Atty. Eric Vaughn Traut

Atty. Eric Vaughn Traut

Eric V. Traut is one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California.

Santa Ana Santa Ana 36 yrs experience 36 year
Call (714) 835-7000 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Eric Vaughn Traut at a glance

Eric Vaughn Traut is an Attorney based in Santa Ana, California. They have 36+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1990. Their practice focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, and dog bites. Admitted to practice in California (1990). Educated at Western State University College of Law (J.D., 1989) and California State University - Fullerton (B.A., 1986). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Orange County Bar Association. Serands clients in Santa Ana, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Eric V. Traut is one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California
  • He distinguished himself early in his career as the youngest recipient of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association's "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award in 2003, and received it again in 2023
  • Recently, he was selected by the nine chapters of Cal-ABOTA as their “Trial Lawyer of the Year”, 2024, which is the highest honor for a trial lawyer to receive in California
  • In his 34 years practicing law, Eric has successfully tried over 100 jury trials
  • Eric’s reputation for civility, ethics, and fair play precedes him
  • Judges, arbitrators, and mediators alike have openly admired his integrity, compassion for his clients, impressive trial skills, and his gift of advocacy
  • Eric is held in the highest regard Often handling unique, high-profile cases, Eric has the respect of his peers and the community in and out of the courtroom
  • Eric has earned interviews and appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., ABC’s “Primetime” and CBS News
  • Eric’s leadership skills have been sought after by numerous legal associations and charitable boards
  • He has served as President of five prestigious legal organizations in Orange County, including OCTLA, ABOTA, Project Youth – OCBF, Banyard Inn of Court, Italian American Lawyers of Orange County, and will be President of the 7000 member Orange County Bar Association in 2027
  • Eric enjoys “Drafter” status within the ABOTA Foundation – the educational arm of ABOTA
  • This status is achieved when the member has donated $35,000 to the Foundation
  • Today, only four members out of 230 Orange County members have reached this level
  • In 2020, Eric was invited to become a member of the very exclusive International Society of Barristers
  • He is one of only 65 members in the entire state of California and one of only three members in Orange County who practices law in the areas of plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death
  • Eric has received many awards and honors
  • In addition to being honored as Cal-ABOTA’s Trial Lawyer of the Year 2024, and the Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Orange County Chapter, 2019, Eric received the ABOTA-OC Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award in, 2017
  • In September 2023, Eric was honored as a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s 2023 Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award
  • This highly notable award recognizes outstanding members of the legal profession who are role models of ethics and leadership in the legal community
  • Additionally, recipients embody the ADL’s mission to secure justice and fair treatment for all
  • While Eric loves being a lawyer and changing the lives of his clients, he truly enjoys giving back to his colleagues and the community
  • As the Past President of Project Youth, Eric led a non-profit organization strengthening Orange County youth and families through unique, award-winning health and education programs
  • He continues to serve on the Executive Committee, donating many hours and thousands of dollars each year to help local youth
  • Eric continues to give back to the legal community by volunteering to speak at countless seminars on litigation and trial skills, donating money to charities supported by law firms and legal organizations, and teaching law students about the importance of civility and professionalism in the practice of law
  • When not practicing law, Eric enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Pam
  • He enjoys spending time with his three children, grandsons Vance and Calum, and granddaughter Holland

Practice Areas Explained

Eric Vaughn Traut's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Eric Vaughn Traut 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.

Eric Vaughn Traut is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in California →

Wrongful Death

Eric Vaughn Traut 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.

Eric Vaughn Traut is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in California →

Slip & Fall / Premises Liability

Eric Vaughn Traut is one of 29,473 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in California →

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Eric Vaughn Traut is one of 8,510 dog bites attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dog bites 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Eric Vaughn Traut

Where is Eric Vaughn Traut's law office located?
Eric Vaughn Traut's law practice is located in Santa Ana, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Eric Vaughn Traut handle?
Eric Vaughn Traut focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, dog bites. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Eric Vaughn Traut practiced law?
Eric Vaughn Traut has 36+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1990.
Where did Eric Vaughn Traut go to law school?
Eric Vaughn Traut earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.A., 1986).
How can I contact Eric Vaughn Traut for a consultation?
You can contact Eric Vaughn Traut 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 Eric Vaughn Traut received?
Eric Vaughn Traut's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Western State University College of Law
- 1989
B.A.
California State University - Fullerton
- 1986

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1990

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