Caree Harper
Top rated Civil Rights attorney in Santa Monica, California
Law Offices of Caree Harper
Practice areas: Civil Rights, Criminal Defense; view more
Licensed in California since: 2002
Education: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2027 Call today:
323-413-9920
Free Consultation Law Offices of Caree Harper
401 Wilshire BlvdSuite 1200
Santa Monica, CA 90401 Visit website
Caree Harper is the owner of the Law Offices of Caree Harper, located in Santa Monica, California, where she represents clients in matters involving civil rights and criminal defense. Her practice is focused on advocating for individuals facing serious legal challenges and protecting their rights throughout the legal process.
Ms. Harper earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2001. Her legal education provided the foundation for a career dedicated to representing individuals in complex and consequential matters involving constitutional rights and criminal allegations.
With a practice centered on civil rights and criminal defense, Ms. Harper works to protect the interests of clients navigating high-stakes legal proceedings. Her approach emphasizes advocacy and the pursuit of fair treatment for individuals involved in the justice system.
Ms. Harper earned her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College of Moraga before pursuing her legal education. Her academic background, combined with her experience in legal practice, has supported her work on behalf of clients in California. She is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters, reflecting her involvement with professional and civic organizations.
Ms. Harper was admitted to practice law in California in 2002. She is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Through her law practice, she continues to advocate for clients in civil rights and criminal defense matters.
Practice areas
Civil Rights, Criminal DefenseFocus areas
Criminal Law, Police Misconduct
- 90% Civil Rights
- 10% Criminal Defense
First Admitted: 2002, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.careeharper.com/about
Bar / Professional Activity
- California Bar, First Admitted 2002
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit
- California Lawyers Association, Solo and Small Firm Section, 2020
- Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, 2020
- John M. Langston Bar Association
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) — Pro Bono Attorney, Pasadena, for 10 years
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Williams et al. v. Pasadena Police Department Officer Edwin Dumuguindin et al. — $7.5 million settlement, 2022
- Towns et al. v. County of Los Angeles — $5.25 million settlement for the decedent’s two sons following a fatal shooting by Altadena County Sheriff’s deputies, 2024
- Marlene Pinnock v. CHP Officer Daniel Andrew — $1.5 million settlement in police misconduct case; settlement included terms concerning the officer’s termination, 2014
- McDade v. City of Pasadena — $1.5 million settlement involving the fatal police shooting of Kendrec McDade, 2014
- Reginald Thomas matter — $1.5 million settlement following a police misconduct case involving the death of Reginald Thomas, 2018
- Clinton D. Alford v. Beck et al. — $500,000 settlement following a police misconduct claim; criminal charges against Mr. Alford were dismissed, 2017
- Mariscal v. CHP Officer Ledesma — $500,000 jury verdict for plaintiff David Mariscal in a police misconduct/civil rights case, 2007
- Franklin v. City of Inglewood — Six-figure settlement, 2004
- Nunn v. County of Orange — Jury verdict in a Fourth Amendment case, 2008
- Ellison v. County of Los Angeles — Assisted with trial proceedings and examination of key witnesses, resulting in a jury verdict, 2005
- Black Lives Matter Protesters — Criminal charges dismissed following trial, 2016
Representative Clients
- Rolonda Watts — Talk show host
- Desreta Jackson — Actress, The Color Purple
- Kevin Black — Vice President, Sony Records
Special Licenses / Certifications
- California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) — Basic Certificate, #B64630, 1991
- Saint Mary’s College of California — ABA Paralegal Certification, Civil Litigation Specialty, 1995
Pro bono / Community Service
- NAACP, Pasadena — Handled dozens of pro bono cases over 10 years
- 2012 — Volunteer voter registration activities
- 2008 Presidential Election — Served as a California attorney overseeing polling activities and ballot calculations for voters initially turned away for unconstitutional reasons
- U.S. House of Representatives — Recognized for community and pro bono service
- County of Los Angeles — Recognized for dedicating nearly 50% of her professional time to pro bono work
- Black Lives Matter Protesters — Provided pro bono criminal defense representation in 2016; no convictions resulted.
- City of Pasadena — Pro bono legal services for indigent individuals
- Grizzly Youth Academy — Mentor to youth, 2003
Educational Background
- Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, California — Bachelor’s Degree, 1997
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law — Juris Doctor
- Santa Clara University School of Law — Death Penalty Investigation Training
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Served as a decorated police officer in the East Bay Area before becoming an attorney and was injured in the line of duty.
- In the Marlene Pinnock matter, negotiated settlement terms addressing the officer’s termination and incorporated those terms into the settlement agreement.
- Successfully argued before a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in reversal of a lower court ruling in a federal civil rights action.
- Obtained significant downward departures for federal criminal defendants.
- Has 20+ years of legal experience involving civil rights and criminal defense, with federal and state jury-trial experience.
- Developed experience from multiple legal and investigative roles, including police officer, certified paralegal, and private investigator for a City Attorney’s Office.
- Passed the California Bar Examination on her first attempt.
Honors
- Southern California Super Lawyers — Selected repeatedly.
- National Trial Lawyers — Top 100 Attorneys in Civil Rights and Criminal Defense, 2014
- Shirley Fields Volunteer Award — Recognized for outstanding commitment to pro bono service
- Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition — U.S. House of Representatives, 2005
- Lifesaving Medal — Recognized for rescuing a submerged driver and administering CPR while serving as a police officer
- Marksman Medal — Recognized for shooting skills during her law-enforcement career
Office location for Caree Harper
401 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 1200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 323-413-9920
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2027
