The only past President of the State Bar of California ever elected from the Inland Empire, James Heiting handles civil litigation matters throughout California, recovering over $500 million for clients, dealing with wrongful death, serious injury, professional malpractice and transportation accidents. Also past President of Riverside’s County Bar, his firm has served the Inland Empire and Southern California for over 45 years. Mr. Heiting has been practicing law since receiving his doctorate degree in law in 1976 and is admitted to practice before all courts of the state, the federal courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, and the California and United States Supreme Courts.
Mr. Heiting also served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California, was a co-founder of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court (training younger or less experienced members of the bar) and a charter member of the Inland Empire Federal Bar Association. He was president of the Other Bar (a statewide organization of judges and lawyers helping other lawyers and judges) 1991-1993, and a board member from 1988-2003 and again since 2006. He is or has been a member of multiple federal and state litigation, ethics, and trial associations. He is currently the American Bar Association west coast Commissioner appointed to the Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, studying, evaluating, and providing oversight and support for programs in nine states.
Mr. Heiting has served in a variety of roles in Superior Court and the Federal District Court. He is also sought after as a privately requested and court appointed arbitrator and mediator in state courts and the California Court of Appeal. He has been an invited speaker, lecturer and panelist for the State Bar and a variety of legal and community organizations.
Mr. Heiting is a Riverside personal injury lawyer who has been recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction for 2018 and 2019.
Emphasizing civil litigation in his career, Mr. Heiting represents clients throughout the State in bringing and/or defending a wide variety of claims. He is recognized as an extremely successful, tough and tenacious lawyer.
Mr. Heiting and his wife Cindy were married in 1971, have three sons and live in Riverside.