Marilynn Vandam, Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Juvenile · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatMarilynn A Van Dam
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Los Angeles since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Marilynn Vandam?
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Quick answer
Marilynn Vandam is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Juvenile. Marilynn has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marilynn A Van Dam. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Health Care · Juvenile
- Handles Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Juvenile matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Marilynn Vandam: Marilynn Vandam is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Juvenile. Marilynn has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marilynn A Van Dam. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Marilynn takes on
Marilynn concentrates on criminal defense, health care, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marilynn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Health Care
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Juvenile
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Criminal Defense cases in Los Angeles, California
Marilynn 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 Marilynn agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Los Angeles, California
Marilynn 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 Marilynn agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Los Angeles, California
Marilynn takes juvenile 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 Marilynn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Marilynn Vandam — criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles
Marilynn Vandam is a member based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Juvenile. Marilynn has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marilynn A Van Dam. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Marilynn Vandam is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, juvenile law, mental health law. Marilynn received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Marilynn practices at Marilynn A. Van Dam in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with Marilynn on a criminal defense matter
Marilynn Vandam is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, juvenile law, mental health law. Marilynn received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. Marilynn practices at Marilynn A. Van Dam in Los Angeles, CA.
Who Marilynn represents
Marilynn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, health care, and juvenile matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Southern California
J.D. · 1974
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Marilynn's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
California
1974 · ACTIVE
Marilynn studied at J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Marilynn completed J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marilynn runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Marilynn has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Marilynn Vandam's office in Los Angeles
Marilynn's primary office is at 2300 Micheltorena St., Los Angeles, CA, 90039-2530. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Marilynn Vandam — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Marilynn. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Marilynn Vandam claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Marilynn Vandam — 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 Marilynn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Marilynn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marilynn'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; Marilynn 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 Marilynn
Marilynn 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. Marilynn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Marilynn'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 Marilynn Vandam
How much does it cost to hire Marilynn for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marilynn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Marilynn offer a free consultation?
Marilynn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marilynn's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Marilynn'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. Marilynn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Marilynn take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Marilynn 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 — Marilynn 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 Marilynn?
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. Marilynn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Marilynn accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Marilynn'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
Marilynn 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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If Marilynn's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




