Overview
Ezra Siegel is a seasoned trial lawyer who has tried 19 cases to verdict in state and federal court over two decades defending public agencies and their employees. A member of the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Ezra has won defense verdicts in high-stakes cases involving First Amendment retaliation, excessive force, catastrophic brain injury, and dangerous condition of public property. Most recently, he secured a full defense verdict for the City of Manhattan Beach in a federal First Amendment trial brought by its firefighters’ association. He has also prevailed before the California Court of Appeal. His practice spans civil rights and police practices defense, labor and employment retaliation, inverse condemnation and takings, dangerous condition of public property, breach of contract, and wrongful death and serious injury claims.
Ezra has successfully defended law enforcement officers against constitutional claims under the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments, as well as Bane Act claims and suicide-by-cop cases.
Ezra passionately fights for his clients, which is exemplified by his impeccable trial record, securing a defense verdict or judgment against plaintiffs in nearly every case. His approach involves thoroughly investigating cases that will either lead to a favorable settlement or a victory by motion or at trial.
Work for Clients
Ezra has represented numerous municipalities including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Temecula, Manhattan Beach, and Newport Beach, among others.
While serving as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of California, Ezra defended various State Agencies and public employees, including the California Highway Patrol, Board of Trustees for the California State University, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Mental Health, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Ezra also represented the State of California when it was sued over its eviction moratorium, where plaintiffs alleged a Fifth Amendment taking. Exemplifying a career in public service, Ezra began his legal career representing children in their dependency hearings.
Honors & Awards
Loyola Law School Dean Scholar and selected for Hobbes Trial Advocacy Clinic
Professional and Community Affiliations
Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization that recognizes elite trial lawyers who meet rigorous experience requirements and uphold the highest standards of civility, integrity, and professionalism.
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Experience
Highlighted Representations
- Manhattan Beach Firefighters’ Association v. City of Manhattan Beach. Ezra led the trial team defending the City of Manhattan Beach in the Central District of California against a First Amendment retaliation suit brought by the City’s firefighters’ association. After a two-week jury trial in September 2026, the jury deliberated for one day and returned a full defense verdict for the City.
- Lemly v. Department of Parks and Recreation, et al. In a publicized case in June of 2021, Ezra defended a state park ranger in the United States District Court after he arrested and handcuffed a man who refused to stop an event to feed the homeless at Doheny State Beach. The plaintiff alleged excessive force, a Bane Act violation, and a First Amendment claim. Judge David O. Carter granted the defendant’s Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law on the First Amendment claim, and the jury gave a complete defense verdict on the remaining claims.
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Shenbaum v. City of Manhattan Beach. Ezra led the litigation team in a lawsuit where two fire captains sued for First Amendment retaliation, alleging the City denied them promotions for speaking out against the Fire Department. A magistrate judge in the Central District granted full summary judgment in favor of the City in June of 2025.
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Bates v. City of Temecula. Ezra represented the City of Temecula in a dangerous condition of public property case where a military veteran flipped over his handlebars while riding his bicycle down a city road. The veteran claimed he was forced to retire from the military due to severe injuries including brain injury and underwent multiple surgeries. In Riverside Superior Court, after a two-week jury trial in November of 2024, Ezra achieved a full defense verdict on the issue of notice.
- Hermida v. California Highway Patrol. A CHP officer in a patrol car collided with a motorcyclist who sued for multiple injuries including traumatic brain injury. Up against an adverse Traffic Collision Report, Ezra tried the case in Los Angeles Superior Court, beating a section 998 offer and securing a judgment against the plaintiff in that case.
Practice Areas
Focus Areas
Education
J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
B.A., Colgate University
