More Than 40 Years Defending San Diegians
Extensive Legal Experience
Mr. Liss graduated from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley Law School, in 1983. He started his career with the United Farm Workers Union, followed by the Legal Aid Society of San Diego the following year. While at the Legal Aid Society, he began focusing exclusively on criminal defense, starting in 1987.
He later joined the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, trying multiple murder cases, including a death penalty trial. Mr. Liss worked his way up to serve as the Assistant Supervising Public Defender of the Vista Office.
In 1998, he opened his private practice, giving him the flexibility, time, and budget to do everything possible to present the best possible defense for his clients, representing them throughout every stage of a criminal case, from investigations and arrest through sentencing.
As a solo practitioner, Mr. Liss consistently goes above and beyond for his clients, earning a near-perfect rating on Google, Yelp, Martindale, and AVVO. He even won the AVVO Clients’ Choice Award in 2022, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012. In 2021, he was named an AV-Preeminent attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, an award given exclusively to attorneys who consistently demonstrate the field’s highest ethical and legal standards. He is so well-respected that he is regularly contacted as an expert source for local and national news outlets.
The Foundations for a Career in the Courtroom
Peter Liss was born on a Tokyo Air Force Base, where his father served as a civilian Air Force court reporter. Accompanying his father to work sparked an early fascination with the American legal system and its courtroom processes, inspiring him to eventually attend law school.
Spending his formative years on military bases throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States exposed him to diverse cultures and required him to become highly adaptable, friendly, sociable—and an excellent conversationalist. These traits helped him dramatically in his life and his future career.
Dedicated to Public Service
As young Peter’s father sparked his love of the law, his mother showed him the importance of helping others. As a result, he has served with a number of organizations supporting low-income persons, including the United Farm Workers Union, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and the Public Defender’s Office. Even as a solo practitioner, he offers affordable rates to ensure his services are available to clients of all backgrounds.
He also helps others in his free time, serving as president of the San Diego non-profit Affordable Housing Advocates, which provides free legal services to renters in San Diego. In the video above, he and his peers in the advocacy group celebrate those who have helped contribute to the Mid-City Family & Senior Apartments, a housing project in San Diego designed to provide affordable housing to families and seniors in City Heights.
Mr. Liss also teaches trial practice skills to other attorneys at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. This national non-profit organization holds simulated trials to help provide young attorneys with hands-on experience advocating for their clients in a courtroom setting.
Professional Memberships
Peter Liss is a member of a number of local and national organizations for attorneys and business owners, including:
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- California DUI Lawyers Association
- Vista Chamber of Commerce
- Bonsall Chamber of Commerce
- Oceanside Chamber of Commerce
- Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
- Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce
Recreational Activities
Mr. Liss has an enduring love of travel and enjoys visiting destinations around the globe. His favorite destinations include Sweden, England, Norway, Denmark, and Northern Ireland.
Locally, he loves taking in the stunning natural scenery of San Diego, hiking in the Cuyamaca Mountains and Anza Borrego Desert, and taking 30-mile bike rides from his Del Mar home.
Accused of a Crime? Call Today
Peter Liss’ greatest passion remains defending his clients by fighting for their rights and freedoms. He represents clients facing all types of criminal charges, including DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft crimes, criminal traffic offenses, violent crimes, sex offenses, and white collar crimes.
If you have been accused of a crime, please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.
