Atty. Don A. Ernst

Atty. Don A. Ernst

Born in San Luis Obispo County, graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics 1971, and the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975. Admitted to the California Bar in 1975.

San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo 51 yrs experience 51 year
Call (805) 316-7698 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Don A. Ernst at a glance

Don A. Ernst is a Senior Partner based in San Luis Obispo, California, practicing at Ernst Law Group A Law Corporation. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Their practice focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, business, and class action. Admitted to practice in California (1975), U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (1975), and U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1985). Educated at University of San Diego (J.D., 1975) and Stanford University (B.S. Economics, 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of President, 2002-2003) State Bar of California Association of Trial Lawyers of America Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Central Coast Trial Lawyer's Association (Founder and President, 1990) Consumer Attorneys of California (Board of Governors, 1990- Presi, San Luis Obispo County Bar Association. Serands clients in San Luis Obispo, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Born in San Luis Obispo County, graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Economics 1971, and the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975
  • Admitted to the California Bar in 1975
  • Began practice in San Diego and moved to San Luis Obispo in 1976
  • Partner in Ernst and Mattison since 1980, specializing in civil litigation
  • Extensive trial experience
  • Tried over 100 cases to verdict
  • Taught over 30 CEB programs on tort and insurance law from 1988 - Authored articles for Forum and the California Bar Journal on torts and civil procedure
  • Adjunct professor Cal Poly State University 1978 through 92
  • Central Coast Trial Lawyer of the Year 1998, 2002
  • Adjunct Professor and Sponsor of 8 Continuing Education Programs in Tort & Insurance Litigation, California State University, 1982-1989

Awarded

CCTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year, 1998, 2002

Practice Areas Explained

Don A. Ernst's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Don A. Ernst handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Car Accidents

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

Don A. Ernst is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in California →

Wrongful Death

Don A. Ernst is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in California →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Don A. Ernst is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Don A. Ernst is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Class Action

Don A. Ernst is one of 26,424 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Luis Obispo are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Luis Obispo or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Don A. Ernst

Where is Don A. Ernst's law office located?
Don A. Ernst's law practice is located in San Luis Obispo, California. The firm is Ernst Law Group A Law Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Don A. Ernst handle?
Don A. Ernst focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, business, class action. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Don A. Ernst practiced law?
Don A. Ernst has 51+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1975.
Where did Don A. Ernst go to law school?
Don A. Ernst earned their education at (J.D., 1975); (B.S. Economics, 1971).
How can I contact Don A. Ernst for a consultation?
You can contact Don A. Ernst directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Don A. Ernst received?
Don A. Ernst's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of San Diego
- 1975
B.S. Economics
Stanford University
- 1971

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1975
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Admitted: 1975
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Admitted: 1985

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