Education and Practice
Ms. Hall obtained her undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1984, receiving magna cum laude honors. She then studied Philosophy of Law for a year at the University of Edinburgh under a Rotary Scholarship before returning to Duke to obtain her law degree from Duke Law School in 1988.
Prior to opening a private defense practice in 1992, Ms. Hall joined Federal Defenders, Inc., where she served as a staff attorney for four years. She has been dedicated to the defense of those accused of crime ever since.
Ms. Hall continues to defend people accused of crimes in federal court and also represents defendants in the Superior Courts of California. In addition to litigating cases before the trial courts, Ms. Hall represents defendants on direct appeal and in complex habeas litigation.
Awards and Recognition
Martindale-Hubbell signifies that Martha Hall’s “legal abilities are of the highest standard and that [her] professional ethics are unquestioned.”
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by judiciary)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2024
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by peers)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2024
“Superb Attorney” rating by The Legal Community
– Avvo Top Rated Lawyer 2024
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by peers)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2023
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by judiciary)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2022
San Diego “Top Lawyer” Recognized for Excellence
– San Diego Magazine, March 2022
Recognized Excellence in Law
– Lawyers of Distinction 2021
Selected to the 2021 San Diego Super Lawyers list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in San Diego receive this distinction.
– Thomson Reuters December 2020
San Diego “Top Lawyer” Recognized for Excellence
– San Diego Magazine, March 2020
California “Top Lawyer” for Federal Criminal Defense
– The Legal Network 2013-2016
America’s Most Honored Lawyers
– The Top 1% of American Lawyers 2020
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by peers)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2020
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating (as rated by judiciary)
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2016
“Preeminent Lawyer” AV rating 10 Year Anniversary Award
– Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register 2004-2014
Affiliations and Admissions
- State Bar of California
- Supreme Court of California
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals (9th Circuit)
- United States Court of Appeals (6th Circuit)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
What Clients are saying
Being faced with a difficult drug related case, other attorneys stating “You cannot make bond, because of your legal status,” Martha Hall was able to represent me and make bond possible. Every meeting I had with Martha, she was always prepared to help explain what the prosecutor had in mind (presented) on getting a conviction against me, and the game plan she proposed on how we could overcome these obstacles which were placed in front of us, maintaining focus in the best interest of her client. When I was offered pled bargains, I would mention I am ready for trail, Martha Hall was ready to go to battle for me as her client. Final outcome, deferred prosecution, allowing me to re-establish my life and see my son grow up into the greatness he has become. My Family and I are Thankful for being able to have Martha Hall and her firm represent me and we thank them for the excellent work they did while fighting my case.
Hi Martha,
Yesterday was my birthday and I was thinking of all the blessings that came along during the last year. You make me understand that saying the truth it will set me free. I really can’t find the words to express myself to tell you how much I appreciate everything you did because it wasn’t only with the legal process but also in my life. You are a very special person to me. Thank you for being always there for me in the most difficult time of my life.
Forever, thank you!
Martha Hall is a great person overall, always attentive and working hard with her cases. She is an expert at her profession. She will always be my attorney!
Martha Hall is a True strategic mastermind. Never a promise made but her word to do her best was kept. A dedicated and fearless pursuit to the best outcome was always priority. My best interest at heart was clearly and objective she obtained, and that was a major key!
I thank god everyday for Martha. You have truly changed my son’s life, his daughter’s life, and our family’s lives. If it wasn’t for Martha and her team the results would have definitely not have been possible without her. We are very grateful for all the dedication, and many hours of hard work you put in to resolve our case. You will always hold a special place in all of our hearts forever. Martha is an Award -Winning Federal Criminal Defense Attorney. She is the Best!
Martha was willing to take my case after a bad experience with another attorney. She made herself available whenever I really needed her. She was patient and never spoke down to me or rushed me out of her office. Martha went to extraordinary lengths, which in my case were successful, to bring my Federal probation to an early conclusion. This included getting the prosecuting attorney to join Martha and file a motion which the judge signed the next day, ending my probation on the spot.