Phil Israels was raised in California's Central Valley where he still has family. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley where he was a member for Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and studied Economics, he continued his education at the University of San Francisco, School of Law where he received the prestigious American Jurisprudence Award.
Upon graduation in 1975 and passing the bar in his first attempt, he was hired by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, where he worked for almost four years as a prosecutor gaining extensive trial experience. Since 1979, he has been a criminal defense attorney. He sees his role as the protector of the accused. However, his prosecutorial experience has helped him understand the mindset of his adversaries both in the trial court and in negotiations.
Although he has much trial experience his background, skills, and contacts has often allowed him to obtain favorable results without the extra expense associated with trial. As a defense attorney, he has successfully handled cases ranging from accusations of driving under the influence, murder, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and complicated white collar cases. As a prosecutor, he worked in all of the branch offices including West Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Fernando, San Pedro and downtown (Criminal Courts Building, Bauchet Street and Metro). As a defense attorney, he has practiced in all the major courts in Southern California and has successfully defended clients in the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building, Metro, Van Nuys, San Fernando, Torrance, Pomona, Ventura, Airport Court, and Citrus, among other courthouses.
When requested he has traveled across the country to represent his clients. As a defense counsel, he has also gained extensive experience in the Juvenile Courts including Sylmar, Inglewood, Los Padrinos, and Easklake. He is a Board Certified Specialist in the field of Criminal Law, a designation which puts him among approximately one percent of those attorneys who refer to themselves as criminal lawyers in the State of California.
Mr. Israels has been named “Super Lawyer” by the Los Angeles Magazine, an honor which he has received several times. He is often referred cases by Judges, other attorneys, prosecutors and previous clients. In 2008 he was joined in his practice by his nephew, Sam Israels, also a former prosecutor with extensive trial experience and many contacts in the criminal courts. His clients appreciate the team approach and are happy to know that they can rely both on Phil and Sam when the need arises. In his spare time he enjoys sports including skiing, swimming and softball.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Drug Crimes
- Felonies
- Homicide
- Misdemeanors
- Sex Assault
- Traffic Violations
- White Collar Crime
- Domestic Violence
- Administrative Law
- Personal Injury
Certification/Specialties
Certified Specialist, Criminal Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
The California State Bar has certified a limited number of specialist who have demonstrated excellence in their field of law. Certification in criminal defense law requires the lawyer to complete extensive educational courses and seminars every five years. This process also involves favorable evaluations by other attorneys and judges who are familiar with their work. The re-certification process requires the lawyer to submit a renewed application that includes the number of trials, case results, and contact information of judges and opposing counsel in order vet the applicant again. A Certified Specialist in Criminal Law has proven they are committed to the best interest of their clients.
Bar Admissions
- California, 1975
- U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1976
Education
- University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California, 1975, J.D.
- University of California, 1970, B.A.
Honors and Awards
- Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award
- Rated AV
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Santa Monica Bar Association
- San Fernando Valley Bar Association
- State Bar of California
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Criminal Courts Bar Association
- California Public Defenders Association
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Past Employment Positions
- Deputy City Attorney, 1976 – 1979
Languages
- Spanish
Fraternities/Sororities
- Zeta Beta Tau
Contact Information
11755 Wilshire Blvd, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: 424-372-3112
Super Lawyers Profile Justia Lawyer Profile
Read what Philip's Past Clients are saying
Recent Blog Posts
What is a Heat of Passion Defense?
Alternative Sentencing in California Criminal Cases
Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant in California
Is It Possible to Pass DUI Field Sobriety Tests?
Bail Reduction Motion in California Criminal Cases
Recommendations
- Yelp Client Review My family and I hired Phil Israels during a time of crisis. He was smart, thorough, and has almost 40 years experience, so I felt like I was in good hands. He genuinely cared about my case, and my well-being during the most stressful time in my life. I would absolutely recomme...
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Mr. Israels got my assault and battery charges dismissed right before trial
I was charged with assault and battery after one of my employees accused me of intentionally throwing scalding hot water from the microwave on him resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns. My case had tremendous potential civil consequences as the employee was asking for hundred of thousands of doll... - I went Mr. Israels as I had a difficult past to work with within the court system. I was facing misdemeanor charges that could possibly put me in jail for a long time. He helped me get back on my feet and helped me to get into a program where I could get control of my life again. They are the rea...
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Phil worked an absolute miracle for me on my felony DUI case
Last May I was charged with an aggravated DUI, and Phil Israels worked an absolute miracle for me! He negotiated a fair deal with the prosecutor that was the best-case scenario for an extremely difficult case. I was very pleased with the outcome, and so relieved. From our first meeting, Phil was ... - If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Phil did the impossible and negotiated a great deal on my felony DUI/hit and run. If not for him, I may be in prison right now and not at home with my family. He is highly experienced, extremely sharp and quick-witted, well-versed on all legal matters, ...
- Dearest Phil,Wanting to wish you a blessed and wonderful New Years! Also to especially thank you for your amazing assistance and hard work in going the “extra mile” to help my niece and our family. I cannot express how much it meant to me to be able to get a hold of you when I had questions and c...