Jim Hallett is a graduate of Yale University and the University of California Berkeley School of Law. He is one of the few California attorneys that are Board Certified as a specialist in both Criminal and Family Law.
The two great passions of Jim’s professional life are Collaborative Divorce and Death Penalty Defense. These two aspects of his practice cover the exact same territory: family systems, heartbreak and healing. Jim’s practice is devoted to helping families deal with the most stressful times that any family will face.
Jim believes that the Collaborative Divorce process is the best way to handle most divorces. The process helps the divorcing couple to move through the divorce process privately without going to court. The end results are based on the goals of each party and developing a plan to help achieve those goals. Jim has handled over 100 Collaborative Divorce cases.
Jim Hallett has had the privilege to handle the defense of over 30 death penalty cases. He has also presented oral arguments multiple times before the California Supreme Court.
Jim’s Professional Achievements
- Martindale-Hubbell rated AV
- Super Lawyers since 2007
- President of multiple bar associations
- Lecturer and Publications
- Domestic Violence
- Crimes against children
- Collaborative Divorce.
- He is a founder and past president of A Better Divorce
- Past president of LACFLA (Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association)
Jim has four children who grew up in Manhattan Beach – a therapist, a chef, a doctor and a lawyer – all of whom have influenced his thinking on family issues. He has been an American Martyrs Catholic Church soloist and choir member for 25 years. He is a past president and 30 year member of Manhattan Beach Rotary. He is a 25 year Pier to Pier swimmer and active member of the Manhattan Magnum Masters swim club.
