Don Ernst

Don Ernst is a seasoned California trial lawyer and founding partner of the Ernst Law Group. With over four decades of experience, he has successfully tried more than 100 cases to verdict and earned a reputation as one of the state’s most respected litigators. Don is known for taking on complex and high-stakes cases, from catastrophic personal injury and consumer fraud to class actions against powerful corporations. His commitment to achieving justice for those who cannot stand up for themselves is the foundation of his practice. He believes in telling each client’s story with truth and impact, driving results that often change lives and even influence state policy.

Don earned his B.S. in Economics from Stanford University (1967–1971) and received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law (1972–1975).

Don launched his legal career in 1980 by co-founding the Ernst Law Group. Since then, he has built a practice known for fearless courtroom advocacy and groundbreaking results. A defining moment in his career was a landmark class action trial in 2010, which ended in an eight-figure settlement—an achievement few trial attorneys match.

Don Ernst is a past president of the Trial Lawyers in California and holds leadership roles with Consumer Attorneys of California and the Central Coast Trial Lawyers Association, which he founded in 1990. Don has helped draft influential laws, including the California Electronic Discovery Act, and championed rule changes that support consumer rights. His honors include Trial Lawyer of the Year (1998, 2002, 2006), a perfect AVVO rating, and the Advocate rank in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Through relentless advocacy and landmark victories, he continues to lead the fight for justice in California courtrooms.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ernst Law Group
• Member, American Trial Lawyers Association
• Board of Directors, Consumer Attorneys of California
• Founder, Central Coast Trial Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of San Diego School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stanford University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges