Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1987 
Jim D. Riddet is a criminal defense attorney with more than 50 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts. Based in San Clemente, California, Mr. Riddet is a partner with Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP, where his practice focuses on Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar matters. He has tried more than 75 jury cases and has spent the last 35 years concentrating on federal criminal defense.
Mr. Riddet represents individuals charged with federal offenses and those involved in investigations conducted by agencies including the FBI, SEC, DEA, IRS, and United States Secret Service. He regularly appears before the United States Attorney’s Offices in Orange County and Los Angeles and has handled federal matters throughout California, including in San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, San Diego, and Riverside, as well as in jurisdictions outside California such as New York, Chicago, Phoenix, and Seattle.
Throughout his career, Mr. Riddet has represented clients in complex and high-profile criminal matters. In one widely reported case involving the son of a senior British government official, a local newspaper noted that the client had “replaced his first attorney with a high powered veteran.” Clients have also recognized Mr. Riddet for his steady guidance and commitment during difficult legal proceedings.
In addition to his courtroom practice, Mr. Riddet has served in numerous leadership and committee roles within the federal legal community. He has been appointed by Chief Judges to serve on committees including the Magistrate’s Selection Committee and the Disciplinary Committee. When the Federal Court in Los Angeles established a branch court in Santa Ana, he was selected to chair a newly formed indigent defense panel responsible for the selection and training of attorneys.
Mr. Riddet has also served as an Attorney Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, including as co-chair of the attorney delegation. His professional involvement further includes service on the Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, and California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
For more information about Jim D. Riddet and Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP, please visit his firm profile.
