Don Ernst

Born in San Luis Obispo County, graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics 1971, and the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975. Admitted to the California Bar in 1975. Began practice in San Diego and moved to San Luis Obispo in 1976. Partner in Ernst and Mattison since 1980, specializing in civil litigation. Extensive trial experience. Tried over 100 cases to verdict. Member American Board of Trial Advocates, American Associaton for Justice, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, President and Founder of the Central Coast Trial Lawyers Association, 1990, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association President 2002-2003, Consumer Attorneys of California board of governors from 1990 to present, and currently President-elect. Taught over 30 CEB programs on tort and insurance law from 1988 to present. Authored articles for Forum and the California Bar Journal on torts and civil procedure. Adjunct professor Cal Poly State University 1978 through 92. Central Coast Trial Lawyer of the Year 1998, 2002. Martindale-Hubbell rated. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Don Ernst included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors CCTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year, 1998 CCTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2002 Other Sources of Feedback About Don Ernst Included on the 2026Southern California Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2022 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2020 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2019 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2018 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2017 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2016 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2015 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2014 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2013 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2012 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2011 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2010 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2009 Southern California Super Lawyers list

• Partner
• References
• County of San Luis Obispo
• Bank of America

• Adjunct Professor, Sponsor of 8 Continuing Education Programs in Tort & Insurance Litigation, California State University, 1982 - 1989

• Mariscal v. Old Republic Life Insurance Company
• Citation: 42 Cal. App. 4th, 1617
• Year: 1996

• California, 1975
• U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1975
• U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1985

• San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, 2001 - 2002 (President)
• State Bar of California
• American Association for Justice
• Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
• Central Coast Trial Lawyer's Association, 1989 - 1990 (Founder and President)
• Consumer Attorneys of California, 1989 - 1999 (Board of Governors)
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Sigma Chi