Rivers J. Morrell
Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell III
27201 Puerta Real
Suite 470
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Map
Phone: (949) 305-1400 | Fax: (949) 305-1414
http://www.RJMLawFirm.com
Southern California Super Lawyer
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
Clients who have been injured due to the negligence or conduct of others.
Sub-Topics
Accidents & Personal Injury
- Construction Site Injuries
- Jones Act
- Petrochemical Accidents
- Slip & Fall
- Sports Injuries
Car Accident
- Auto Accident
- Whiplash
Dangerous Property
Intentional Injuries
- Assault & Battery
- Child Abuse
- Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
- Domestic Violence
- Police Misconduct
- Sexual Assault
Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injuries and Defects
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
- Emergency Room Errors
- Medication Malpractice
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Wrong Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
Motorcycle Accident
Personal Injury - Defense
Personal Injury Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Professional Malpractice
- Financial Malpractice
- Legal Malpractice
Serious/Catastrophic Injuries
- Amputation
- Birth Injury
- Burn Injury
- Head/Brain Injury
- Paralysis
Truck Accident
Wrongful Death
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1973
Bar Number: 57849
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts
Association Memberships
• California State Bar
• Orange County Bar,
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• National Institute of Trial Advocacy
• Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum
• Elite Lawyers of America, "Super Lawyer"
• Global Directory of Who's Who
Continuing Education
I attend continuing education of the bar classes.
Example Cases
I represented the plaintiff in the first private-party hazardous waste clean-up in the State of California. We sued the US, and a number of major oil companies.
I also represented a person who was injured in an automobile accident due to a dangerous road condition. We sued the county.
I represented a client who fell on a handicap ramp, and had serious leg and knee injuries. We sued the gas station.
We sued a number of parties in various auto accident, and truck accident cases.
We have sued associations where a guest drowned.
We have recovered for people who have had closed head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
Education
Golden Gate University
Juris Doctorate
San Francisco
CA
1973
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts
Berkeley
CA
1970
Economics
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We focus on personal injury, and have more than 30 years of experience in this field. The firm was established in 1982.
Previous Employment Summary
I was employed in San Francisco by the insurance defense firm of Low, Ball, and Lynch, from 1974 to 1978. I then went to work in Orange County with the firm of MacFarland, MacFarland, and Duffy, which dissolved in a matter of months. I then formed a partnership as MacFarland and Morrell, which existed from 1978 to 1980. The partner died, and a new partnership was created, Morrell and Fields. This firm lasted from 1980 to 1982. At that time I formed the Law Firm of Rivers J. Morrell III. During this time, I was also doing work for an insurance company, but continued to have a personal injury practice, which has evolved into its current state.
Activities and Awards
• AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
• American Board of Trial Advocates
• Southern California "Super Lawyer", as selected 5 years in a row
• Lifetime Member of MultiMillion Dollar Advocates Forum
• Lifetime Member Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Certified Trial Specialist, by National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Elite Lawyers of America, Silver Member
• Law Dragons Top 3000 attorneys in country
• Bests Directory of Recommended Attorneys
• Global Directory of Who's Who, top attorney
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is always good to have a second pair of eyes, and for the client to be well educated, either by us, or if he/she researches online. We always try to keep the client well educated to the issues and status of the case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I would have to see the document to be able to answer this.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We consistently do this, and clients are entitled to be educated about their case. If a client wants to represent themselves, we have frequently assisted clients in this area. However, one has to be very careful in this area, as some things can be coached, and in other areas, this can be very problematic.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
The law has always intrigued me. Representing clients, advising them, informing them, and helping them is a very rewarding experience.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have been in the personal injury field for over 30 years. I have taken more cases to a jury than probably 90% of attorneys. I have been retained by insurance companies for many cases, and thus have a better understanding and perspective on what is needed to resolve cases. The organizations of which I am a member require certain qualifications, or nominations. Such membership validates my experience, knowledge, and reputation.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As odd as it may seem, most attorneys end up working in the area where they first got a job. Mine was in the field of personal injury for a firm that was retained by insurance companies. This is where attorneys get their best experience, develop the most skill, and knowledge.
What do you like best about your career?
I have been in this business a long time. I have worked with a lot of attorneys, both for and against, who are some of the best. I have been selected by my peers to be a part of some very respected organizations, and that is probably the most rewarding. Working with people makes the job enjoyable, but to be honest, there are some attorneys out there who make our jobs very difficult, and frustrating. However, you will not find those attorneys in the organizations that are recognized by their peers.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner, but do have a paralegal who has been with me for many, many years. She is now going to law school. My secretary, you will find, is extremely helpful, and I consistently get comments about her. Our clients receive the most personal representation and attention. That is not something that they will find just anywhere.
We do not screen calls, and take all calls. Clients are kept up to date on the activities of the case, and calls and emails are returned promptly.
What are your strengths and style?
We are very, very responsive to our clients. We take all calls; respond promptly to all calls, and all emails. We are very, very accessible, which is what I believe all clients deserve.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy traveling to Mexico, and to the desert.
Office Manager/Assistant
Nancy
Fax
(949) 305-1414
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Also available by cell phone 7 days a week, and after hours.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we have free consultations.
Typical Retainer
No
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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