Jonathan M. Ritter

Founder / Partner / Attorney

JONATHAN M. RITTER

As a founding partner of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, Jonathan Ritter brings both compassion and precision to his work representing injury victims across Southern California. 

His legal journey began at two prestigious law firms, where he honed his skills and developed a fierce commitment to advocating for victims of negligence.

Jonathan’s passion for the law took root early.

Portrait of Attorney Jonathan M. Ritter | El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers

“My father was an attorney. In reality, the law was in our blood. The seed was planted for me to be a lawyer very early in my life.”

Driven and focused from a young age, Jonathan started law school at 20 and passed the California Bar Exam at just 23. He knew exactly what he wanted—to fight for people who’ve had their lives turned upside down by an accident.

In 2011, he founded Ritter Law, which quickly gained recognition for its trial successes. By 2016, at the age of 35, he was admitted to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)—a distinction held by a small number of attorneys with substantial trial experience—and became an Associate by 2020.

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers

In 2017, after collaborating on a case that led to a major win, Jonathan and Ed El Dabe saw the potential of working together as partners. 

Ritter Law merged with El Dabe Law Firm to form El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.

Jonathan and Edmond

Their combined legal teams now bring over 60 years of experience to every case, handling serious and catastrophic injury claims with precision and care.

Jonathan focuses on complex litigation, particularly cases involving brain and spinal injuries, often against trucking companies and gig economy platforms. He’s known for his meticulous approach and ability to navigate even the most challenging cases.

Notable Case Results

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers has a proven track record of securing high-value compensation on behalf of injured clients, including:

  • $18,000,000 Verdict: Wrongful Death Car Accident (San Fernando Valley)

  • $15,000,000 Settlement: Auto Accident vs. Pedestrian (Los Angeles)

  • $8,250,000 Settlement: Truck vs. Pedestrian

  • $7,600,000 Settlement: Excess jury trial verdict for a pedestrian against a hit-and-run vehicle.

  • $6,300,000 Verdict and Excess Policy Settlement: Drunk Driver vs. LAPD Officer

  • $5,300,000 Excess Jury Trial Verdict: Pedestrian vs. Hit-and-Run Vehicle

  • $5,100,000 Excess Bad Faith Policy Settlement: Auto Accident Rollover (from a $100,000 policy)

  • $4,500,000 Excess Bad Faith Policy Settlement: Pedestrian Accident in Eagle Rock (against a $100,000 policy)

  • $4,300,000 Settlement: Motorcycle collision in Los Angeles.

  • $3,626,000 Excess Jury Trial Verdict: Scooter Accident (San Francisco, against a $250,000 policy)

  • $2,500,000 Policy Limits Settlement: Wrongful death of a speeding motorcyclist, overcoming challenging evidence.

  • $1,800,000 Settlement: Scaffold collapse case, successfully defending a Privette Motion for Summary Judgment.

  • $1,000,000 Policy Settlement: Sexual Assault Case against a Day Care Center.

  • $1,000,000 Policy Limit Settlement: Leg injury against a boat rental despite waiver in Fresno.

  • $400,000 Jury Trial Verdict: Excess verdict with 100% liability finding against a defendant arguing lane-splitting and speeding.

Professional Associations and Memberships

Jonathan Ritter - American Board of Trial Advocates award recipient

Jonathan is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including:

  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA)

Education

A self-starter from the beginning, Jonathan tested out of high school at 16 and did the same with college. He graduated cum laude from UWLA School of Law and passed the California Bar Exam shortly thereafter.

Areas of Practice

Jonathan handles a wide range of serious injury cases, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Premises liability
  • Wrongful death
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Amputations
  • Burns
  • CRPS
  • Dog bites
  • Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents

Jonathan has secured tens of millions in compensation for clients.

"When you hire us, we become part of the family. When your family is in trouble, you don’t stop until you’ve done everything for them."

Personal Interests

Beyond the courtroom, Jonathan brings the same energy and focus to his hobbies as he does to his cases. He’s an avid beach volleyball player and devotes pro bono time to nonprofits that advocate for patients’ rights and fight discrimination.

Our Philosophy

With over 60 years of combined legal experience, we have successfully recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for thousands of accident victims, and their families. Each case accepted by our attorneys is approached with the same philosophy:

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