William Seth Goldsmith, Criminal Defense Attorney in Encino, California
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
Encino, CA
Practicing criminal defense in Encino since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you William Seth Goldsmith?
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
William Seth Goldsmith is an attorney based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. William has over 52 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Encino, CA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Encino, CA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About William Seth Goldsmith: William Seth Goldsmith is an attorney based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. William has over 52 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William Seth Goldsmith
William concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Encino, California
William takes criminal defense matters in Encino, 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 William agrees to represent you.
General cases in Encino, California
William takes general matters in Encino, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William Seth Goldsmith — Over 52 years of California criminal defense experience
William Seth Goldsmith is an attorney based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. William has over 52 years of legal experience.
William Seth Goldsmith is a lawyer practicing worker's compensation, criminal law. William received a degree from University of California Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles CA, and has been licensed for 52 years. William practices in Encino, CA.
Working with William on a criminal defense matter
William Seth Goldsmith is a lawyer practicing worker's compensation, criminal law. William received a degree from University of California Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles CA, and has been licensed for 52 years. William practices in Encino, CA.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
William Seth Goldsmith's legal education and bar admissions
University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
JD · 1973
University of California Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles CA
—
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
California
1974 · ACTIVE
William studied at JD in University of California at Los Angeles School of Law and — in University of California Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles CA.
Law school and academic background
William completed JD in University of California at Los Angeles School of Law and — in University of California Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles CA. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
William Seth Goldsmith's office in Encino
William's primary office is at 15910 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, CA, 91436. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William Seth Goldsmith
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with William Seth Goldsmith can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William Seth Goldsmith — 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 William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Encino, 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William Seth Goldsmith
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Encino?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William'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 Encino, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
William 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in California
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Encino handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
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

Jonathan Franklin
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 76