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Lawyer Profile

Image of Eric V. Traut

Eric V. Traut

Traut Firm
  • Recognized Since:
    2015
  • Recognized in:
    Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Law School:
    Western State University College of Law
  • Website:
    http://www.trautfirm.com
  • Languages:
    English, Spanish
  • Location:
    Griffin Towers, Suite 700
    Five Hutton Centre Drive
    Santa Ana, CA 92707
  • LinkedIn
"After losing my husband in a tragic way, Mr. Traut and his team went above and beyond to get me through this painful time. He was very attentive on answering emails and phone calls right away. He had a lot of compassion for my loss and worked extremely hard resulting in a settlement we were happy with. I would highly recommend him. Thank you so much Mr. Traut!"

-Lani Link, Honolulu

"I retained Eric Traut and the Traut Firm after he was recommended by a friend and I couldn’t be happier that I did. After being seriously injured in an accident, I thought I’d be looking at an embarrassingly puny insurance payoff. Eric stayed on the case, and in the end, I was able to secure a settlement that was much more in line with the severity of the accident. Eric and everyone else at the firm who dealt with the case were kind, responsive, and efficient. I couldn’t ask for more!"

-Sam Graham

Read More Client Comments
  • Lawyer Bio
  • Client Comments
  • Firm Details
  • News & Media
  • Case History

Lawyer Bio

Eric Traut distinguished himself early as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California when he was recognized as the youngest winner of the prestigious “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award in the history of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association and has gone on to try more than 100 jury trials over his 30- year career. For ten consecutive years, Eric has been selected by his peers to the list of Super Lawyers, including the “Top 50 Orange County” and “Top 100 Southern California” as featured in Los Angeles Magazine. Additionally, Eric is honored to be named to the list of Best Lawyers of America, a recognition reserved for only the top 3% of the Bar.

Eric is 1 of only 65 members in the entire state of California, and 1 of only 3 members in Orange County who practices law in the areas of plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death. Eric has handled high-profile cases that have resulted in appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., and ABC's "Primetime." Eric was the youngest member ever admitted to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) at the age of 33, where he served as President of the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA in 2010. He is currently one of just 200 ABOTA Diplomates to have tried more than 100 jury trials, of the 7000 members of the organization. In January 2020, he received the Trial Lawyer of the Year award from the Orange County Chapter of ABOTA, which is recognized as the highest honor a Southern California Lawyer can receive, awarded annually to a recipient exhibiting the best traits of a Southern California trial lawyer. In December 2019, he received The Robert Samuel Barnes Award from the Orange County Bar Foundation's Project Youth, which is only given to a recipient who has contributed substantially to Project Youth in order to assist in best serving the youth and families of Orange County.

In January 2018, he received the ABOTA Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award, which is only given to a member whose integrity, civility and professionalism inspire trust among counsel and clients, and promotes respect for the profession. As the Past President of the Orange County Bar Foundation, Eric led a non-profit organization strengthening Orange County youth and families through unique, award-winning health and education programs. In 2008, he was named as Alumni of the Year at Western State University Law School and was inducted into the school’s "Hall of Fame" in 2013. He is a recipient of the Angelo Palmieri Award for Civility from the Banyard Inn of Court and was the first lawyer to be awarded the OC Look award by Orange Coast Magazine, an award given to those individuals who exemplify success and style in Orange County.

Eric has been a speaker at countless seminars on litigation and trial skills, spoken at various law schools about the importance of civility and professionalism and published multiple articles on strategy and practice.

Read more on firm website
  • Education
  • Bar Admissions
  • Affiliations
  • Award List
  • Additional Information

Education:

  • Western State University College of Law , J.D., graduated 1989
  • California State University Fullerton, BA, graduated 1986

Bar Admissions:

  • California, The State Bar of California

Affiliations:

  • America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys - -
  • Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County - Board Member
  • Amarican Inns of Court - Member, 2000-Present
  • American Board of Trial Advocates - National Representative, 2015
  • Banyard Inn of Court - Board Member, 2002 - Present
  • Banyard Inn of Court - Co-President 2016-2017
  • Banyard Inn of Court - Inn Liason, 2008-Present
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of California - Member, 1990
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles - Member, 1990
  • Consumer Attorneys of California - Continuing Education Committee, 2016
  • Consumer Attorneys of California - Legislative Committee, 2016
  • Consumer Attorneys of California - Member, 2016
  • Consumer Attorneys of California - Member, 2016
  • Consumer Attorneys of California - Member, 2016
  • Lex Romana (Italian/American Lawyers of Orange County) - President, 2005 - 2006
  • Orange County Bar Association - Board Member, 2002 - 2003, 2010 - 2011
  • Orange County Bar Association - Chairperson of College of Trial Advocacy, 2004 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Foundation - President, 2014
  • Orange County Chapter of ABOTA - Advocate, 1998 - Present
  • Orange County Chapter of ABOTA - President, 2010
  • Orange County Trial Lawyers Association - Member, 1990
  • Orange County Trial Lawyers Association - President, 2002

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for work in:

  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
 

Awards:

  • ABOTA, Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2020
  • OCBF, The Robert Samuel Barnes Award, 2019
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
  • ABOTA Diplomate
  • Best Lawyers, 2015-present
  • Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, 2016-present
  • Orange County Trial Lawyers Association Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, 2003
  • Alumni Hall of Fame from Western State Law School, 2013
  • Alumni of the Year from Western State Law School, 2008
  • Banyard Inn of Court, Civility Award, 2009
  • OC Look Award, Orange Coast Magazine, 2010
  • Super Lawyers "Top 100 Southern California," 2013-2014
  • Super Lawyers "Top 50 of Orange County," 2008-2014
  • Super Lawyers 2005-2014

Additional Information:

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed Private Investigator, 1988 – Present
National Board of Legal Specialty Certification – Board Certified Advocate
Civil Trial Specialist, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy

 

 

Lawyer Client Comments

"After losing my husband in a tragic way, Mr. Traut and his team went above and beyond to get me through this painful time. He was very attentive on answering emails and phone calls right away. He had a lot of compassion for my loss and worked extremely hard resulting in a settlement we were happy with. I would highly recommend him. Thank you so much Mr. Traut!"

Lani Link, Honolulu

"I retained Eric Traut and the Traut Firm after he was recommended by a friend and I couldn’t be happier that I did. After being seriously injured in an accident, I thought I’d be looking at an embarrassingly puny insurance payoff. Eric stayed on the case, and in the end, I was able to secure a settlement that was much more in line with the severity of the accident. Eric and everyone else at the firm who dealt with the case were kind, responsive, and efficient. I couldn’t ask for more!"

Sam Graham

"I will be more than happy to refer any family and friends to Eric and the great people at Traut Firm. I was stuck with a horrible firm trying to deal with a case for over three years. When I met Eric and made the move to Traut Firm within a week Eric was able to complete my case and have results for me that the other firm did not come near in their 3 years on my case. I am more than thrilled to have worked with Eric and again will gladly recommend him to all family and friends in need of any legal help."

Noah Nabors, Huntington Beach

"Eric Traut is one of the best attorneys out there! He and Naila were very helpful throughout my whole case. Quick to respond to any questions I had and communicated well with me. Mr. Traut never gave up, he pushed hard to get me the best settlement possible, and I am very happy with the results! I highly recommend The Traut Firm to anyone looking for an attorney."

Michael Sanborn, San Juan Capistrano

"Despite a wild 2020, Mr. Traut was successfully able to negotiate and close my case in a timely matter. All communication was professional and precise. I appreciate his direct communication and thoroughness. I would highly recommend to anyone if you have been a victim of someone else’s negligence."

Elizabeth George

"I highly recommend The Traut Firm to anyone looking for representation in a personal injury case. Eric Traut represented me and he was wonderful to work with. Mr. Traut and those who work for him were very polite, quick to respond, answered all of my questions, communicated well, and settled my case fairly. I was originally not going to hire an attorney for my case which was a rear-end collision case. A friend, who is also an attorney, recommended Mr. Traut as he is one of the best trial attorneys in our area. I'm so glad I found him. From the moment I hired him Mr. Traut was wonderful to work with, and I would highly recommend him to anyone involved in a personal injury case."

Katie Mullen

"Eric Traut is a true professional. Mr. Traut and his staff made a very difficult situation much better than I could have expected. The final results exceeded my expectations in a very timely matter."

Robert Batistic, Integrity Tax Relief, Placentia

"Eric Traut went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations! This is a true professional that uses knowledge, talents, persistence and general kindness to push forward and get you the result you seek! He never quit. That relentless polished style has made him the best lawyer in California! "

Nancy Hayden, Trabuco Canyon

"Mr. Traut was professional and had a positive attitude toward my case. He kept in touch via email or would call for confirmations that were necessary. He was able to get a lien retracted, smoothing the way to a successful settlement. His hard work and diligence were much appreciated. "

Elizabeth Colvin

"Eric helped me after my motorcycle accident. He took it on no problem and gave me all the advice I would need during the process. He also replies to my emails FAST! I think that was my favorite part. "

Chad Stuetzel , Orange

"Eric Traut and his team were amazing in assisting me with my claim after being involved with in an auto accident. There were very thorough and walked me through the process in terms that I could understand. Everyone was very professional and kind. I wouldn’t want to be in this position again, but if I were, I would want Erick Traut to represent me."

Cathy Sims, Orange, CA

"Eric was professional and well-prepared throughout all of our interactions. He sought the best reward possible for my situation while remaining ethical and fair. I felt that I was in very capable hands with Eric as my lawyer. "

Meghan Telkamp

"My children and I were in a 3 car accident in 2014. We got medical treatment and our car repaired but had trouble reaching Personal Injury settlements. Unfortunately the party at fault was underinsured for all of the damage and injury he caused. Eric not only helped me get a fair portion of the available funds from the insurance company representing the driver at fault, but he continued to represent me until I could be awarded a settlement from my own Under-Insured Motorist policy. After trying to handle this situation myself for the first two years, I have no doubt that Eric helped me receive more compensation then I would have secured on my own. Further, Eric exuded such confidence and explained each step so simply that I was immediately much calmer and more comfortable once I let him take control of the case. I highly recommend Eric if you ever find yourself in need of a lawyer. "

Jennifer Guild, Attachmate Corporation, Seattle

"Eric Traut and his brother Jim are two of the best attorneys in Southern California today. I have known them since 1995 and I can say without a doubt they are extremely well regarded in the legal field. Tough negotiators and honest men, the both!"

Jeff Tabor, Jeff Tabor Group, Irvine

"Eric and his legal team are amazing. After our daughter was killed we weren’t sure what to do. Eric took care of every detail for us. He is the best attorney we’ve ever worked with. And everything was settled in just about a year; we couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome."

Jamie Hawkins, Hesperia

"Eric did a wonderful job of representing me in my personal injury matter. The insurance company was low balling us and not taking my case seriously, in spite of my car being totaled, my broken bones and my serious head injury. He finally got me more than 10 times their initial offer. He is fair, aggressive and a really nice person."

Cynthia Carlson, Torrance

"When looking for representation you look for the best attorney, but you also want someone who cares. Not only are Eric V. Trout and his staff the best, they also go above and beyond because they care about you, the individual. What more can you ask for?"

Adam Ruvelson, LoanDepot, Irvine

"I was recently involved in an auto accident and was referred to Eric V. Traut. He made the process so easy and was great with communication and always answered every single question I had. He was able to settle my case. He is super knowledgeable and professional, and I couldn't of asked for better. I highly recommend using him if you're ever in any type of accident."

Colin P, Mission Viejo

"I was very impressed by Eric V. Traut's availability and tenacity. He has a great team. And through his hard work, he achieved a great outcome with my case. Thanks Eric!"

Cindy Padilla, Barnes Dennig

"Superb results with a superb lawyer! He provided hands down excellent service and was very personable while still being extremely professional! Traut firm had great staff and always responded in a timely manner! Thanks for all your help Eric Traut! "

Catherine Martin, Tower Federal Credit Union

"My case was complex in nature due to my decisions to follow an alternative pathway of medical care. I am thankful that Eric presented my case in a manner that was true to the circumstances and events that occurred, while allowing me to maintain a sense of integrity with the choices and decisions that I made. I appreciated the level of confidence (without arrogance), professionalism, and pragmatism that Eric displayed in all of our interactions, including what I witnessed in his interactions with the opposing counsel. His strategic thinking and ability to communicate clearly was quite impressive during the trial. I was reluctant to pursue litigation and was dreading the entire process; however, Eric and his firm made it extremely bearable and therefore minimized the amount of stress that I experienced. Additionally, he considered my needs, keeping in mind my inconveniences with living out-of-state during this process. I am very pleased with the outcome of the trial and feel validated in my decision to follow through with this case. I could not have asked for a better outcome. I applaud Eric for his expertise, skill, strategic thinking, and respect. I would highly recommend Eric Traut and the Traut Firm to anyone seeking legal representation for a personal injury case. It was a pleasure working with him during this process, and I am truly thankful that he accepted my case! "

Amanda Barclay

"I was involved in an auto accident in 2013 that left me with a permanent injury to my foot. After many months of back and forth with the insurance company, they attempted to settle the case for a ridiculously small amount. I was discouraged, frustrated and stressed over my looming medical bills, until I hired Eric. At our first meeting, I immediately felt like I could exhale. Eric and his team were kind, thorough and attentive to my needs. I was always informed of any new updates to my case in a timely manner, all while minimizing my stress levels and overall involvement with the day-to-day minutia of the case. I finally felt like I could stop worrying about the outcome and leave it with someone whom I knew could produce a positive resolution. The settlement I received was much larger than I expected and I know that my experience would have been very different had I gone with another attorney. I am very grateful for Eric’s professionalism, guidance and support. I highly recommend Eric Traut if you are seeking excellent representation for any personal injury case."

Ali Brown

Firm Details

Traut Firm
http://www.trautfirm.com
 
View Firm Profile
1 Office Location
in 1 Country

United States

United States

California

California

Santa Ana, CA

Griffin Towers, Suite 700

Five Hutton Centre Drive

Santa Ana, CA 92707

United States

(714) 759.5461

Get Directions

News & Media

Recent News

Eric Traut Receives $3 Million Unanimous Jury Verdict in Personal Injury Case

Browse all news

Featured Publications

Cover for our Southern California publication

Videos

Lawyer Case History

Eric obtains $3 million settlement in wrongful death case.

Eric obtains $3 million settlement in wrongful death case.

$3 million unanimous jury verdict

$3 million unanimous jury verdict in personal injury case.

$669,623 verdict in neck and back injury automobile case

$669,623 verdict in neck and back injury automobile case with $10,000 pre-trial offer.

$70M Freeway Complex Fire Verdict

Daily Journal’s Top Verdict of 2012 

$1.4 million verdict

Slip and fall at market with back surgery with a $30,000 initial offer.

$54,656 verdict

Two broken ribs with a $3,000 initial offer.

$4 million verdict

Wrongful death of a mother of four who was accidentally shot with a $0 initial offer.

$38,300 verdict

Auto collision with a $5,000 initial offer.

$281,000 verdict

"Speed Contest" collision with a $15,000 initial offer.

$84,666 verdict

Negligent supervision case with a $7,500 initial offer.

$1.25 million verdict

Auto collision with head trauma with a $350,000 initial offer.

$24,000 verdict

Low-speed collision with a $400 initial offer.

$2.25 million verdict

Electrocution of a father with a $20,000 initial offer.

$131,117 verdict

Assault case by employee of nightclub with a $0 initial offer.

$1.1 million verdict

Couple injured in auto collision with a $90,000 initial offer.

$500,000 verdict

Motorcycle VS. bus incident causing severe leg injury with a $25,000 initial offer.

$84,660 verdict

Injury incurred by elderly plaintiff when an employee opened a door into her with a $7,500 initial offer.

$182,000 verdict

Surface hazard fall. 

$62k verdict

Soft tissue injury automobile case with a $5,700 initial offer.

$1.5M settlement

Settlement obtained for victim of drunk driver accident.

$2.8M verdict

 in denial of stock options by energy company.

Toth v. City of Anaheim

Eric Traut represented the City of Los Angeles upon appeal. 

$2.9M arbitration award

Arbitration award against major Indian Gaming facility with $60k initial offer

City of Moreno Valley v. Superior Court of Riverside County

Eric Traut represented real party in interest upon appeal http://www.gmsr.com/article/091026MorenoValleyOpinion.pdf

$2.88 million verdict

It was the only case to proceed to binding arbitration against the Pechanga Casino and the largest verdict in the state’s history against the Pechanga Indian Reservation under the Pechanga Tort Liability Act. [link to case: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/549870/Naruko%20Arb%20Award.pdf]
 
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