Atty. John M. Drath

Atty. John M. Drath

John M. Drath is a lawyer practicing professional liability defense, personal injury defense, complex litigation and 2 other areas of law.

Emeryville Emeryville 56 yrs experience 56 year
Call (341) 229-0171 Book Appointment

Complex Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Emeryville, CA · 56+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About John M. Drath at a Glance

John M. Drath is a personal injury, litigation, and adr attorney based in Emeryville, California. They have 56+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1970. Admitted to practice in California (1970), Colorado (1971), and Montana (1993). Educated at University of San Francisco (J.D., 1969) and University of Washington (B.A., 1965). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of California Northern California Association of Defense Counsel (President, 1992-1993) Defense Research Institute American Board of Trial Advocates Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Serves clients in Emeryville, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About John M. Drath

  • John M. Drath is a lawyer practicing professional liability defense, personal injury defense, complex litigation and 2 other areas of law
  • John received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1965, and has been licensed for 56 years
  • John practices in Emeryville, CA

Practice Areas Explained

John M. Drath's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John M. Drath handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Emeryville.

Personal Injury in Emeryville

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.

John M. Drath is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation in Emeryville

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John M. Drath is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Mediation & Arbitration in Emeryville

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

John M. Drath is one of 73,315 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Emeryville

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 Emeryville 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 venue, 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.

Emeryville Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Emeryville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Emeryville or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About John M. Drath

Where is John M. Drath's law office located?
John M. Drath's law practice is located in Emeryville, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John M. Drath handle?
John M. Drath focuses on personal injury, litigation, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has John M. Drath practiced law?
John M. Drath has 56+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1970.
Where did John M. Drath go to law school?
John M. Drath earned their education at (J.D., 1969); (B.A., 1965).
How can I contact John M. Drath for a consultation?
You can contact John M. Drath 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 John M. Drath received?
John M. Drath's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Emeryville Choose John M. Drath

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John M. Drath's practice in the field of personal injury, litigation, and adr.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

John M. Drath brings 56+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California, Colorado, and Montana, John M. Drath can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering personal injury, litigation, and adr, John M. Drath can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Emeryville

A Emeryville-based practice means John M. Drath attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues John M. Drath Handles in Emeryville

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John M. Drath has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Car accident injury claims
Personal Injury
Slip and fall cases
Personal Injury
Wrongful death suits
Personal Injury
Workers' compensation appeals
Personal Injury

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John M. Drath directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find John M. Drath Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Emeryville commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like John M. Drath.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with John M. Drath directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of San Francisco
- 1969
B.A.
University of Washington
- 1965

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1970
Colorado
Admitted: 1971
Montana
Admitted: 1993

Client Reviews & Ratings — John M. Drath

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