General Info

Greg Rael graduated from Stanford Law School in 1976 and began his career in the Humboldt County Public Defender's Office. For the next five years he served as a deputy public defender, handling thousands of cases ranging from death penalty homicide to shoplifting. Mr. Rael entered private practice in 1981 as managing partner in the firm of Rael and Young. This firm was the first in Humboldt County to be awarded a contract for "conflict of interest" cases that the Public Defender's Office could not accept. While with Rael and Young, Mr. Rael earned a reputation for creative and aggressive representation. He also served as chairman of the California State Bar's Committee on Criminal Defense Services and co-authored the first editions of California Criminal Law, Procedure and Practice and California Juvenile Court Practice, leading texts in their fields. Since 1987 Mr. Rael has maintained a widely respected solo practice. Although he represents people from all walks of life, his clients have included elected officials charged with corruption, prominent business owners accused of anti-trust and regulatory violations, school teachers charged with abuse and top law enforcement officers facing misconduct charges. He handles cases involving every aspect of criminal and juvenile law, from serious felonies to vehicle code violations. During his career Mr. Rael has won recognition for innovative, compassionate and skillful defense of his clients. Each client he accepts receives the benefit of nearly 40 years of experience, along with a philosophy that every case deserves his utmost attention.