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Daniel Ritkes, Appellate Attorney in Santa Monica, California

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Litigation

PrincipalatLaw Offices of Daniel Ritkes

Santa Monica, CA

Practicing appellate in Santa Monica since 1979.

47+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Daniel Ritkes is a principal based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Daniel has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes.

Based in
Santa Monica, CA
Experience
over 47 years
Known for
Appellate · Criminal Defense · Litigation
  • Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Litigation matters from Santa Monica, CA.
  • Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Daniel Ritkes: Daniel Ritkes is a principal based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Daniel has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Daniel takes on

Daniel concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, litigation, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Daniel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Santa Monica, California

Daniel takes appellate matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Santa Monica, California

Daniel takes criminal defense matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Santa Monica, California

Daniel takes litigation matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Santa Monica, California

Daniel takes personal injury matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Santa Monica, California

Daniel takes real estate matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Daniel agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Daniel Ritkes — appellate lawyer in Santa Monica

Daniel Ritkes is a principal based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Daniel has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes.

Daniel Ritkes is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, personal injury law, criminal law and 3 other areas of law. Daniel received a M.A. degree from San Francisco State University, and has been licensed for 47 years. Daniel practices at Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes in Santa Monica, CA.

Daniel's approach to appellate cases

Daniel Ritkes is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, personal injury law, criminal law and 3 other areas of law. Daniel received a M.A. degree from San Francisco State University, and has been licensed for 47 years. Daniel practices at Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes in Santa Monica, CA.

The kind of cases Daniel takes

Daniel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and litigation matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of San Fernando Valley College of Law J.D.

  • San Francisco State University M.A. English St. Mary's College Standard Secondary Teaching Credential University of California, Berkeley B.A. English

Jurisdictions

Daniel's state bar admissions

  • California

    1979 · ACTIVE

Daniel studied at — in University of San Fernando Valley College of Law J.D. and — in San Francisco State University M.A. English St. Mary's College Standard Secondary Teaching Credential University of California, Berkeley B.A. English.

Law school and academic background

Daniel completed — in University of San Fernando Valley College of Law J.D. and — in San Francisco State University M.A. English St. Mary's College Standard Secondary Teaching Credential University of California, Berkeley B.A. English. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Daniel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Daniel Ritkes's office in Santa Monica

Daniel's primary office is at 2530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Fl., Santa Monica, CA, 90403-4643. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Daniel Ritkes

2530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Fl.

Santa Monica, CA 90403-4643

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Daniel Ritkes

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Hiring guide

How to hire Daniel Ritkes — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Daniel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Daniel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Daniel's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Daniel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Santa Monica, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Daniel

Daniel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Daniel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Daniel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Daniel Ritkes

  • How much does it cost to hire Daniel for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Daniel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Daniel offer a free consultation?

    Daniel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Daniel's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Daniel's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in California typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Daniel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Daniel take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?

    Daniel is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Daniel will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Daniel?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Daniel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Daniel accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Daniel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Daniel handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Daniel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Santa Monica handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.