Caree Harper

Practice areas

Civil Rights, Criminal Defense

Focus areas

Criminal Law, Police Misconduct

Caree Harper is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil rights and criminal defense, practicing in Santa Monica, California, where she established The Law Offices of Caree Harper. Her legal services extend to clients in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and Santa Monica.

With over two decades of experience, Ms. Harper offers expert legal counsel in a broad spectrum of civil rights and criminal defense cases, encompassing state and federal jurisdictions, and she has conducted jury trials in both arenas. Her unique background as a former police officer in the East Bay area, where she sustained an injury in the line of duty, equips her with a distinct advantage in assisting California residents facing criminal charges or grappling with violations of their civil rights.

Ms. Harper’s unwavering commitment revolves around safeguarding her clients’ fundamental rights to life and liberty. She recognizes that the freedom and long-term prospects of individuals accused of criminal offenses are at stake. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in numerous significant cases, consistently securing the most favorable outcomes for her clients.

Ms. Harper’s dedication extends beyond her professional practice. She dedicated a decade to handling pro bono cases for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Pasadena and served as a mentor to youth at the Grizzly Youth Academy. Her tireless commitment to providing free legal services earned her the Shirley Fields Volunteer Award from the County of Los Angeles and the U.S. House of Representatives, acknowledging her nearly fifty percent pro bono case involvement.

She embarked on her legal journey by earning a bachelor’s degree and paralegal certification from Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga. Subsequently, Ms. Harper obtained her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, successfully passing the California Bar exam on her first attempt in 2002. Additionally, she received specialized training in investigating death penalty cases at Santa Clara University School of Law.

Ms. Harper actively engages with her legal community, holding memberships in the John M. Langston Bar Association, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, and the California Lawyers Association Solo and Small Firm Section.

Ms. Harper’s exceptional legal services have garnered widespread recognition. She has earned numerous endorsements and positive reviews from both peers and clients, earning a “Very Good” rating on Avvo. In 2014, she achieved recognition as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys in Civil Rights and Criminal Defense” by The National Trial Lawyers.