Manuel Antonio Abascal, Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and General
PartneratLatham & Watkins LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Los Angeles since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Manuel Antonio Abascal is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and General. Manuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Environmental · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, Environmental, and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Manuel Antonio Abascal: Manuel Antonio Abascal is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and General. Manuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Areas of practice
Manuel's practice areas in Los Angeles
Manuel concentrates on criminal defense, environmental, general, health care, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Manuel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Environmental
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General
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Health Care
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IP
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Los Angeles, California
Manuel takes criminal defense matters in Los Angeles, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Los Angeles, California
Manuel takes environmental matters in Los Angeles, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Manuel takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Los Angeles, California
Manuel takes health care matters in Los Angeles, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Los Angeles, California
Manuel takes ip matters in Los Angeles, 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 Manuel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Manuel Antonio Abascal, criminal defense attorney serving Los Angeles
Manuel Antonio Abascal is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Environmental, and General. Manuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP. Manuel works from Los Angeles, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Manuel Antonio Abascal is a lawyer practicing health care and life sciences, intellectual property, securities litigation and professional liability and 6 other areas of law. Manuel received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1987, and has been licensed for 32 years. Manuel practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
How Manuel handles criminal defense matters
Manuel Antonio Abascal is a lawyer practicing health care and life sciences, intellectual property, securities litigation and professional liability and 6 other areas of law. Manuel received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1987, and has been licensed for 32 years. Manuel practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Manuel takes
Manuel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, environmental, and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Manuel studied and practices
Yale Law School
J.D. · 1992
Claremont McKenna College
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Manuel's state bar admissions
California
1994 · ACTIVE
Manuel studied at J.D. in Yale Law School and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College.
Law school and academic background
Manuel completed J.D. in Yale Law School and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Manuel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Manuel Antonio Abascal's office in Los Angeles
Manuel's primary office is at 355 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Manuel Antonio Abascal
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Manuel Antonio Abascal — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Manuel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Manuel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Manuel'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; Manuel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Manuel
Manuel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Manuel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Manuel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Manuel Antonio Abascal
How much does it cost to hire Manuel for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Manuel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Manuel offer a free consultation?
Manuel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Manuel's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Manuel's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Manuel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Manuel take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Manuel 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 — Manuel 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 Manuel?
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. Manuel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Manuel accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Manuel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Manuel handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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