James R. Traut

James R. Traut is the founding partner of the Traut Firm, a legal malpractice and personal injury 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. He is admitted to practice in California. 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. *AV-Preeminent and BV-Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees James R. Traut included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors American Board of Trial Advocates "Trial Lawyer of the Year" Orange County Trial Lawyers Association "Trial Lawyer of the Year" Super Lawyer, 2003 - Present AV Distinguished Rating, the highest possible rating of legal ability “Best Lawyer” by U.S. News & World Report Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Other Sources of Feedback About James R. Traut 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 2008 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2007 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2006 Southern California Super Lawyers list

• California, 1978
• Specialties and Certifications
• Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy

• American Board of Trial Advocates (Diplomate)
• Consumer Attorneys Association of California (Member)
• Consumer Attorneys Association of L.A. (Member)
• American Trial Lawyers Association (Member)
• Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (Member)
• Banyard Inns of Court (Member)