Practice Areas
Byrne & Nixon LLP serves clients throughout California and the United States from our two convenient office locations in Los Angeles. As seasoned federal and state trial lawyers, our firm focuses on areas of law in which we have significant experience. We were federal prosecutors in the white collar section of the United States Attorneys’ Office, and gained substantial experience using grand juries and investigating and prosecuting while collar crimes. Dan also served as a state prosecutor in the public corruption section of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, so he is uniquely qualified to represent individuals and companies being investigated or charged with a wide variety of state crimes.
It is common for criminal matters, especially white collar criminal matters to involve parallel proceedings—regulatory investigations related to the alleged criminal conduct—so our firm routinely represents clients facing investigations or inquiries involving various state and federal regulatory agencies, including the SEC, FDIC, FINRA, IRS, FDIC, FTC , California State Bar, California OSHA, California DMV, California Department of Consumer Affairs/California Medical Board, and the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission.
We also represent crime victims, either for the purpose of investigating wrongdoing and advocating prosecution or to assemble information for purposes of filing a civil lawsuit.
Our civil litigation practice usually focuses on matters with criminal overlap - e.g., breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, but we handle all types of civil litigation matters, including acting as local counsel for non-California attorneys with matters in state and federal courts in the Southern California area.
White Collar Criminal Defense – Federal
As experienced former federal prosecutors, we know how to respond quickly and effectively when the government comes knocking. We know federal criminal law and procedure and how prosecutors use grand juries. We have the ability and experience to get the best possible results in the toughest of criminal matters.
White Collar Criminal Defense – State
A company or individual who comes under criminal investigation must be able to respond immediately and intelligently so that important rights are not forfeited or waived. As experienced former state and federal prosecutors, we know how to respond quickly and effectively when the government comes knocking. We have the ability and experience to get the best possible results in the toughest of criminal matters. With over 10 years of experience as a former deputy district attorney, (nearly half of which was spent in the public corruption unit), Dan has substantial experience with how the state authorities investigate and prosecute white collar crimes. We have successfully represented clients in all stages of state criminal matters throughout California, from minor infractions to misdemeanors and felonies.
Grand Jury Investigations – Federal and State
We understand the complex issues clients face, whether individuals or corporations, when categorized as a witness, subject or target of a grand jury investigation. Our extensive experience working with grand juries positions us to strategically and effectively represent our clients interests.
General Criminal Defense – State
Individuals who come under criminal investigation with State offenses, or are arrested and charged with State crimes, must have representation by a lawyer who knows the system and the players. As a former deputy district attorney, Dan has substantial first- hand experience with how the state authorities investigate and prosecute crimes. Over the years, we have successfully represented clients in all stages of state criminal matters throughout California, from minor infractions to misdemeanors to felonies. We have the ability and experience to get the best possible results in the toughest of state court criminal matters.
Regulatory Investigations and Enforcement Actions
Businesses routinely receive regulatory subpoenas from various government agencies seeking documents and other information. We also represent people who are under investigation by licensing boards and other administrative agencies including the California State Bar, California Medical Board, and the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission. We are able to respond to complaints of misconduct and participate in proceedings through the adjudication of filed charges. Our approach is to discreetly craft an effective defense to allegations that are often the subject of a misinterpretation of otherwise lawful conduct. It is imperative that businesses seek advice from competent, experienced lawyers so that they are able to navigate the complicated processes involved while protecting the businesses’ rights and minimizing costs. We have the experience and aggressiveness to handle these types of situations with competence and confidence.
Law Enforcement Inquiries
Criminal investigations begin with police officers and law enforcement agents going out into the community to follow up on reports of criminal or suspicious conduct. In many instances, an individual or business will receive an inquiry from a police officer, federal law enforcement agent, or other government official. Before engaging in a dialogue with any law enforcement official, it is wise to consult with and retain an experienced criminal lawyer who can help with fashioning the appropriate response to the inquiry. We have extensive experience in representing people and businesses who have been contacted by law enforcement. We can speak with the inquiring law enforcement agent and provide our clients with an assessment of their options as to how to proceed.
Victim Representation
Criminal investigations begin with police officers, government, or law enforcement agents going out into the community to follow up on reports of criminal or suspicious activity. Often our efforts will consist of conducting our own investigation of the alleged wrongdoing and making written or oral presentations to the appropriate agency. We routinely represent victims and witnesses to ensure their rights are protected and their interests are served.
Civil Matters and Litigation
We handle a wide array of civil matters including negotiations and litigation involving businesses, executives, and commercial disputes. As former state and federal prosecutors, we have extensive trial experience and served as trusted advisors in providing clients with customized, effective, and strategic solutions at an affordable rate.
Corporate Internal Investigations
Internal investigations can be a very important tool in uncovering employee misconduct, protecting a company against spurious allegations, or responding to allegations of wrongdoing. We routinely represent companies who are the victims of crime as well as represent companies, their officers and employees who may be involved in criminal activity. We also represent companies, their officers and employees against whom allegations of misconduct have been made, including allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination and discrimination. We are also experienced in conducting a wide variety of internal investigations.
Local Counsel
Lawyers not admitted to the California State Bar or the United District Court for the Central District of California must associate with Local Counsel in order to make court appearances in those jurisdictions. We often serve as Local Counsel for law firms that do not have a Los Angeles office, because we are admitted in those jurisdictions, and because we have longstanding relationships in the legal community. Our role varies with the needs of non-California counsel. In all cases, we are prepared to answer any questions that non-California lawyers may have regarding procedures in either federal or state court.

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