Just as I was dealing with a very difficult situation, I got lucky and came across Ms. Jayne who listened and advised with patience and kindness. My case got different turns during a period of one year but Ms. Jayne's professionalism and timeliness kept it from taking the unwanted direction and eventually we achieved the desired result. I wish her further success in her work and undoubtedly- I highly recommend her!
My case was resolved in less than half an hour after my first meeting with Atty Julia.
Yes, unbelievable! She worked like lightning
aggressive and fast! I was feeling hopeless when I
searched for criminal defense lawyers in my area.
Upon reading the comments, my intuition told me
she's the right one. She emailed me right away and
we're really prompt in responding to my inquiries. At
that time I've felt like she was sent to defend me (I
prayed for the right one). She's honest,
straightforward, witty, sharp. After talking to her, I
insisted on having a consultation, I really needed to
see her coz I knew in my heart she would hear me,
and fought for me. Who am I anyway, a victim of
heartless people, migrated from
a foreign country and only had my mom and 2 little
kids. I cried my heart out while telling my story and
the facts of my case. Julia has a big heart. She
comforted me. I've felt her sincerity. She enlightened me about the procedure in the US and that she didn't see anything to worry about. 20 minutes after I left her office, I received numerous calls! From her! She said, Come back I will returnyour money. I said why?"The case is closed! I've spoke with .." I wasoverwhelmed with so much emotions- grateful,,vindicated, exhausted, I criedand prayed like I havenever done before. Thank you Lord for sending me this person. Thank you Atty Julia. I am forever grateful. When I came back, hugged her so tight. She saved me, my kids, my family.So my rating? Above and beyond!
Julia Mezhinsky Jayne is a founding partner of Jayne Law Group, P.C. (formerly, Campbell & Jayne LLP).
Ms. Jayne is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer who concentrates her practice on both white collar and general criminal defense in felony and misdemeanor cases. She represents a broad array of individuals and small companies in state and federal court, at the investigative, pre-trial, and trial stages. Her successes range from outright case dismissals to extremely favorable plea agreements. Ms. Jayne also has extensive jury trial experience in both state and federal court. Ms. Jayne is committed to making sure each client is satisfied with the result of his/her case. She has handled several newsworthy and high-profile cases.
Her white collar criminal defense matters include prosecutions involving mail and wire fraud violations, securities fraud (insider trading), bank fraud, environmental crimes, money laundering, alien harboring, money smuggling, antitrust, immigration crimes, false statements, identity theft, criminal contempt, tax evasion, and prosecutions with significant asset forfeiture implications.
Ms. Jayne’s experience in general criminal defense runs the gamut — from violent felonies and vehicular manslaughter to drug possession and sales, sexual assault, firearms offenses, juvenile offenses, theft and fraud cases, robbery, burglary, and driving under the influence.
Before founding her own firms, Ms. Jayne served as a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County. There, she tried a variety of misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases. In her role as a prosecutor, she filed criminal charges, negotiated thousands of cases, and independently tried over 30 jury trials. After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Jayne worked as a civil litigator at Larson • King in San Francisco. Thereafter, Ms. Jayne worked as a white collar criminal defense attorney and civil litigator at Sideman & Bancroft LLP, where she was involved in the representation of several high-profile white collar criminal defense clients.
Ms. Jayne also served as a legal intern to the Organized Crime Strike Force for the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Office in San Francisco. She is also an adjunct professor at U.C. Hastings College of the Law since 2003.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An attorney with kindliness and timeliness
Just as I was dealing with a very difficult situation, I got lucky and came across Ms. Jayne who listened and advised with patience and kindness. My case got different turns during a period of one year but Ms. Jayne's professionalism and timeliness kept it from taking the unwanted direction and eventually we achieved the desired result. I wish her further success in her work and undoubtedly- I highly recommend her!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Above and beyond
My case was resolved in less than half an hour after my first meeting with Atty Julia.
Yes, unbelievable! She worked like lightning
aggressive and fast! I was feeling hopeless when I
searched for criminal defense lawyers in my area.
Upon reading the comments, my intuition told me
she's the right one. She emailed me right away and
we're really prompt in responding to my inquiries. At
that time I've felt like she was sent to defend me (I
prayed for the right one). She's honest,
straightforward, witty, sharp. After talking to her, I
insisted on having a consultation, I really needed to
see her coz I knew in my heart she would hear me,
and fought for me. Who am I anyway, a victim of
heartless people, migrated from
a foreign country and only had my mom and 2 little
kids. I cried my heart out while telling my story and
the facts of my case. Julia has a big heart. She
comforted me. I've felt her sincerity. She enlightened me about the procedure in the US and that she didn't see anything to worry about. 20 minutes after I left her office, I received numerous calls! From her! She said, Come back I will returnyour money. I said why?"The case is closed! I've spoke with .." I wasoverwhelmed with so much emotions- grateful,,vindicated, exhausted, I criedand prayed like I havenever done before. Thank you Lord for sending me this person. Thank you Atty Julia. I am forever grateful. When I came back, hugged her so tight. She saved me, my kids, my family.So my rating? Above and beyond!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Super advocate
Julia is a great lawyer, and has the skills and personality you want to represent you and negotiate on your behalf. My case involved a settled outcome that satisfied the prosecutor, and she was just brilliant at that. She is very responsive and gave me good advice early in my case, of course. But after the initial stage, she really went into overdrive, and recognized that she had an opportunity with this prosecutor to get my case dismissed. She knew an expert who did an effective evaluation and used another expert also in an artful way. She was correct that this would satisfy the prosecutor, and made it happen.
She's one of those rare high-EQ people that works so well with persons, but who uses the rapport she builds to get a good outcome. She had a great strategy, and inspired a lot of confidence.
I would hire her for any lawyer work, but also for any negotiation, which I think requires even more skill and talent.
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Posted by anonymous | February 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fabulous Attorney!
I had a situation where I needed to hire an Attorney so I asked a longtime friend of mine (who is also an Attorney) to refer me to someone that specializes what I need. He highly referred Julia Jayne - telling me "she is sharp and everyone speaks very highly of her".
After my initial call, I was convinced she was the right person. Aside from being smart and savvy, she is very down to earth, straight forward and has the unique ability to simplify complicated things into laymen's terms. Within minutes of retaining her she was fast at work and within less than a month, she resolved everything!
What I loved about Julia is that she always answers the phone and responds to emails and calls in real time. Anyone can tell she is super busy and high in demand but yet she takes her time to explain everything and to answer all questions to make the client comfortable. She is also thorough in everything she does and her follow up skills are amazing!
In addition to her services I feel as though I received at least two college credits in law from everything that she was able to teach me. I would highly recommend her and would use her again if I ever need an attorney!
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Posted by Valerie Fenchel | July 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Criminal Law Attorney in San Francisco
I never hesitate to refer Julia business. She goes above and beyond for my clients to get them out of the worst situations so that they can move on with their lives.
Posted by Alex | May 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best lawyer ever !
Julia Mezhinsky is amazing lawyer. She is very honest, smart, intelligent, energetic and very friendly . She is really wonderful person who knows her job very well. She helped me with very hard case . Thanks to Julia I won this case and I did not even go to court. My case was dismissed. Also, on first free consultation I have received a full detailed information related to my case which was very helpful, not like other lawyers want to get money right away before to give you full information.
I definitely recommend Julia Mezhinsky as a very good professional lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | April 6, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable and easy to talk to
I called Jayne after finding her onine. She was really nice on the phone and easy to talk to. She was absolutely willing to give me advice over the phone and although I did not end up needing an attorney she was very helpful and responsive.
Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Aggressive Advocate for Her Clients
The Alameda County District Attorney's first offer in my case was for 6 months in custody. In addition, the victim in my case (which involved harassment and a restraining order violation) was adamant that I serve as much time as possible and actively involved in the case.
Julia Jayne was able to negotiate a plea bargain with the DA that resulted in my spending just over a month in custody - a small fraction of the time that the DA and the victim had been pushing for.
Julia was always available to answer questions and give advice, and she explained everything in layman's terms. I felt that Julia was genuinely concerned with not only the outcome of my case, but also with my personal welfare. Julia treated me like a close friend or family member throughout my case and I am still occasionally in touch with her.
In sum, Julia is an excellent lawyer who will work hard for the best possible result in your case, who is also empathic to your situation and will make the process as painless for you and your family as she can.
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Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An experienced, skilled, determined and professional attorney
I recently hired Julia for the case of a family member.
At the beginning we hired another attorney but we wanted a better resolution that attorney couldn't provide. After intensively research on internet, I decided to contact Julia for consultation. I received Julia's response immediately. After exchanging a few rounds of emails with me to understand the case and our need, she took actions immediately because of the urgency of the case. We were impressed with Julia's professionalism and speed with which she was able to provide assistance and resolution. She kept following up on our case until the end. And she is very experienced and skilled. That was the main reason we changed our lawyer and hired her. And we were glad we did that. The case turned out the way we had hoped, beyond hoped it would.
Again, Julia was very professional, responsive and determined to help. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking legal advise and help.
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Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Fast and sophisticated lawyer
I called her for my case and she called back and respond very fast to my several calls . She is very direct,open and listen my case. Even though, she is not my lawyer, but willing to spend her time for me. I thank you for that.
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worth every penny
Under certain circumstances I had an opportunity to work with Julia. She was very professional, sharp and knowledgeable! Her communication was direct and effectiive. The entire process was carefully planned and executed. She is simply one of the best you can hire and have the pleasure to work with.
Posted by AP | June 11, 2015
Highly Recommended
If you need someone on your side, Julia Jayne couldn't be a better lawyer.
I recently hired her for my case where she was extremely professional, responsive and determined to help. Her experience helped me understand the legal process as well as gain confidence over time I had to walk into that court room. My case was dismissed thanks to her negotiations.
I highly recommend her legal advise to anyone in need to get their life back on track.
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Posted by Jerry | April 3, 2015
An attorney you can depend on!
I have been working with Julia Jayne since 2010. She is very professional and knowledgeable. I trust her instinct in cases. She has gotten me a great deal on my case. I like to way how she treats her clients. She is very striaght forward, doesn't hide anything. With great ideas on helping out with your cases. That will eventually lead to great outcomes. Anyone that has Julia by their side is a winner.
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Posted by Elena | March 3, 2015
I recommend Julia Jayne
I found Julia thru Yelp searching for trustful attorney, and since then contacted her twice regarding different occasions. Every time I was extremely impressed how responsive and helpful she was.There are so many great things I'd like to say about Julia. She is a very compassion and highly intelligent attorney who is truly hands-on with her client cases, even it is just a consultation over the phone. Julia is a great listener, very detailed oriented and customer-centered. Her level of expertise, organization and professionalism is untouchable. I'd highly commend Julia to everyone who wants their attorney to be smart and available for you and/or your loved ones during rough times.
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Posted by Michael | February 21, 2015
Julia Jayne is a high-caliber professional!
Julia helped me with a case in which I felt incredibly helpless. I had told the truth about a horrible incident in which I was not the aggressor, but I ended up in jail anyway - facing felony charges. Within a week the case had been dismissed, and along the way Julia's calm, confident approach helped me get through each day.
I've never faced anything like that before, and hopefully never will again, but Julia made it somehow tolerable. I would recommend her to anyone. As a sidenote, I rarely take the time to submit reviews online about anything, but the level of service I recieved from Julia can't go unappreciated. Bottom line - contact her. You won't regret it.
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Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2015
Great defense lawyer -- DUI
I was referred to Julia after I I got a DUI driving back from a company party. I was facing 4 different violations, but managed to get those dropped to one. Julia found a few errors in the arrest report and was able to leverage those during negotiations for a much less severe penalty. I still paid a bit in fines, have mandatory classes, and some community service, but with as high a BAC as I had, I think it's the best possible scenario.
What I appreciate most and what I think sets her apart is her responsiveness to any and all questions I had. I never needed to wait more than a day for a response, and most came within a few hours. Given some stressful situations I was in, it was great to have quick reassurance. And despite feeling like a real idiot and embarrassed about my poor decision, I never felt judged or criticized by her. She's not a therapist to whom you can whine about your problems, but she will treat you with respect and argue determinedly to represent you in the best possible way.
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Posted by henry | February 18, 2015
Excellent Representation
Ms Jayne was retained in connection with a drunk and disorderly charge in Santa Clara County. She was very dilligent in monitoring the matter and kept in constant communication with me. She is both knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Kate | November 17, 2014
Amazing Criminal Attorney
I am giving Julia Jayne 5 stars because she kept my son from going to prison. It's that simple. He was living in a college town, charged with a serious crime, and we were being told by everyone in that town that he was simply going to be found guilty. No one listened to his side of the story -- not the DA, not the local lawyers, and certainly not the judge. It didn't matter that the alleged victim never pressed charges. It didn't matter that there was no physical evidence to back up the charges. It didn't matter that my son had no criminal history whatsoever. The DA was going to make an example out of my son for her own purposes. His life was ending right before my eyes and I felt powerless to help him.
We first worked with the local Public Defender. She believed there was no real case, but had such a heavy case load that she couldn't properly defend my son. We then interviewed three local 'top' attorneys who all gave us a very grim outlook, and retained the best of the three. After nine months of fruitless phone calls to him, virtually no communication on the status of the case, and absolutely NO progress, we realized he was not going to help. Despite the large outlay of money, the complete anxiety of the case and it's far reaching implications for my son, and the fact that his life had been in a suspended state for over a year, we decided it was time to find a good attorney.
We searched every possible way to find an aggressive, intelligent, fearless attorney who would take the time to understand the case. We found Julia. She listened to my son's side of the story, she read through hundreds of pages of interviews, listened to hours of tape recordings, spent hours with my son, and asked every possible question to try to understand what really happened. She very quickly understood how fraudulent this case was, but also realized how committed to it the D.A. was. She never promised us she could get it dismissed, but she gave us her commitment that she would fight it in the toughest way possible. And she did. During the next few months she went to battle (including using an aggressive, and very smart, investigator) and got ALL the felony charges dismissed.
Julia thinks strategically and her skills in negotiating with the prosecution are stellar. Her communication with us was constant and very clear. She responded to our questions immediately and completely. She never made us feel insignificant -- no matter how many times we called on her. She was fearless against a very tough female D.A. She listened to my son and took the time to understand his case. We will forever appreciate Julia for her effort and kindness, and for giving my son his life back. I truly believe you will never find a better attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | October 8, 2014
Superb Representation, Dedicated Professional and Aggressive Defense Attorney
I was facing three felony charges stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident. My partner alleged that I had dragged her, threatened her with a weapon and held her captive against her will after a heated argument. She has also been diagnosed since her teenage years, with an anxiety disorder. She also has an Axis II diagnosis: Borderline Personality Disorder. She has a history of self-mutilation, anorexia- nervosa and cocaine abuse.
As you can see, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist INTERN (MFTi - hours not completed[Master's in Counseling Psychology]), and a certified MHRS (mental health rehabilitation specialist in the State of California) That being said, a criminal arrest in which violence is alleged, has the potential to not only ruin, but end my career altogether. So I absolutely needed the best criminal defense attorney who has experience trying cases before a jury, is known by most of the criminal Justices in the Bay Area and someone who understood what long-term consequences I was facing, the anxiety and stress I was feeling as a result of the arrest and someone who believed in my version of the events that led to my arrest.
After reading many reviews of many different attorneys who specialized in domestic violence defense and forwarding those attorney's links to my family back east, Julia was the attorney whose credentials and experience stood out. I should note that my father's side of the family - including my father - consists of three lawyers and a Housing Court Judge, all of whom practiced and sit in New York City. Even they agreed that Julia was as good as they come - at least she looked good on paper. But could those credentials and experience rise to the occasion and meet my needs.
I have learned in my profession and through my own experience that attorneys often don't listen to what the client needs or understands what outcome is best for this specific client. If I were a blue-collar worker, sure, I could have saved some money and plead to a misdemeanor 6 months ago and accepted a default judgement in the restraining order that was filed against me. But because of my profession, I couldn't. I had to fight. And Julia understood this.
This is the best part of Julia the attorney: she understood why we needed to work for a certain result. And I appreciated that. She understood what result I needed and why I needed it. Julia also believed in my version of the events - I acted in self defense, and failed to call the police which led to my imminent arrest. But after she read and acquired my ex-partner's medical and mental health records, she began to draw a clear picture and strategy.
Julia would often email and call me anytime she received a piece of information that helped my case. She also gave me her personal cell phone number and she would text updates to me and she would always, promptly (and I mean within the hour) respond to whatever questions I had, via text.
First, we had to deal with the civil matter: the restraining order. Julia's cross-examination was aggressive and she made multiple objections during these hearings. I believe that her persistence exhausted the other side and certainly dissuaded my ex-partner from wanting to continue by testifying in the criminal matter.
In the end, Julia turned three violent felonies into one very low misdemeanor: simple assault. I was sentenced to informal probation for two years (which just means that I have to stay out of trouble for that period of time) and complete 32 hours of anger management. We never went to trial, which saved me time away from my job, money and anxiety. JULIA IS THE BEST DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN SF.
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Posted by anonymous | June 11, 2014
Best Customer Service I've Ever Experienced
I contacted Julia and retained her almost immediately. The petitioner's accusations during a civil hearing were false and unfounded. Julia demonstrated before the judge the inconsistencies in the petitioner's claim. Julia's defense was indisputable and the judge ruled in my favor. This entire situation left me unsettled, but Julia was always there. She returned my calls/emails promptly, and she exercised the utmost patience during my ordeal.
The way Julia handles matters in court is remarkable. She is beyond talented and her ability to convey her point is impressive to watch. I will always be a fan of Julia and will never forget her efforts. I can honestly say that I will be forever indebted. Julia far exceeded my expectations.
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Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Julia Jayne is not only a savvy and knowledgeable litigator, but also shows caring and compassion for her clients. Every client and every case is given the individualized attention needed for a great outcome."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Julia is a tenacious criminal defense attorney. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw from. I wouldn't hesitate to refer a client to her for any white collar or other criminal matter."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Julia is amazing. She's dedicated, motivated, extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. Every one of my clients I have referred to her were thrilled with results and I don't hesitate to recommend her anytime I'm asked for a recommendation of a criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Julia is one of the best criminal attorneys I know. She is fierce in the court room and knows how to make a district attorney nervous with her trial skills and superior knowledge of the law. Her clients love her and they have good reason to."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Julia brings a wealth of experience and ability to the practice of law. She is an outstanding advocate for her clients and adheres to the highest level of professional ethics."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"If you have found yourself running afoul of the Penal Code, one telephone call is all you need. Call Julia Jayne. Julia is one of the best Criminal Defense attorneys in the Bay Area."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Other
"My office frequently refers criminal defense matters to Ms. Jayne. Her work is impeccable, and she truly cares about her clients. Highly recommended. I endorse this lawyer."