Trent Copeland focuses his practice on high-stakes civil, business, criminal defense, defamation, employment, and First Amendment matters. A first-chair trial lawyer, he has successfully handled more than 60 trials and arbitrations throughout California. He is recognized for representing clients in high-profile matters involving complex legal issues and significant media attention.
- First-chair trial lawyer in high-profile litigation involving former Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and related civil claims arising from her official duties.
- Lead trial lawyer for a Hollywood producer in breach of contract and fraud claims resulting in a jury finding in favor of the client.
- Represented a global investment management firm as co-lead defense counsel in several multimillion-dollar employment discrimination matters involving C-suite employees.
- Led the representation of a high-profile news anchor in obtaining a confidential multimillion-dollar resolution of discrimination claims against a major television network.
- Represented members of the family of Senator Robert F. Kennedy as amicus counsel opposing the parole of Sirhan Sirhan.
- Represented a student in connection with the highly publicized college admissions cheating scandal.
- Led representation of a member of the President’s Coronavirus Task Force regarding First Amendment issues related to service as a Special Advisor to the President.
- Represented two prominent journalists in employment discrimination claims against a major television network.
- Represented a television executive in a federal investigation involving potential Anti-Kickback Statute violations that resolved with probation.
- Successfully represented an individual falsely accused of attempted murder, negotiating dismissal of all charges before the preliminary hearing.
- Represented an attorney investigated for potential participation in a narcotics distribution ring; the Department of Justice closed the investigation without charges.
- Successfully represented a college professor wrongfully targeted under an early use of the Patriot Act, resulting in withdrawal of the government’s case and restoration of her university position.
- Represented numerous celebrities and entertainment professionals in litigation and advisory matters.
- Negotiated a substantial seven-figure settlement in a major dispute involving an international music artist.
- Represented Gary Franklin in matters related to his civil interests arising from the NCAA basketball recruiting scandal and misconduct by his former attorney.
Admissions
- California
Education
- J.D., George Washington University Law School
- A.B., Dartmouth College
Honors
- 500 Leading Litigators in America, Lawdragon, 2025
- Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Attorneys, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2024