Free Consultation: (714) 759-5461Tap to Call This Lawyer
James Russell Traut

James Russell Traut

Plaintiffs' Trial Lawyer in Serious Personal Injury & Legal Malpractice Cases
  • Personal Injury, Legal Malpractice, Products Liability
  • California
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography

James R. Traut is the founding partner of the Traut Firm located in Santa Ana, California. His practice is devoted exclusively to litigation and focuses on helping plaintiffs throughout Southern California in serious personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, including truck, auto, motorcycle and bike accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death cases, and premises liability. These cases involve brain injuries, spinal injuries, severe fractures, and wrongful death. Mr. Traut also represents clients pursuing legal malpractice claims. His dedication to protecting the rights of those who have been injured by the negligent or wrongful behavior of others has resulted in numerous settlements, arbitration awards, and trial verdicts in excess of $1 million.
In 1972, Mr. Traut obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1976. Mr. Traut is certified by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification as a Civil Trial Lawyer as well as a Civil Pretrial Practice Lawyer.
In recognition of his superb record and high ethical standards, Mr. Traut has been awarded the AV-Preeminent* rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been named Trial Lawyer of the Year by both the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. He is also recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News & World Report, as well as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Traut furthers his legal advocacy skills through his association with several professional organizations. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mr. Traut is also a member of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Legal Malpractice
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Additional Practice Areas
  • Car Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Wrongful Death
  • Uber/Lyft Accidents
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 84839
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney/Founder
Traut Firm
Current
Education
Pepperdine University School of Law
J.D. (1976)
-
Pepperdine University School of Law Logo
California State University - Long Beach
Bachelor's Degree (1972)
Placeholder image for education.
Awards
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Rated a “Super Lawyer” for the past 15 years.
AV-rated Preeminent
Martindale Hubbell
AV Preeminent Rated in 2016, 2018, 2019
Best Lawyer
U.S. News & World Report
Best Law Firm, Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs, Tier 1, Orange County
U.S. News & World Report
Trial Lawyer of the Year
Orange County American Board of Trial Advocates
Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
Top 100 Lawyer
National Trial Lawyers
Professional Associations
Orange County Bar Assn.
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Orange County Trial Lawyers Assn.
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Board of Trial Advocates, CAL-ABOTA
Associate Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
California State Bar  # 84839
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Speaking Engagements
Opening Statements, ABOTA Seminar
Jury Selection, College of Trial Advocacy
Jury Selection, College of Trial Advocacy
Certifications
Certified Civil Trial Specialist
National Board of Trial Advocacy
Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate
The National Board of Trial Advocacy
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Traut Firm Blog
Contact & Map
Traut Firm
5 Hutton Centre Dr
Suite 700
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Telephone: (714) 759-5461
Fax: (714) 835-5900
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Prospective Clients call (714) 386-1058 after hours. Available 24/7.