Jim has been a top trial lawyer since 1978. Most of his cases are referred by other attorneys who know of his reputation. He has received numerous professional honors, including Trial Lawyer of the Year awards from the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and from the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association.
One of fewer than 100 California attorneys certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Jim represents all the Traut Firm clients who have been harmed by the negligence of a lawyer ? all legal malpractice cases. He also represents plaintiffs in serious personal injury cases involving vehicle accidents, bike accidents, workplace and construction site accidents, property owner negligence, and defective products. His record of success in these cases includes hundreds of six- and seven-figure settlements, arbitration awards and trial verdicts.
Jim received his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University Law School and was admitted to the California Bar in 1978. He holds an AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Legal Malpractice (Lawyer Negligence)
Mistakes
Incompetence
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Serious Personal Injury and Wrongful Death due to:
Vehicle Accidents
Workplace Accidents
Dangerous Property Conditions
LITIGATION PERCENTAGE
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALTIES
Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
BAR ADMISSIONS
California, 1978
EDUCATION
Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California
J.D.
University of California, Los Angeles, California
B.A.
HONORS AND AWARDS
American Board of Trial Advocates 'Trial Lawyer of the Year'
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association 'Trial Lawyer of the Year'
Super Lawyers, 2003 - Present
AV Preeminent Rating, the highest possible rating of legal ability
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
American Board of Trial Advocates
Consumer Attorneys Association of California
Banyard Inns of Court
Consumer Attorneys Association of L.A.
American Trial Lawyers Association
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
