Rachel Novak Lederman
Mission Viejo,CA
Summary
Dynamic legal professional with extensive trial experience at the Orange County Public Defenders Office, successfully litigating over 30 court trials and advocating for clients' rights. Proficient in legal research and client counseling, demonstrating strong oral advocacy and negotiation skills. Committed to ethical representation and achieving favorable outcomes for clients in complex cases.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Attorney IV
Orange County Public Defenders Office
Santa Ana, CA
11.2001 - Current
- Tried complex cases involving severe injuries and abuse, conducting over 100 hearings with expert and child witnesses.
- Spent 3 years in mental health unit - jury and court trials to litigate 1026 and MDO clients rights to be released from the hospital. Litigated over 30 court trials and 5 jury trials. Worked closely with Orange County Health Care Agency to negotiate release and case plans. Met with clients on a regular basis to address their concerns and patient rights. Also worked with Orange County District Attorney to negotiate release. Hired, direct and cross exam of dozens of expert witnesses.
- Felony panel attorney- tried 13 felony trials. Also worked up the cases for trial including preparing witnesses , conducting extensive investigation. Negotiated with a variety of District Attorney’s and judges. Filed motions to suppress evidence (1538.5) and motions to strike priors. Wrote sentencing briefs for after trial.
- Misdemeanor trials : tried 25 misdemeanor trials. Also worked up the cases for trial including preparing witnesses , conducting extensive investigation. Negotiated with a variety of District Attorney’s and judges. Filed motions to suppress evidence (1538.5) , Pitchess motions and 1385 demands for trial.
- Preliminary Hearing- Litigated over 50 preliminary hearings. Cross examined police officers and civilian witnesses. Conducted extensive investigations. Wrote motions to reduce felonies to misdemeanors (17b motions)
- Collaborative DUI and drug courts along with Prop 36 ITT court. I started the pilot program for DUI court in Orange County 19 years ago. Worked collaboratively with the Health Care Agency and Probation department , lead a training about DUI courts in Seattle , Washington with a panel of judges.
- Juvenile Delinquency- worked as an attorney representing juveniles and litigated over 50 court trials. Interviewed and prepared clients. Conducted extensive investigation. Negotiated and worked closely with judges and District Attorney’s. Filed motions, trial and sentencing briefs.
Staff Attorney
Maryland Disability Law Center
Maryland
2000 - 2001
- Patient advocate for mentally ill clients at mental hospital.
- Represented clients in mediation
- Conducted client interviews to gather relevant information
- Reviewed and organized case files to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Education
J.D. - Law
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA03.1997
Skills
- Case management
- Trial experience
- Oral debate
- Legal writing
- Court procedures
- Ethics and professionalism
- Document filing
- Legal research
- Reviewing documents
- Investigation skills
- Legal drafting
- Legal advisory
- Legal analysis
- Court preparation
- Proficient in software
- Oral advocacy
- Settlement negotiation
- Litigation management
- Client counseling
- Criminal defense
- Case interpretation
- Litigation
- Case analysis
- Case file management
- Criminal law
- Criminal investigations
- Discovery processes
- Client representation
- Discovery
- Argument writing
- Oral argument
- Client advising
- Legal evaluation
- Legal research and review
- Legal brief preparation
- Courtroom procedures
- Hearings and depositions
- Discovery and document review
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Legal counseling
- Family and juvenile law
- Microsoft office and docusign
- Knowledge of federal and state laws
- Filling appeals
Certification
California state Bar License number 210977
Since 2000
Timeline
Deputy Attorney IV
Orange County Public Defenders Office
11.2001 - Current
Staff Attorney
Maryland Disability Law Center
2000 - 2001
J.D. - Law
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Los Angeles