Terry W. Bird

Terry W. Bird has built a reputation over more than forty years for navigating demanding civil and white collar criminal cases. His background includes early trial experience as a federal prosecutor and later work representing corporations, executives, and municipalities in challenging commercial disputes, class actions, and intricate fraud-related matters requiring strategic advocacy.

Terry earned his B.A. from Stanford University in 1967 before receiving his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1970. His admissions include California, 1970. These academic foundations supported his development as a thoughtful litigator capable of handling complex investigations and courtroom matters with clarity and discipline.

Terry strengthened his early legal skills by clerking at the California Court of Appeals for Justices Lynn “Buck” Compton and Robert Thompson. His work as a federal prosecutor broadened his understanding of criminal enforcement, preparing him to manage securities, tax, customs, and government fraud cases for corporate leaders and professionals facing high-risk exposure.

Terry has handled significant commercial matters involving contract, RICO, fraud, employment, unfair competition, shareholder derivative suits, class actions, and breach of warranty claims. His civil representations have included Fortune 500 companies, municipalities such as Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach, and corporations engaged in major litigation involving environmental, product defect, and large-scale financial disputes.

Terry’s achievements have been recognized through honors such as Best Lawyers in America, Southern California Super Lawyers, Leading Litigators in America, “Senior Statespeople” Trial Lawyer, “Senior Statesman” Trial Lawyer, Top 100 Lawyers, Leaders of Influence: Litigators and Trial Attorneys, and the Humanitarian Award. These distinctions reflect his longstanding success in commercial litigation and white collar defense.

Terry W. Bird has also guided major internal investigations for well-known companies and boards of directors, supporting fiduciary obligations in sensitive corporate matters. His service includes participation on judicial advisory committees and leadership roles within the Ninth Circuit. Through these contributions, he has maintained strong ties to the judiciary and supported the legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks, & Nessim, LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, American College of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Los Angeles School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stanford University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  

Awards & Badges