About James
James W. Spertus: Experienced Criminal Defense and White-Collar Crime Attorney in Los Angeles
James W. Spertus is a renowned experienced trial attorney and former federal prosecutor who has been litigating cases in federal and state courts for over 26 years. His extensive background as both a federal prosecutor and civil litigation associate provides him with unparalleled insight into various legal domains, enabling him to offer clients a comprehensive array of services tailored to their specific needs.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense: General Practice
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Commercial Litigation
Mr. Spertus has a diverse and extensive background in the legal field, starting with his roles as an Assistant United States Attorney and civil litigation associate at Irell & Manella LLP. From 1996 to 2004, he served as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, where he prosecuted major frauds, major crimes, and computer crimes across various industries. This experience led him to become a founding member of the Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section in 2000 and to spend many years as an intellectual property prosecutor supervising complex investigations involving trade secret theft, computer intrusions, and intellectual property.
Awards
- Recognized: Criminal Defense: General Practice in Best Attorney USA since 2012
- Recognized: Criminal Defense: White-Collar in Best Attorney USA since 2012
- Daily Journal's Top 100 Lawyers in California (2023)
- Southern California Super Lawyers (each year since 2008)
- U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers in America (since 2012)
Mr. Spertus has also served as a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative from 2006 through 2016, where he continues to contribute his expertise through various ABA organizations such as the ABA White Collar Crime Subcommittee and the FBA Rules of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Subcommittee. His commitment to excellence in legal practice is evident in his involvement with these esteemed professional groups.
Education
- B.A., Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 1987
- J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 1994
The core of Mr. Spertus' legal philosophy is rooted in his dedication to providing clients with the highest quality of service and representation. His years of experience have honed his skills in criminal defense, white-collar crime litigation, and commercial litigation, all with a focus on delivering tailored solutions that address each client's unique circumstances.
At Spertus, Josephs & Minnick LLP, where he is currently an integral member of the legal team, Mr. Spertus continues to uphold the standards of professionalism and excellence expected in his field. His clients appreciate his ability to communicate complex legal concepts with clarity, ensuring they understand their rights and options throughout each stage of a case.
Mr. Spertus is fluent in English and has maintained proficiency in Spanish for over 30 years. This language skill enables him to effectively communicate with bilingual clients who require specialized services or face language barriers, further emphasizing his commitment to providing equitable legal counsel to all those he represents.
