
Daniel J. Rafii
Daniel J. Rafii is more than a high-performing trial lawyer — he’s a compassionate advocate driven by a deep commitment to helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As the founder and CEO of Rafii & Associates, P.C., Daniel has built a firm that stands for justice, dignity, and real human impact.
In 2007, Daniel launched his firm after a close friend’s younger sister was kidnapped in a Yellow Cab taxi. What followed was a grueling four-year legal battle that pitted him against powerful insurance companies and systemic failures. The case ended in a landmark result — and set the tone for everything that followed: a legal practice built to stand up for individuals when the odds feel stacked and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It also exemplified Daniel’s core belief: no person or powerful corporation is too big to be held accountable.
Drawing from years in the courtroom and firm-building, Daniel focuses heavily on refining how plaintiff cases are managed — integrating strategy, structure, and care to ensure every client benefits from a tailored and meticulous approach. He also spearheaded the firm’s Innovation & AI Integration (IAI) department, empowering attorneys to work smarter and invest time where it matters most: with clients.
Daniel believes law is about people, not just process. He leads public education campaigns defending civil justice, challenging misleading tort reform narratives, and advocating for everyday individuals facing outsized institutions. To him, every client’s fight becomes his own.
Whether mentoring attorneys, advancing platforms that support working families, or pushing for reforms that protect the vulnerable, Daniel brings sharp strategy and heartfelt compassion to everything he does.
Under his leadership, Rafii & Associates isn’t just adapting to the evolving legal landscape — it’s helping shape the future of justice.
Mr. Rafii has been recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization comprised of individuals who have secured verdicts or settlements for their clients of $2 million or more. Mr. Rafii participates in the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping those in need within the Los Angeles area. He has also been listed among the top 100 trial lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and has also been featured in the organization’s “Top 40 Under 40” list.
Representative Verdicts and Settlements
Villamariona v. CBS Studios – Wrongful death –
Pedestrian struck and killed by CBS employee on set of NCISGarcia v. Yellow Cab of Orange County –
Negligent Entrustment for taxi driver kidnapping.Victoria Murillo v. Knights Inn et. al. –
Premises Liability claims for client injuries at a parking lot of hotel.Ramirez v. City of Port Hueneme – Wrongful Death –
Excessive force claim for the shooting and killing of Jose Ramirez by Port Hueneme police officers.Professional Associations
- Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
- American Association of Justice
- Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities
Admissions
- California State Bar
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Education
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, summa cum laude
- University of California, Santa Barbara
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Farsi