Atty. James Michael Donovan

Atty. James Michael Donovan

James Michael Donovan is a lawyer practicing general commercial practice, business law, international business law and 17 other areas of law. James Michael received a B.A. degree from Catholic University of America in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years.

Santa Ana Santa Ana 57 yrs experience 57 year
Call (949) 570-9148 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James Michael Donovan at a glance

James Michael Donovan is an Of Counsel based in Santa Ana, California, practicing at Sotoodeh & Associates. They have 57+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1969. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in Florida (1969), Minnesota (1972), California (1975), and U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1985). Educated at University of Miami (J.D., 1969) and Catholic University of America (B.A., 1966). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Los Angeles County, Tulare County, Hennepin County, Minnesota State and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar State Bar of California. Serands clients in Santa Ana, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James Michael Donovan is a lawyer practicing general commercial practice, business law, international business law and 17 other areas of law
  • James Michael received a B.A. degree from Catholic University of America in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years
  • James Michael practices at Sotoodeh & Associates in Santa Ana, CA

Practice Areas Explained

James Michael Donovan's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Michael Donovan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

James Michael Donovan is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Probate

James Michael Donovan is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

James Michael Donovan is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

James Michael Donovan is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

James Michael Donovan is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning 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 James Michael Donovan

Where is James Michael Donovan's law office located?
James Michael Donovan's law practice is located in Santa Ana, California. The firm is Sotoodeh & Associates. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Michael Donovan handle?
James Michael Donovan focuses on trusts, probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James Michael Donovan practiced law?
James Michael Donovan has 57+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1969.
Where did James Michael Donovan go to law school?
James Michael Donovan earned their education at (J.D., 1969); (B.A., 1966).
How can I contact James Michael Donovan for a consultation?
You can contact James Michael Donovan 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 James Michael Donovan received?
James Michael Donovan's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Miami
- 1969
B.A.
Catholic University of America
- 1966

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Florida
Admitted: 1969
Minnesota
Admitted: 1972
California
Admitted: 1975
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Admitted: 1985

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