Santa Barbara County Lawyers

Doug Ridley has experience with thousands of criminal cases. He has the voice and demeanor to handle matters cooperatively with the courts, along with the experience and savvy to be a tough defender when necessary. Doug’s job as a prosecutor started in the case file review department where he reviewed up to a hundred files per day, and led him all the way to lead prosecutor for the Special Victims Unit (The most serious crimes in the county). His background gives him an expert eye and unique ability to see the case the way the prosecutor sees it. Understanding how...

Doug Donnelly is an attorney specializing in adoption law and guardianships. He is also an adopting parent, author, and lecturer. He has practiced adoption law for over 40 years, and has handled over 4000 adoptions. He has spoken on legal issues related to adoption law at legal gatherings throughout the United States, and handles adoption cases statewide throughout California. He was the author of A Guide to Adoption, and co-author of The Complete Adoption Handbook. He has testified numerous times before committees of the California legislature, and has written several bills regarding adoption law, which...

Andrade Law Offices is comprised of Lead Counsel and Owner, Steven R. Andrade and Associate Philip M. Green. Together they bring more than 50 years of combined legal expertise in the legal practice of Personal Injury, Criminal and DUI defense. Steven Andrade has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the State of California and is a member of Multi-Million Dollar Advocates. With thousands of trials to his credit, it is no wonder he is recognized with these prestigious recognitions. Steven R. Andrade is known as the lawyer that other lawyers...

Chris Jones, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, has practiced law since 1972. His philosophy of making law easy, understandable, clear and comfortable (”making you an expert”) has helped him become one of the most well respected and knowledgeable Trusts and Estate Planning attorneys in Santa Barbara and on the Central Coast.

His areas of expertise include: Wills, estates, trusts and probate, including living trusts, tax planning, business succession planning, irrevocable trusts, advanced direction of health care, generation-skipping planning and avoidance of probate. He is a California State Bar certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law. As his clients'...

Criminal Defense Lawyer and Civil Litigator for over 40 years in Santa Barbara, California; Certified Criminal Law Specialist (The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization); Past President of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ).

Mr. Sanger has handled numerous high profile cases, death penalty and other homicide cases as well as complex criminal white collar and civil litigation in state and federal courts.

Mr. Sanger is also a Professor of Law and Forensic Science at the Santa Barbara College of Law and consults on forensic issues on a selected basis. He is an opponent of the death penalty...

Steven P. Roberts studied economics and philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Humboldt. He obtained his juris doctorate degree from Willamette University. During law school, he was a senior law clerk for the United States Attorney's Office, District of Oregon. Mr. Roberts was admitted to the California State Bar in 1999 and became a member of the San Luis Obispo Bar Association in 2000. Mr. Roberts is a founding partner Roberts & Spiegel, LLP and is admitted to practice law in both California State and Federal courts. He is currently...

As a founding Partner, Randall Sutter is involved in the daily operations of the law firm with emphasis in the following practice areas: Bankruptcy and Consumer Advocacy: Mr. Sutter helps individuals and small businesses develop asset protection strategies and counsels various options for eliminating or restructuring debt and liabilities. Not only is Mr. Sutter knowledgeable in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, but he has also successfully confirmed plans for complicated Chapter 11 reorganization cases. General Business Counsel: As a business owner and entrepreneur for 25 years, Mr. Sutter brings a unique perspective to helping small...

Recent Accolades:
Featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal, Most Influential Lawyers of 2014.
Named as one of the 2015 Trusted Advisors for the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.
Awarded as 2016 Top Attorneys of Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine.
Awarded 2016 Global Law Experts Award for Business Start-Up IP Law Firm in California.
Named 2016 Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year by Acquisition International.
Named 2017 America’s Most Honored Professional by The American Registry.
Awarded multiple years of Super Lawyer recognition.
Named 2019 Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers of U.S. News and World Report.
Named 2019 Business Start-Up IP Law Firm of the Year in California...

Representing Landlords in Eviction Cases. Assisting Interstate Household Goods Moving Companies with Tariffs and Contracts. Practicing member of the State Bar of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Cherie L. Brenner has been practicing law for over thirty five 35 years. She has handled over a thousand cases . She has been certified through Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiations and UC-Hastings Law School program in trial advocacy. Ms. Brenner teaches law at a local law school. She is a published author and continues to inform and update the public on the law.

Alex Craigie is an AV-Preeminent trial lawyer who focuses exclusively on representing clients in employment law matters. He is a proven courtroom lawyer with deep experience in lawsuits involving employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage-hour matters and independent contractor misclassification. His employment discrimination cases involve discrimination based on race, color, religion, religious creed, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, disability (mental and physical), medical condition, genetic information and marital status. His harassment cases involve sexual harassment, racial harassment and disability harassment. Alex has successfully tried cases in administrative, state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. He an experienced and...

Travis C. Logue is a Partner at Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP and leads the Firm’s real estate practice. Mr. Logue represents clients in a broad range of real estate transactions and high-stakes civil litigation matters.

Mr. Logue is lead counsel in the seminal case which successfully overturned the Santa Barbara's controversial 2015 ban of short-term vacation rentals in the Coastal Zone. This landmark victory preserved important individual property rights and revived affordable accommodations. He is also counsel of record in dozens of wrongful death, personal injury and property damage cases filed against Southern California Edison and various public entities...

My practice is devoted entirely to bankruptcy and debt resolution. I represent consumer and small business debtors and creditors in cases under chapters 7, 11, and 13. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to representing chapter 7 trustees.

Robert May was raised the oldest of five siblings in a blue-collar family on the Central Coast. Robert spent his teenage years working after school and each summer at the local cement plant where he would shovel an endless supply of sand and repair cement trucks. Robert then made the decision to be the first member of his family to receive a college degree. Robert’s goal was to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo after his grandfather, Bob May, who worked at the San Luis Mill for more than thirty years, took Robert to the campus.

After graduating from Righetti High...

Adam T. Carralejo is a trial attorney with broad expertise and a strong, ethical reputation. Adam started his career handling estate and trust work in Santa Barbara – his first client matter was the infamous case of Butler v. LeBouef, involving an unethical estate planning attorney and successful trust contest in Santa Barbara Superior Court. Adam would go on to spend several years with a Los Angeles firm advising HOA boards and representing HOA homeowners. During this time, he gained invaluable experience understanding the needs of community managers, boards of directors, and, most importantly, individual homeowners. He’s drafted CC&Rs, provided education...

DUI and criminal defense attorney.

We are not a factory defense firm. Because we have fewer cases, we can devote more time to each client. Our services are reasonably priced and we do not overcharge for simple matters.

Customized Criminal Defense Solutions...because criminal defense is not "one-size-fits-all."

We listen to our clients' goals, then create customized criminal defense strategies in order to achieve them.
Our goal is to provide every client with high-quality criminal defense services.

We can guide you during this crisis so that it does not have a lasting impact on your life.

30+ years in criminal justice. 21+ years in California as a criminal defense lawyer. Former law professor at Santa Barbara College of Law, taught evidence. Former Public Defender handling felonies. Frequent lecturer to students and lawyers about criminal justice and DUI. AVVO rated 10/Superb. Highest rating possible (A-V) by Martindale-Hubbell.

After teaching at the college level for over 25 years, Bruce McIver decided to take up the mantle of the law. He was reluctant to give up the security of his position, but took a chance and attended law school, graduating with honors and being admitted to the practice of law by the California Bar. While he enjoyed his years of teaching Shakespeare at Reed College, Union College, UCLA, UCSB, and the University of Ljubljana, he wanted to help people of a different ages, and in different ways, mindful of his clients' needs to manage their estates....

Mr. Sheffield is one of the top estate planning, tax, and trusts and estates attorneys on the Central Coast. His practice focuses on advising individuals and families regarding tax, estate planning, probate, trust and business succession matters, and advising corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies regarding business and tax matters.

Mr. Sheffield is a Certified Tax Specialist. He has been awarded a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV Preeminent, signifying the highest level of ethical standards and legal ability, for 28 consecutive years. He has also been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer.

Mr. Sheffield is a past Chairman of the...

The process of choosing an attorney is an important one and can be confusing. You simply want to know if you can trust me to handle your legal issue. You want to know if you’ll make a personal connection and not feel like another face in the crowd; whether I can meet you where you are and truly understand your needs. Some attorneys go directly from high school to college, on to law school, then into practice. There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that; it’s been a successful route for more than a few. However, that overlooks the value of...

I have been a lawyer since 2003 and practiced predominately criminal defense since 2004. I am passionate about what I do and have a reputation for going the extra mile.

I am a highly trained mediator and lawyer with 25 years of experience in the field of dispute resolution. As a former trial attorney, I know the anatomy of a lawsuit. As a mediator, I understand the dynamics of conflict. With insight, empathy, perspective and legal knowledge, I help parties communicate and reach common ground.

Darin K. Spiegel was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and studied Political Science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He earned his juris doctorate degree from the University of LaVerne College of Law. During law school Mr. Spiegel was invited to join the Moot Court traveling team and served as the Student Bar Association Vice President and President, respectively. Mr. Spiegel was admitted to the California State Bar in 2009 and started the Law Office of Darin K. Spiegel, specializing in personal injury. He partnered with J Johnson Law Office, Inc. in 2012 expanding his areas...

I am a magna cum laude graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. I have practiced bankruptcy law for over 40 years, working for some of the biggest and best bankruptcy firms in Southern California. I retired a few years ago and moved to Colorado but California is home so I moved back here and I'm living in Santa Barbara. I've started a website (bankruptcysage.com) to offer advice and counsel to people considering bankruptcy. I don't want to work full time but I do want to use my skills to help people who are trying to figure out this...

Mr. Campbell has been a civil litigator for over 30 years. He has successfully represented individuals, corporations, partnerships, trustees and executors in cases involving a wide range of legal issues, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, will and trust contests, business torts and trade secrets. Mr. Campbell has significant experience and expertise with real estate litigation in particular, including failures to disclose, fraud, quiet title actions, easement disputes, encroachments, trespass, nuisance and safe harbor litigation.

Mr. Campbell has been awarded a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV Preeminent, signifying the highest level of ethical standards and legal ability, for 14 consecutive...

Mr. Erickson's practice areas include business and commercial contract negotiations, entity formations and transactions, real estate acquisitions, sales, construction, land use planning and development, estate planning, employment law and internet law. Mr. Erickson serves domestic and international clients with respect to their interests throughout California. He enjoys long lasting relationships with many of his clients.

Mr. Erickson has developed a unique expertise in representing buyers and sellers of large estates, and advising on all aspects of the construction and management of such estates. A career accomplishment was partnering with an insurance underwriter to develop a unique course-of-construction insurance policy for large...

I deal with a wide variety of legal issues on a daily basis, which include, but are not limited to, pre-litigation strategy and negotiation, general and complex civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, discovery preparation and responses, as well as law and motion, trial, and appellate appearances.

I have been involved as Plaintiff's counsel in numerous complex civil litigation matters, many of which have settled prior to trial; and have also been involved as lead counsel or second chair in multiple cases that went to trial and/or were appealed.

Julian Sarafian wears multiple hats, excelling as both a lawyer and a content creator. He founded the renowned law firm, "For Creators by Creators PC," which focuses on serving content creators and social media influencers. In addition to his legal pursuits, Julian is an active content creator himself, sharing videos and blog posts on Tiktok, Youtube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. His collective followers across these platforms are nearing an impressive 350,000. Furthermore, Julian's written contributions have graced esteemed publications such as The American Lawyer, Law360, Business Insider, Bloomberg Law, and CNBC. His unwavering advocacy for mental health has garnered media attention,...

Mr. Wansor is an accomplished civil litigator. His practice is focused on personal injury, real estate, land use, hospitality, products liability, business torts, construction, and will and trust contests.

Mr. Wansor's analytical strengths allow for the accurate assessment of potential exposure and liability and the creation and implementation of sophisticated litigation strategies. Mr. Wansor's strategic sense and writing abilities lead to successful results, whether by keen negotiation or motions leading to the disposition of cases.

Prior to joining Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, Mr. Wansor worked as a litigation partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP, where he defended Fortune 500...

Ms. Grattan has been a lawyer for over 30 years. She is both a trained mediator and an experienced trial lawyer. She also has experience and training in Collaborative Law. Her practice areas include family law and civil litigation.

In Family Law, Ms. Grattan believes that intelligent and creative solutions should be employed to minimize the financial and emotional toll of divorce and divorce-related issues on her clients and their children. She would prefer to brainstorm to find a win-win solution to court, and putting the children first is a focal point of her mediation efforts. Ms. Grattan is a strong...

Criminal Defense Law. I use my 13 years of legal experience to fight for you on the Central Coast. As a former prosecutor, I know the ins and outs of the legal system and can work those details to your advantage.

Georgia L. Staab has been practicing law in Santa Barbara for over 22 years. Her practice is devoted to representing clients in all aspects family law, including divorce, child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support, guardianships, pre and post nuptial agreements, post-judgment modifications, post-divorce issues, domestic violence, paternity and move-aways. As a seasoned family law attorney, Georgia can explain your rights, responsibilities and the alternatives available for resolving the issues of your case. She will listen to your unique situation, and work to find solutions that are in the best interests of you and your family....

U.C., Davis, BA 1985 U.C., Davis, MA 1986 U.C., Davis, JD 1989

Attorney Pearlman is the founder of the criminal defense firm, the Law Offices of Adam L. Pearlman. He has been involved in the field of criminal law for more than 17 years, during which he has handled thousands of cases. Mr. Pearlman is a member of numerous associations including the Federal Bar Association, the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the National College of DUI Defense, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also is a former prosecutor, which now enables him to predict the actions that the opposing side may take, and he use this insight to build...

Braden R. Leck focuses on advising individuals and businesses on real estate and business transactions, intellectual property matters, estate planning and trust administration.

Prior to joining Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP, Mr. Leck was a partner at the Santa Barbara law firm of Seed Mackall LLP. Mr. Leck began his legal career in Los Angeles at the international law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP. Mr. Leck received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and his law degree from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law.

Real Estate. Mr. Leck routinely counsels clients with...

Mr. Tomlinson's experience in tax planning, tax audits and appeals and international business transactions is unmatched on California’s Central Coast. Mr. Tomlinson's practice also focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administrations, business formations and mergers and acquisitions.

Mr. Tomlinson received J.D. degree from Northwestern University. He began his law career as an attorney with the IRS Chief Counsel's Office. He rose to senior trial attorney with the IRS and served for a period as acting IRS Assistant Regional Counsel.

After leaving the IRS, Mr. Tomlinson served as in house counsel for several Fortune 500 corporations over a span of 18 years,...

Channe Gallagher Coles is the founder and primary attorney of the Law Office of Channe G. Coles. Born in Newport Beach, California in 1978, Ms. Coles lived briefly in Mississippi and Arizona before returning to Southern California (Orange County) as a young child. Becuase her parents divorced when she was 3-years old, Ms. Coles spent her early years growing up in a single-family home with her mother and four sisters. Following the lead of strong female role models in her family, Ms. Coles has strived to embody the American ethic that through hard work, determination and initiative you can accomplish...

Mr. Rogers is a founding partner of Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP. He is a leading business and real estate lawyer in Santa Barbara, representing individuals and businesses throughout California's Central Coast. During a legal career spanning almost five decades, Mr. Rogers has represented clients in a wide range of corporate, business and real estate matters, including entity formations, asset and entity purchases, sales, financings, mergers and acquisitions, complex contract negotiations, commercial transactions, real estate syndications, land use planning and development and acquisition, and leasing and licensing of oil and gas rights.

Mr. Rogers has been awarded a Martindale-Hubbell rating of...