Overview
In his two decades of litigating cases, Ezra Siegel has taken more than 17 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. He has successfully argued and won before the California Court of appeal. His experience includes defending public agencies against a variety of claims, including inverse condemnation, breach of contract, labor retaliation, and numerous tort claims involving wrongful death, serious brain injury, and dangerous condition cases. He has successfully defended law enforcement against constitutional claims involving the First, Four, Fifth, and Eighth Amendments, as well as the Bane Act, and suicide-by-cop.
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.
Ezra is a 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.
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)
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Experience
Highlighted Representations
- Lemly v. Department of Parks and Recretation, 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
