Raised in Santa Fe Springs, Jim attended a Catholic high school where he was a star football player, later inducted into their Hall of Fame. He got a football scholarship to Utah State, but eventually transferred to Long Beach State, where he graduated as a psychology major.
He had to work his way through college and eventually, law school, working jobs like moving heavy machinery to and from factories. He definitely learned the value of hard work, which helped him get through law school while working full-time. He eventually got his private investigator license during law school. He ultimately graduated from Pepperdine School of Law and began practicing in 1978.
After graduating law school, he chose to begin his legal career by starting his own law firm, where he initially handled various types of cases. It was a baptism of fire, as he had his first trial within months of being sworn in. He soon focused on personal injury law exclusively.
Having worked in personal injury law for decades, Jim has a keen sense for what the value of a claim is, and he knows how to get claims resolved. He has a reputation with insurance companies and their lawyers as not backing down and taking a case to trial if the settlement offer is not adequate.
Jim still thoroughly enjoys the practice of law and works hard at resolving his clients’ cases by way of litigation, successful negotiation, or trial. For more than four decades, Jim has successfully represented injured people and those harmed by the negligence of an attorney. He has successfully tried to verdict over two hundred cases, many with his daughter, Taylor. Through detailed and aggressive pre-trial preparation, Jim has been able to maximize the value of the many cases he has negotiated and settled for his clients. Every case he handles, he prepares as though it is going to trial.
His decades in the legal field have given him wisdom, knowledge, and experience that make him a better lawyer for his clients.
J.D. – 1978
B.A. – 1972
Major: Psychology
California State Bar, Member – 1978
Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
“Jim and his entire staff are the opposite of what many experience with attorneys. He took my phone calls or returned them in a timely fashion. I had access to staff pretty much 24/7.
Jim kept me up-to-date on my case, included me in decisions regarding different aspects of my case, gave me clear and concise professional advice on those decisions, and listened to my concerns, so I felt I had the necessary information to make an informed decision. Other decisions he made that I asked about were explained in a manner a layman could understand. I came away realizing that experience does matter. It was a very positive experience.”
If you’ve been injured in an accident, harmed by unsafe property conditions, or wronged by a negligent attorney, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and strict time limits apply to every case.
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Not every lawyer delivers the representation clients deserve. When attorneys fail to meet deadlines, provide inadequate advice, mishandle cases, or create conflicts of interest, the consequences can be severe. At Traut Firm, we are among the few firms in Orange County that specialize in legal malpractice litigation. We hold negligent lawyers accountable, helping clients recover damages for the harm caused.
From busy freeways to local streets, Orange County sees thousands of serious collisions each year. Our attorneys represent victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:
Property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment on their premises. When they fail, people get hurt. Our premises liability attorneys represent victims injured by hazards such as:
These cases often involve complex building codes and expert testimony, and we have the experience to prove liability and get justice for you.
Helping families pursue justice and financial recovery after losing a loved one.
Life-changing head injuries requiring specialized medical and legal expertise.
