Lauren Johnson-Norris

Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Irvine, California

Johnson Criminal Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation
Lauren Johnson-Norris
Johnson Criminal Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation

Practice areas: Criminal Defense, General Litigation; view more

Licensed in California since: 2003

Education: Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 Selected to Rising Stars: 2012 - 2018
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Johnson Criminal Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation

19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 600
Irvine, CA 92612 Visit website
Details

Lauren Johnson-Norris is the founder of the firm Johnson Criminal Law Group located in Irvine, California, and focuses her practice on criminal defense matters. She stands out as a notable legal defender with nearly two decades of experience in championing the rights of clients in criminal and juvenile courtrooms throughout Southern California. Her unwavering dedication and dynamic defense tactics have not only cleared numerous clients of charges but also garnered her prestigious accolades such as Top Women Lawyer from Los Angeles Magazine.

Known for her relentless advocacy, Ms. Johnson-Norris is a go-to legal ally for parents facing criminal, juvenile and Child Protective Services (CPS) challenges in Orange County. Her formidable courtroom presence and persuasive advocacy are complemented by her compassionate and empathetic approach to the law. She recognizes the significant impact legal battles can have, from employment and immigration issues to family disruptions.

Ms. Johnson-Norris firmly believes that anyone can find themselves on the wrong side of the law and offers her clients a judgment-free zone. She passionately contests every charge, acutely aware of the potential life-altering consequences, such as job loss, deportation or family separation.

Certified as a Parent Educator from the University of California, Los Angeles, Ms. Johnson-Norris draws on her educational background to guide clients through difficult times and inspire positive life changes. Her commitment to protecting her clients' rights and her impressive legal acumen have earned her the respect of colleagues, prosecutors and judges.

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Johnson-Norris’s leadership shines. She is the former president of the South Orange County Bar Association and actively participates in the Orange County Bar Association and various other defense groups both statewide and nationally. As a native of Southern California, she also serves her community as an Irvine City Commissioner, continuing her lifelong dedication to public service and advocacy.

Ms. Johnson-Norris holds a Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was honored with the Archie A. Gorfinkle Award for promising new entrants into criminal law. A dedicated educator, she has volunteered to judge mock trials and present arguments at the University of California Irvine School of Law, demonstrating her commitment to the legal community and pursuit of justice.

Practice areas

Criminal Defense, General Litigation

Focus areas

Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Litigation, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Restraining Order, Sex Offenses, Small Claims, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations

  • 90% Criminal Defense
  • 10% General Litigation

First Admitted: 2003, California

Professional Webpage: https://www.californiacriminaldefender.com/lauren-johnson-no...

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Board of Directors. Orange County Women Lawyers, 2024
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • California Appellate Defense Counsel
  • District of Columbia, 2009
  • California, 2003
  • Member, Irvine Community Services Commission, 2020
  • Member, Irvine Finance Commission, 2021
  • Elected Delegate, California Democratic Party, 2019

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Published opinion In re Drake M. B236769 (2012), 2012

Videos

  • Ms. Johnson provides informational videos for families navigating the juvenile court system in dependency cases., Juvenile Dependency Videos, Juvenile Dependency, 2011
  • Interview with Lauren K Johnson after In re Drake M. B236769 victory., Huff Post Live Medical Marijuana Win, Legal Services, 2012

Special Licenses / Certifications

  • Certified Parent Education, UCLA, 2014

Pro bono / Community Service

  • Chair, Irvine Children Youth and Families Advisory Committee, 2020
  • Central California Appellate Program
  • California Appellate Project, Inc.
  • Appellate Defenders, Inc.
  • Orange County Human Relations Commission (2023-present), 2023

Educational Background

  • Gerry Spence's Trial College, Laramie, Wyoming, 2005
  • Parent Education Certificate (UCLA), 2010
  • Pitzer College, Claremont, CA, B.A., Major- Sociology, 2000

Honors

  • The Paul Bell Memorial Fellowship is awarded by the board of directors of Appellate Defenders, Inc., in memory of Paul Bell, beloved assistant director of ADI until his untimely death in July 1997. It recognizes his dedication to indigent appellate defense and his deep concern for the development of promising attorneys, by providing the recipient a unique and superb opportunity to learn more about the craft of appellate advocacy., Paul Bell Fellowship, Appellate Defenders, Inc., 2011
  • Archie A. Gorfinkle Award, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Office location for Lauren Johnson-Norris

19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 600
Irvine, CA 92612

Phone: 949-622-5522

Selections

2 Years Super Lawyers
7 Years Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
  • Rising Stars: 2012 - 2018

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