Eric V. Traut is one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California. He distinguished himself early in his career as the youngest recipient of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association's "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award in 2003, and then received it again in 2023. Recently, he was selected by the nine chapters of CAL-ABOTA as their “Trial Lawyer of the Year” (2024) which is the highest honor for a trial lawyer to receive in California. He was chosen by the leaders of nine chapters in the state following a presentation on behalf of all the nominees. In his 34 years practicing law, Eric has successfully tried over 100 jury trials.

Eric’s reputation for civility, ethics, and fair-play precedes him. Judges, arbitrators, and mediators alike have openly admired his integrity, compassion for his clients, impressive trial skills, and his gift of advocacy. Often handling unique, high-profile cases, Eric has the respect of his peers and the community in and out of the courtroom. Eric has earned interviews and appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court TV, ABC’s “Primetime” and CBS News.

Eric’s leadership skills have been sought after by numerous legal associations and charitable boards. He has served as President of five prestigious legal organizations in Orange County, including OCTLA, ABOTA, Project Youth-OCBF, Banyard Inn of Court, Italian American Lawyers of Orange County and he will be President of the 7000 member Orange County Bar Association in 2027. Eric has received many awards and honors. In addition to CAL-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year, Eric has won the award from the local Orange County Chapter of ABOTA, and the Joseph D. McNeil Civility Award. In September 2023, Eric was honored as a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s Marcus M. Kaufman Jurisprudence Award.  This highly notable award recognizes outstanding members of the legal profession who are role models of ethics and leadership in the legal community. 

While Eric loves being a lawyer and changing the lives of his clients, he truly enjoys giving back to his colleagues and the community. As the Past President of Project Youth, Eric led a non-profit organization strengthening Orange County youth and families through unique, award-winning health and educational programs. He continues to serve on the Executive Committee, donating many hours and thousands
of dollars each year to help local at-risk youth. Eric continues to give back to the legal community by volunteering to speak at countless seminars on litigation and trial skills and donating money to charities supported by law firms and legal organizations. 

When not practicing law, Eric enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Pam. He cherishes time with his three children, two stepchildren, grandsons Vance and Calum, and granddaughter Holland.