Born and raised in San Pedro, California, Anthony Falangetti is a true Californian through and through. After graduating from San Pedro High in 1986, he set his sights on undergraduate school at the University of California Santa Barbara. In 1991, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, and Law and Society.
In 1994, Anthony received his Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, where he graduated with honors. During his time in school, he was a member of the Traynor Honors Society and won the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association Award for First Honors in Trial Advocacy.
After working as a clerk for the Orange County District Attorney's Office and writing appellate briefs for the Attorney General's Office for several years, Anthony dove deeper into the legal world and became a Deputy District Attorney. It would be several years before he would transition into a renowned Long Beach criminal defense lawyer.
Time as a Deputy District Attorney
For 15 years, Anthony worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a Deputy District Attorney. During his time there, Anthony established a solid reputation in several southern California courthouses, including Torrance, Long Beach, Inglewood, Inglewood Juvenile, and the Criminal Courts Building in downtown Los Angeles (which has now been renamed the Clara Shortridge Foltz Justice Center).
Working in the Hardcore Gang Unit
During his time as a D.A., Anthony spent nearly a decade working in the infamous Hardcore Gang Unit, where he prosecuted over 40 murder cases — 25 of which were brought before a jury. In total, Anthony tried 65 cases, most of which dealt with murder, burglary, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and narcotics possession and distribution.
Tackling Slumlord Properties
Between cases, Anthony focused his attention on cleaning up the buildings in his home state. Most notably, he worked with the City of Lakewood to clean up more than 90 slumlord properties. He then put together an extensive, three-part training program for landlords within the area, so that they were able to easily understand what laws and regulations they had to follow.
From the Law Firm of Anthony Falangetti to West Coast Defense
After nearly a decade and a half at the District Attorney's Office, Anthony decided that it was time to start his own practice — the Law Firm of Anthony Falangetti. With a robust skillset inside and out of the courtroom, Anthony immediately began achieving outstanding results for his clients, with many of his cases being dismissed. After a few years, Anthony changed the name of his firm to West Coast Defense.
While our name may have changed, the aggressive representation and fervent passion of our founder still remains.
Commendations
U.S. Congress, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition
U.S. Congress, House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award
From Steven Horn, U.S. Representative
California State Senate, Certificate of Recognition
California State Assembly, Certificate of Recognition
County of Los Angeles Award of Merit
Distinguished Service Award, City of Lakewood
Award of Appreciation from L.A.P.D. Newton Division
Prosecutor of the Month, Torrance Branch Court
Deputy District Attorney of the Month
Selected as apart of Top 100 National Trial Lawyers 2013
Included in the list of California Super Lawyers® for 2012, 2013 and 2014
