USA Guide 2026 : California
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Spertus, Josephs & Minnick, LLP
Spertus, Josephs & Minnick LLP is a trial-focused litigation boutique composed of former federal prosecutors, federal and state public defenders, federal law clerks, and Big Law alumni. We represent corporations, investment funds, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in high-stakes criminal, civil, regulatory, and administrative matters. Our attorneys are experienced in every phase of litigation and routinely face leading prosecutorial agencies, regulators, and civil litigators.
The Firm maintains a robust practice spanning white collar defense, government investigations, securities matters, public corruption, healthcare fraud, False Claims Act litigation, and complex commercial disputes. We regularly serve as lead trial counsel in matters involving significant legal, financial, and reputational risk.
Recent matters include representing former Orange County Assistant Sheriff Diana Teran in a closely watched criminal prosecution and securing a complete acquittal for a former Fox Sports executive charged in the FIFA bribery prosecution, the only acquittal among the defendants charged. The Firm also obtained dismissal of all charges in a case described by prosecutors as the largest insurance fraud prosecution in Orange County District Attorney history.
We are known for strategic judgment, courtroom excellence, and success in matters of national significance.
Provided by Chambers
Spertus, Josephs & Minnick is a litigation boutique that fields a compact but formidable bench of lawyers with notable prosecutorial experience and strong trial capabilities. It defends clients in state and federal courts, as well as handling government and internal investigations into a wide range of matters including healthcare fraud, securities fraud and the False Claims Act.
Provided by Chambers
Spertus, Josephs & Minnick successfully acted on behalf of Diana Teran, a former prosecutor at the LA District Attorney, in a prosecution involving 11 felony counts under California's anti-hacking criminal statute.
Provided by Chambers
The lawyers at Spertus, Josephs & Minnick are tremendous litigators and strategists that generate real results for their clients.
The team is excellent.
Provided by Chambers
James Spertus is tenacious and dogged.
James stands out for his versatility. He can handle any type of case.
James is an outstanding attorney.
Samuel Josephs is praised as a go-to trial and appellate lawyer for clients facing criminal enforcement proceedings.
Samuel Josephs is smart and patient. He is also a terrific writer.
Samuel gets good results and handles high-profile matters. He is well respected by judges.
His writing, advocacy and people skills are impressive.
Samuel is a talented trial lawyer.
If I need a co-counsel and a first chair in California, I will always seek out Sam first.
Head of Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
Provided by Spertus, Josephs & Minnick, LLP
Samuel A. Josephs
View profile of Samuel A. Josephs
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