For more than 40 years, Virginia M. Blumenthal has practiced criminal defense law in Riverside. Due to her dedication, she has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States by The National Trial Lawyers. Additionally, she has been selected by her peers again in 2019 for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America - an honor she has held for more than 30 years.
In 1975, Ms. Blumenthal, a former Riverside school teacher, opened the first woman-owned law firm in Inland Southern California. Today, she is one of the most recognized litigators in California. Her team of attorneys at Blumenthal Law Offices is devoted exclusively to defending the accused.
In November 2018, Ms. Blumenthal was elected to her fourth term on the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, where she long served as President. She has served as President of the Riverside County Philharmonic, is one of the founders of the Riverside County High School Mock Trial program, and is a founding director for the Riverside Police Foundation.
Ms. Blumenthal's work has been recognized by:
The President of the United States
The Governor of California
The Mayor of Riverside
The California Legislature
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors
The Riverside City Council
AREAS OF PRACTICE
White Collar Crimes
All Aspects of Criminal Law
BAR ADMISSIONS
California, 1975
EDUCATION
California Southern Law School, Riverside, California
J.D., 1975
California State Northridge
M.A., 1971
California State Northridge
B.A., 1970
HONORS, AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named Riverside Community College District Alumnus of the Year, 2016
Received the James H. Krieger Meritorious Service Award, the highest honor of the Riverside County Bar Association, 2015
Named Citizen of the Year, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, 2014
Received an Honorary Life Member Award from the Fraternal Order of Police, Riverside, Lodge 8, 2014
Named Riverside County Woman of the Year, California Legislature, 2010
Received the NAACP Law & Justice Award, 2009
Received the YWCA Women of Achievement 'Person Who Makes a Difference' Award, 2008
Received the Gold Key Award, Soroptimist International of Riverside, 2007
Received the ATHENA Leadership Award for outstanding community service, 2004
Opened the first female-owned law firm in Riverside and San Bernardino counties
Rated AV Preeminent, the highest possible rating for professional excellence, by the nation's leading national attorney directory, Martindale Hubbell
Named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers
Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America - an honor she has held for more than 30 years
Named one of the "77 best female litigators in California" by Los Angeles Daily Journal, the San Francisco Daily Journal and the Sacramento Daily Recorder
Named on of the 'Best Lawyers in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties' by Inland Empire Magazine
Named a Top Ranking Law Firm (Blumenthal Law Offices) in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
Named 'One of the Best Women Litigators in California,' one of the 'Most Influential Attorneys in the State of California,' 'One of the Best Lawyers in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties' and 'Super Lawyer in California'
Elected to four terms on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees, with extensive service as Board President
Board member and past president of the Riverside County Philharmonic
Volunteer with the Riverside County Spelling Bee (Head Judge since 1977)
Volunteer and founder of the Riverside County High School Mock Trial Program - helped bring the program to Riverside
Founding governor who helped establish the Riverside Community College Friends of Forensics, to help students learn to speak in front of audiences
Founding director of the Riverside Police Foundation
Honorary coach of the UCR girl's basketball team
CLASSES/SEMINARS
Guest Lecturer, "People Who Make a Difference," Riverside County
