John Howard Upton, Dog Bites Attorney in Costa Mesa, California
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Dog Bites, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratMorey And Upton Llp
Costa Mesa, CA
Practicing dog bites in Costa Mesa since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you John Howard Upton?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
John Howard Upton is a managing partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Dog Bites, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morey And Upton Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Dog Bites · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Dog Bites, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About John Howard Upton: John Howard Upton is a managing partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Dog Bites, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morey And Upton Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on dog bites, insurance, litigation, personal injury, and tbi/sci. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Dog Bites
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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TBI/SCI
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Employment
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Dog Bites cases in Costa Mesa, California
John takes dog bites matters in Costa Mesa, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Costa Mesa, California
John takes insurance matters in Costa Mesa, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California
John takes litigation matters in Costa Mesa, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Costa Mesa, California
John takes personal injury matters in Costa Mesa, 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 John agrees to represent you.
TBI/SCI cases in Costa Mesa, California
John takes tbi/sci matters in Costa Mesa, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Howard Upton — dog bites lawyer in Costa Mesa
John Howard Upton is a managing partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Dog Bites, Insurance, and Litigation. John has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morey And Upton Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Howard Upton is a lawyer practicing personal injury, animal & dog bites, spinal cord injury and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Morey & Upton, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.
Working with John on a dog bites matter
John Howard Upton is a lawyer practicing personal injury, animal & dog bites, spinal cord injury and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California at Irvine in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. John practices at Morey & Upton, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for dog bites, insurance, and litigation matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
J.D. · 1988
University of California at Irvine
B.A. Pol. · 1985
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
California
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and B.A. Pol. in University of California at Irvine.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and B.A. Pol. in University of California at Irvine. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
John Howard Upton's office in Costa Mesa
John's primary office is at 611 Anton Blvd., Ste. 800, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Howard Upton — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing dog bites attorneys in Costa Mesa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Howard Upton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Howard Upton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new dog bites attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a dog bites attorney in Costa Mesa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many dog bites 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in dog bites practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every dog bites 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many dog bites practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Howard Upton
How much does it cost to hire John for a dog bites case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some dog bites attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do dog bites cases in California typically take?
Simple dog bites 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new dog bites clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Dog Bites attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
John handles dog bites matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified dog bites attorneys in that community.
- Costa Mesa1,835 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated dog bites attorneys in California
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these dog bites attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Sam Tabibian
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 74

Bobby B. Saadian, Esq.
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 52

Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47