Finding an Embezzlement Attorney in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: I cannot endorse specific attorneys or firms. The following are well-reviewed Los Angeles criminal defense practices with white-collar/embezzlement experience, based on public directories (Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, State Bar). Verify current status, conflicts, and fees directly.

Selection Criteria

• California State Bar active, no discipline.
• White-collar / federal criminal defense focus.
• Embezzlement (PC 503) / fraud / theft case history.
• Federal court experience (most embezzlement >$950 or interstate = federal).
• Client reviews, peer ratings, trial experience.

Firms Often Cited (Alphabetical)

• Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert Nessim Drooks Lenczner & Rhow — High-profile white collar.
• Buchalter — White collar group, multi-office.
• Greenberg Glusker — Litigation, white collar.
• Helfend Law Group — Criminal defense, embezzlement focus.
• Kleinberg, Lopez & Lange — Federal criminal defense.
• Law Offices of Robert A. Helfend — Embezzlement specialist marketing.
• Mandel & Mandel LLP — White collar, investigations.
• Munger, Tolles & Olson — Elite litigation, white collar.
• O'Melveny & Myers — White collar & investigations.
• Paul Hastings — Global, white collar.
• Quinn Emanuel — Trial-focused, white collar.
• Sheppard Mullin — White collar, internal investigations.

How to Choose

1. Consult 3–5. Most offer free initial consult.
2. Ask: "How many PC 503 / 18 USC 656/664/1343 cases have you taken to trial/plea?"
3. Fee structure: Hourly ($500–$1,500+/hr), flat fee (rare), hybrid. Retainer $25K–$100K+ typical.
4. Team: Who does the work? Partner vs. associate.
5. Conflict check: Must clear before engagement.

Free/Low-Cost Options

• Federal Public Defender (CDCA) — if financially eligible.
• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles — civil only.
• Law school clinics: UCLA, USC, Loyola — limited criminal.

Embezzlement charges are serious (felony, restitution, prison, immigration consequences). Do not delay. Attorney-client privilege attaches at consultation.