Yoshiaki “Yoshi” Kubota is a founding partner at Kubota & Craig, a premier personal injury law firm based in Irvine, California. With over three decades of dedicated legal service, Yoshi has established himself as one of Southern California’s most respected and accomplished trial attorneys.
His unwavering commitment to justice, client advocacy, and legal excellence has earned him a formidable reputation among both peers and clients, along with numerous accolades.
Yoshi’s extensive career is marked by compassionate representation and top-tier results for injury victims, reflecting a deep passion for securing justice for those in Orange County and beyond.
Experience and Expertise
Yoshi Kubota brings deep legal experience in:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Proven experience handling complex auto accident claims involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, as well as pedestrian and bicycle incidents.
- Premises Liability
- Expertise in slip-and-fall cases, negligent security claims, and other property-related injuries where unsafe conditions caused harm.
- Product Liability
- Successful advocacy in cases involving dangerous or defective products, holding manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by faulty design or negligence.
- Government Liability
- Experienced in claims against government entities (public property hazards, municipal negligence) under governmental tort liability laws.
- Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injuries
Compassionate representation for families in wrongful death cases and extensive experience with life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Yoshi’s deep understanding of these areas of law allows him to craft strategic legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
His legal acumen is further demonstrated by consistent peer recognition – he has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer every year from 2010 to 2025 and was included in the Best Lawyers in America list in 2025 – honors that place him among the top 5% of attorneys nationwide.
He has also been selected to the list of National Association of Distinguished Counsel, an honor reserved for the Top 1% of attorneys nationwide.
Leadership and Industry Contributions
Yoshi actively shapes personal injury law and advocates for victims through:
- President, Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA)
- During his tenure as OCTLA President (2011), Yoshi championed the rights of injured individuals and fostered professional growth within the trial lawyer community. He played a pivotal role in shaping policies to better protect accident victims and support fellow attorneys.
- Board of Governors, Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC)
- As an active board member (2006–2012), Yoshi advocated for consumer rights and worked on legislative reforms to benefit injury victims statewide. His leadership in CAOC helped advance laws and policies that ensure justice for the injured.
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
- Membership & Leadership: Yoshi is a distinguished member of ABOTA, reflecting his high standing among trial lawyers. He has served as Parliamentarian for ABOTA’s Orange County Chapter and in 2023 was elected as a Trustee to the National ABOTA Foundation Board of Trustees. In these roles, he promotes civility, ethics, and education in the legal profession, influencing the next generation of trial attorneys.
Advocacy and Mentorship
Yoshi is dedicated to advancing the legal profession and inclusivity within it. Early in his career, he served on the Japanese American Citizens League board, advocating for diversity and community engagement. He continues to mentor young lawyers and remains a strong voice for professionalism and ethical practice in law.
Awards and Honors
- Best Lawyers in America (2025)
- Recognized for excellence in personal injury litigation, confirming Yoshi’s status as one of the top personal injury attorneys in the nation.
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top 1% (2025)
- Based on case results, Yoshi has been selected to the list of the Top 1% of attorneys nationwide.
- Super Lawyers (2010–2025)
- Selected annually as a Southern California Super Lawyer for over a decade, reflecting sustained peer recognition of his outstanding legal skills and results.
- National Trial Lawyers “Top 100”
- Honored as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the U.S., highlighting his expertise and success in high-stakes personal injury cases.
- Consumer Attorneys of California – Presidential Award of Merit (2008–2011)
- Received multiple times for his leadership and unwavering dedication to consumer advocacy and victims’ rights.
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Achieved the highest peer review rating for ethics and skill, denoting the pinnacle of professional excellence and integrity in the practice of law.
- Top Attorney Recognition
- Featured by Los Angeles Magazine and Orange Coast Magazine as a Top Attorney in Southern California every year since 2010, underscoring his prominent reputation in both the Los Angeles and Orange County legal communities.
- Western State College of Law Hall of Fame (2012)
- Inducted by his alma mater in honor of his exemplary legal career and significant contributions to the field of law.
