Los Angeles sits in Los Angeles County, and civil and criminal cases from the area are generally heard in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, one of the largest trial court systems in the state. The city's size and its role as a hub for entertainment, media and international business mean local firms often handle cases with an unusual mix of contract, employment and intellectual property issues alongside more everyday legal needs.

Practice areas people search for in Los Angeles

Personal Injury lawyers in Los Angeles handle car accidents, pedestrian injuries and other cases where someone was hurt due to negligence.
Family & Divorce lawyers work through divorce, custody and property division for LA County residents.
Criminal Defense lawyers represent people facing charges in the county's courts, from misdemeanors to felonies.
DUI & DWI lawyers focus specifically on driving-under-the-influence cases and their procedures.
Immigration lawyers handle visas, green cards and removal defense — federal matters handled the same way nationwide.
Employment lawyers take on wrongful termination, wage disputes and workplace discrimination claims.
Business lawyers in Los Angeles work with the city's dense mix of startups, studios and established companies on contracts and disputes.
Estate Planning & Probate lawyers help with wills, trusts and settling an estate through the county's courts.

How to choose a lawyer in Los Angeles

Start by confirming the lawyer's license is active with the State Bar of California, which also shows any public disciplinary history. From there, look for experience with the Los Angeles County Superior Court specifically, since local court procedure and judges can differ from other counties. Ask how billing works — contingency, hourly or flat fee — and get the agreement in writing before your case moves forward. A first consultation is a good chance to see whether the firm actually listens to your situation before proposing a plan.

Free and low-cost help

Los Angeles has legal aid organizations that assist lower-income residents with civil matters such as housing, family law and public benefits, and the State Bar of California's referral service can connect you with a local attorney for a low-cost initial consultation. Several law schools in the LA area run legal clinics staffed by supervised students, and the county's courts publish self-help materials for people handling small claims or simple matters on their own.

If you know which type of case you have, you can go straight to a practice-specific list, such as personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles or family lawyers in Los Angeles. And if you're also weighing options a bit further out, lawyers in Pasadena is worth a look too, since firms there often handle the same range of LA County cases.

Lawyers in California

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed California attorney about your situation.

Updated 2026-09-28.