Jesse Soto Ortiz III

Jesse Ortiz began his illustrious legal career after receiving his juris doctor from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific in December of 1994. Shortly after graduating, Mr. Ortiz joined the law firm of Hefner Stark & Marios as an associate attorney. He contributed to the firm’s success by handling all aspects of civil litigation cases.

Mr. Ortiz took the opportunity to enter private practice and opened his own office in January 1998. Initially working mainly in civil litigation with an emphasis on labor and employment law, his practice represented both employees and employers. He expanded the practice to include criminal law in early 2000. Continuing to focus on both civil and criminal litigation, Mr. Ortiz has distinguished himself over the past eleven years with victories in numerous trials throughout the State of California.

While his recent and continued work on Uriel Ojeda’s, the Redding priest facing charges of molestation, case has received widespread media attention, Mr. Ortiz has been consistently recognized as one of California’s premier advocates in criminal and civil trials. After he gained acquittal of murder charges for Joseph Skates in a much publicized 2011 trial and successfully defended Juan Carlos Gonzalez from allegations in a well known 2008 shooting, the Sacramento Bee called Mr. Ortiz a “Defender in Demand” and highlighted the wins he’s had in cases throughout California.

Having worked on behalf of clients in over one hundred jury trials in many counties around the state, Mr. Ortiz believes in the importance of just and fair representation for everyone facing trial. Mr. Ortiz’s reputation for success is built on the expertise, understanding, and respect with which he serves his clients.