Top 10 Santa Barbara Lawyers in 2025.Santa Barbara will remain known not just for its coastline but also for a community of exceptional legal professionals. It is serving a wide range of requirements from environmental and land-use litigation to criminal defense, estate planning, and civil rights.
Whether you are a long time resident, a property owner, or someone who is facing any legal issue, having a trusted attorney by your side can make all the difference. The given blog highlights ten distinguished lawyers in Santa Barbara, recognized for their expertise, leadership, and contributions in 2025.
Top 10 Santa Barbara Lawyers You Should Know in 2025-Overview
| Name of the Lawyer | Practice Area |
| Beth Collins | Land Use, Environmental, Real Estate |
| Robert Curtis | Mass Tort & Class Actions (Plaintiffs) |
| Robert Marshall Sanger | Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Appeals |
| Alex Craigie | Employment Law |
| Travis C. Logue | Real Estate & Civil Litigation |
| Julian Sarafian | Business Law for Creators |
| William C. Makler | Criminal & DUI Defense |
| Georgia L. Staab | Family Law |
| Christa M. Gannon | Juvenile Justice & Advocacy |
| Elizabeth Diaz | Judicial Leadership & Diversity |
1. Beth Collins – Land Use, Environmental, Real Estate
Beth Collins is a leading attorney in land use, environmental, and real estate law across the Central Coast. She advises the developers, landowners, and energy companies on entitlements, zoning, and litigation by making her a trusted resource for complex land use cases.
2. Robert Curtis – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions (Plaintiffs)
He is recognized by the Best Lawyers since 2024, Robert Curtis is known for representing plaintiffs in high-stakes mass tort and class action cases. His dedication to consumer protection and group litigation has earned him respect among the equals.
3. Robert Marshall Sanger – Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Appeals
Robert Marshall Sanger is one of the most experienced criminal defense attorneys of Santa Barbara. He has more than 50 years experience in practice. He is also a professor of law and forensic science, bringing scholarly insight into his courtroom strategies.
4. Alex Craigie – Employment Law
Alex Craigie is specialized in employment litigation, including wrongful termination, wage issues, and workplace harassment. As an AV-Preeminent trial attorney, she has earned a reputation for successfully handling complex disputes in both state and federal courts.
5. Travis C. Logue – Real Estate & Civil Litigation
Travis Logue is best known for his victory overturning Santa Barbara’s short-term rental ban in 2015, a landmark case for property owners. He also litigates wrongful death, personal injury, and public utility cases.
6. Julian Sarafian – Business Law for Creators
Julian Sarafian stands out as both a lawyer and a digital creator. He founded “For Creators by Creators PC,” a firm dedicated to serving influencers and entrepreneurs. With a large social media following, he brings modern perspectives to business law.
7. William C. Makler – Criminal & DUI Defense
With more than three decades of practice, William Makler has built a reputation for strong defense in criminal and DUI cases. A former public defender and law professor, he is highly respected for his courtroom skill.
8. Georgia L. Staab – Family Law
Georgia Staab focuses exclusively on family law, including divorce, child custody, guardianship, and domestic violence cases. With over 22 years of experience, she is known for her compassion and effective advocacy.
9. Christa M. Gannon – Juvenile Justice & Advocacy
Founder of Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), Christa Gannon has made an impact on juvenile justice reform through legal education and advocacy. Though not in traditional private practice, her leadership in youth justice makes her an influential figure.
10. Elizabeth Diaz – Judicial Leadership & Diversity
Elizabeth Diaz made history in 2024 as the first Mexican-American female Court Commissioner of the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Her appointment symbolizes progress, representation, and leadership in the judiciary.
Why These 10 Lawyers?
Here is why you can count on these lawyers.
- Expertise Across Fields – Covering everything from land use to family law, they represent Santa Barbara’s diverse legal landscape.
- Proven Records – Each lawyer has significant courtroom victories, recognitions, or community impact.
- Community Influence – Many are leaders not only in law but also in social reform, education, and diversity.
| Home Page | https://sbbarristers.com/ |
FAQs for Top 10 Santa Barbara Lawyers in 2025
Start by identifying your legal issues such as criminal, family, real estate, etc. then, review attorney experience, client reviews, and whether they specialize in your type of case.
Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, especially in personal injury, criminal defense, and employment law. Others may charge a flat fee and always confirm before booking.
Rates vary widely. Experienced specialists may charge $350–$600 per hour, while newer attorneys may range from $200–$300 per hour.
Yes, California-licensed attorneys can represent clients across the state, although local knowledge of courts and regulations is often a significant advantage.