The only past President of the State Bar of California ever elected from the Inland Empire, James Heiting handles civil litigation matters throughout California, recovering well over $400 million for clients, dealing with wrongful death, serious injury, professional malpractice and transportation accidents. Also past President of Riverside’s County Bar, his firm has served the Inland Empire for over 45 years.
The Managing Partner of Heiting & Irwin, APLC has been practicing law since receiving his doctorate degree in law in 1976. Mr. Heiting is admitted to practice before all courts of the state, the federal courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, and the California and United States Supreme Courts.
Mr. Heiting also served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California, was a co-founder of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (training younger or less experienced members of the bar) and a charter member of the Inland Empire Federal Bar Association. He was president of the Other Bar (a statewide organization of judges and lawyers helping other lawyers and judges) 1991-1993, and a board member from 1988-2003 and again since 2006. He is or has been a member of multiple federal and state litigation, ethics, and trial associations. He served the American Bar Association as west coast Commissioner of the Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs overseeing programs in nine western states.
Mr. Heiting has served in a variety of roles in Superior Court and the Federal District Court. He is also sought after as a privately requested and court appointed arbitrator and mediator in state courts and the California Court of Appeal. He has been an invited speaker, lecturer and panelist for the State Bar and a variety of legal and community organizations.
Mr. Heiting handles serious injuries and wrongful death claims and has been recognized as a SuperLawyer over 12 years, is a Lawyer of Distinction, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and enjoys the highest rating possible from rating services Martindale-Hubbell (AV rating over 21 consecutive years) and AVVO (“Superb” for a very long time).
Emphasizing civil litigation in his career, Mr. Heiting has represented clients in bringing and/or defending a wide variety of claims. He is recognized as an extremely successful, tough and tenacious lawyer.
Mr. Heiting and his wife Cindy were married in 1971 and have three sons. They live in Riverside.
