James R. Terzian – Former Federal Prosecutor & Trial Attorney
15
Years of
experience
Former Federal Prosecutor Experience
James R. Terzian is a former federal prosecutor and trial attorney with decades of experience representing individuals and businesses in high-stakes criminal defense, employment litigation, and complex civil matters. His background prosecuting cases for the government gives him rare insight into how prosecutors evaluate evidence, charge cases, and litigate matters in state and federal courts.
Before entering private practice, Mr. Terzian served as a prosecutor with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where he tried more than 40 jury trials involving serious criminal offenses, including vehicular manslaughter, DUI, domestic violence, assault, and battery.
He later served as an Assistant United States Attorney, prosecuting complex federal cases involving:
- Bank and wire fraud
- Bribery and extortion
- Money laundering
- Narcotics distribution
- Mortgage and financial fraud
This experience provides him with deep institutional knowledge of how criminal cases are built and prosecuted.
Criminal Defense & White-Collar Representation
As a defense attorney, Mr. Terzian represents clients facing serious state and federal criminal charges, with a focus on white-collar crimes, financial offenses, and cases involving regulatory or government investigations.
Clients rely on his ability to anticipate prosecutorial strategy, identify weaknesses in government cases, and litigate matters effectively in high-stakes environments.
Employment Law & PAGA Defense
In addition to criminal defense, Mr. Terzian has built a significant practice representing employers and executives in employment litigation, including:
- Wrongful termination
- Wage and hour disputes
- Discrimination and harassment claims
- PAGA representative actions
He brings a litigation-first, risk-management approach informed by his extensive trial experience and long-term role advising corporate leadership.
General Counsel & Business Leadership
Mr. Terzian has served for over 15 years as General Counsel to national and multi-state companies, including:
- 12 years with a national mortgage company
- Current General Counsel for a large hospitality organization
He has overseen and defended more than 45 employment-related lawsuits, providing him with a practical, business-minded perspective that informs every case he handles.
Why Choose Us
Former Assistant United States Attorney
Trial experience in more than 40 jury trials
Deep experience in federal and state courts
Strategic defense informed by government insight