Paper
Prosecutors' Perspective on California's Three Strikes Law – A 10 Year Retrospective
2001
California District Attorneys Association - Statewide Legal Guide
Implementing Proposition 36 - The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I reopen a 11 year old case
24 Nov 2009
Q&A
How can I remove a DUI conviction from my record? Does a DUI ever go away?
26 Oct 2009