Angela Carter
Angela has practiced criminal defense in Northern California for more than 30 years. She previously ran Lake County's public (indigent) defense program, so she knows the local courts, the prosecutors, and how these cases tend to unfold. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Background
Angela earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of California, Irvine in 1990, one in social ecology and one in philosophy. She went on to Pepperdine University School of Law and received her Juris Doctor in 1993, then returned to Northern California and passed the California State Bar.
She began her career in public service, providing free legal help to Lake County residents at Redwood Legal Assistance. After a few years with two well-regarded civil trial firms, she took on a contract with Lake County's criminal defense provider, and went on to run the county's public (indigent) defense system.
In the decades since, Angela has handled thousands of cases across the North Bay, from juvenile matters to homicides. She has represented professionals including doctors, elected officials, and other attorneys, and has worked cases covered in local and national news. Years of working alongside local prosecutors, judges, clerks, and court staff give her clients a real advantage: she knows the system, and she knows the people in it.
In January 2000, Angela was admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. She was welcomed by then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist, and the motion for her admission was made by Richard Lynn, dean of Pepperdine University School of Law, where she earned her law degree. It is a rare credential that reflects standing earned over decades of practice in California's courts.
Her commitment reaches beyond the courtroom. Angela was a founding member of Lake County's Veterans Court, with a focus on veterans facing addiction and PTSD, and she received the Friend of the Veteran Award in 2023. Over the years she has also advocated for women working to leave violent relationships and for people of color who have been unfairly charged. With her husband, Rob, she has hosted a free Christmas Day dinner for community seniors.