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Dennis Gene Merenbach

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Avvo Rating10
  • Santa Barbara, CA
  • Licensed for 54 years
  • Free consultation
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About Dennis

 

When it comes to experience and results, few Santa Barbara attorneys can match Dennis Merenbach’s achievements. Merenbach has delivered successful outcomes for 1000’s of clients and has an impressive array of legal accomplishments that go far beyond his core practice: Legal Lecturer, Law Teacher, Legal Media Commenter, Arbitrator and Mediator, along with having published legal articles & case opinions. 

Merenbach is a Founding Member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and a former Board Director.  He is a Legal Television Commentor for ABC Affiliate KEYT and served as a Radio Talk Show Host for "You & The Law," on KTMS 

 

 

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Practice areas

OtherEstate planningAlimonyCriminal defenseDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 30%

    6 years

  2. Criminal defense: 25%

    6 years

  3. Alimony: 10%

    6 years

  4. Estate planning: 10%

    6 years

  1. Trusts: 10%

    6 years

  2. DUI and DWI: 5%

    6 years

  3. Family: 5%

    6 years

  4. Personal injury: 5%

    6 years

Languages spoken

Chinese, Wu, Chinese, Xiang, Spanish

Photos and videos

218308 1432924221

Contact

Dennis G. Merenbach, esq

225 E Carrillo St Ste 202
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive196605/13/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers2
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    10 Best Client Satisfaction AwardAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2015
    Award of High Distinction: Improving Criminal Justice SystemCalifornia Attorneys for Criminal Justice2008
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerMerenbach Law1986 - Present
    PartnerMerenbach and Luc1969 - 1986
    PartnerHenderson and Merenbach1966 - 1969
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    California Public Defender's AssociationMember1982 - Present
    California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeFounding Member - Former Board Director1973 - Present
    United States Supreme CourtMember1968 - Present
    Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationMember1968 - Present
    California State Bar AssociationMember1966 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Book, Fithian Press"How to be an Expert Witness"1993
    Boulas v. Superior Court188 Cal. App. 3rd 422 •233 Cal. Rptr. 4871986
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Harvard Law School at Boston, MassachusettsLegal Advocacy1973
    Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount UniversityJuris Doctor1966
    USC: University of Southern CaliforniaBachelor of Arts1961
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    California State BarCriminal Section1997
    California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeCriminal Law1992
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    1000's of cases with successful outcomeWins, Dismissed or Reduction
    $1.8 Million AwardWin
    Felony death, manslaughter and many other feloniesdismissed
    Arion W.acquitted
    Robert L.dismissed
    Jonas M.dismissed
    Mike M.dismissed
    Rodney Hreduced to a Wet reckless
    Jon M.Prevented Adult adjudication
    Sam M,Prevented Adult adjudication

    Reviews

    (15)
    5 Star
    		93%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		7%
    Review Dennis Merenbach

    DUI

    Posted by

    He got my DUI dismissed after collecting significant information with regard to how my stop was handled. I am in Ventura County, and he was recommended by a friend in Santa Barbara. Very impressed with his abilities, and professionalism. He was very compassionate with regard to this being my first DUI, and how terrified I was. Thank you Mr. Merenbach, you changed my life. I am grateful that you took on my case. I don't think the end results would have been the same without you.

    Custody Case

    Posted by

    Mr. Merenbach handled a custody case for me. He was truly professional, honest and supportive. In the end, I got everything I asked for; and we were up against a nasty battle with my ex. I recommend him to every one for any type of legal advice. He is pure no non-sense, intelligent and well respected in several counties. I will be using him for my Will, Trust and Estate plan as well. He is worth every penny you spend for the results he provides! I HIGHLY recommend Dennis Merenbach. Go in for a consultation, you too will see exactly what I mean and will hire him!

    Non-Profits

    Posted by

    Mr. Merenbach has been very helpful in answering questions about and drafting legal forms for our non-profit organization. I recommend him for quick and detailed answers to complex questions. W. R. Tanner

    A lawyer, not just an attorney

    Posted by

    Mr. Merenbach personifies what we all wish our lawyer to be. He is smart, and wise; he is honest and ethical; it is clear that he is respected and admired by the judges and his peers. Mr. Merenbach reminds me of how law used to be practiced, before the pit bulls took over. He believes in trying to keep his clients out of court, but once in he will do all that is advisable and proper to advocate for you. Dennis Merenbach is the best!

    Best !

    Posted by

    He is by far one of the best Attorneys!!!!!!!! Attorney Merenbach is on top of his cases he is prepared and always keeps clients informed.....He is there when you need him.

    A great Lawyer

    Posted by

    I find that Mr. Dennis Merenbach is one of the best lawyers that anyone could ever have. I have been most impressed with his knowledge that embraces the heart of the matter in which he is addressing. I praise God that such a personable Lawyer such as Mr. Merenbach is in our community. With his trustworthy and responsive attitude you can be assured that what ever is presented to him within the law will be addressed in a timely and reasonable way.

    A great Lawyer

    Posted by

    I find that Mr. Dennis Merenbach is one of the best lawyers that anyone could ever have. I have been most impressed with his knowledge that embraces the heart of the matter in which he is addressing. I praise God that such a personable Lawyer such as Mr. Merenbach is in our community. With his trustworthy and responsive attitude you can be assured that what ever is present to him within the law will be addressed in a timely and reasonable way.

    An exceptional lawyer

    Posted by

    I have known Dennis since the late 70's. I have used him in a number of litigations, most recently with an accident invoving my son who was seriously injured. I knew from the begining that Dennis was the first call. Rest assured Dennis and his staff will take good care of you.

    First class representation

    Posted by

    My family had an unexpected legal issue crop up and being unfamiliar with the process reached out to Mr. Merenbach for counsel. Our initial consultation answered all of our questions and set our minds at ease. Upon retaining Dennis the case moved forward in a highly professional manner. Without getting into details, I can say without hesitation that we appreciated being his client and heartily recommend his practice.

    Excellent Personal Service Provided

    Posted by

    Dennis has assisted my family by providing us the clear and concise information we needed. His assistance in understanding legal issues has also given us peace of mind. We would highly recommend Dennis for any legal matter, including the writing of wills.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (8)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Douglas Black, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 10, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Dennis Merenbach is a consummate professional. He is honest, caring and always fights for his clients. Dennis has mentored me and many other lawyers through their law career. I hold Dennis in the highest regard and endorse this lawyer.

    Gregory Young, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 9, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Merenbach is an amazing trial attorney. I worked with him in trial and I have witnessed him give the best defense in my career. I endorse this lawyer.

    Renee Nordstrand, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 5, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Dennis Merenbach has superior skills in all phases of the practice of law. He fights for his clients at every turn of their case. He is a highly qualified professional.

    Glenn Dorfman

    I have known Dennis Merenbach on a personal and professional level for over 30 years, having been a tenant of his professional office building since @1982. I have had a succesful legal career due in part to the mentoring that he provided to me over the years. I can say without reservation that Dennis is known and deserves to be known as not only one of the best trial lawyers in Santa Barbara but he also possesses a great legal mind and always seems to know the right thing to do. The AVVO form only allowed selection of one area of the law to endorse him for but I know him be extremely competent in the areas of Criminal Law, Cilvil Litigation of all kinds, Family Law, Business and Property Law, and many others. He is extremely personable, elegant in his ways, and considered to be one of the most distinguished attorneys in the Santa Barbara legal community and any client would, in my opinion, be fortunate indeed to be represented or advised by Dennis Merenbach.

    Barton Merrill, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 4, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Dennis has all of the training and expertise to obtain extremely positive results in many areas of the law, including personal injury, marital disputes, criminal and business litigation. I endorse this lawyer.

    Diana Pugh, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jun 4, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Dennis Merenbach is an outstanding attorney and I endorse this lawyer.

    William Poulis, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 28, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Dennis Merenbach is the highest caliber attorney in Santa Barbara. Outstanding!

    Roger Lytel, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 12, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Dennis Merenbach is unmatched in his experience, trial record and knowledge. He is the absolute best.

    Cost

    RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        30 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Sometimes
      • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.
        5%
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card