Walter M. Yoka

Commercial Litigation

5.0 (1 reviews)

Los Angeles, California

45+ years experience

Yoka | Smith LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

213-427-2300

https://www.yokasmith.com/attorneys-walter-yoka

445 South Figueroa Street, 38th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Bio

Walter Yoka is a nationally recognized trial attorney with particular focus on products liability. He has tried numerous complex and high profile cases to verdict on behalf of Yoka & Smith’s corporate clients and successfully argued in California’s Supreme and Appellate courts. Among his many affiliations, Mr. Yoka is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Product Liability Advisory Counsel and International Society of Barristers. He served as President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (ASCDC) and the California Defense Counsel. In 2003, he was appointed by Chief Justice Ronald George to serve on the Judicial Council Blue Ribbon Panel of Experts on the Fair and Efficient Administration of Civil Cases, and formerly served as a member of the Judicial Counsel Civil & Small Claims Committee. He is an ASCDC Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to Southern California’s Best Lawyers, Mr. Yoka has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2004, and selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006. Yoka & Smith has continually been chosen as a Fortune 500 Go-To Law Firm of the World's Leading Companies since 2007. Walter Yoka is a nationally recognized trial attorney with particular focus on products liability. He has tried numerous complex and high profile cases to verdict on behalf of Yoka & Smith’s corporate clients and successfully argued in California’s Supreme and Appellate courts. Among his many affiliations, Mr. Yoka is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Product Liability Advisory Counsel and International Society of Barristers. He served as President of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel (ASCDC) and the California Defense Counsel. In 2003, he was appointed by Chief Justice Ronald George to serve on the Judicial Council Blue Ribbon Panel of Experts on the Fair and Efficient Administration of Civil Cases, and formerly served as a member of the Judicial Counsel Civil & Small Claims Committee. He is an ASCDC Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to Southern California’s Best Lawyers, Mr. Yoka has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2004, and selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006. Yoka & Smith has continually been chosen as a Fortune 500 Go-To Law Firm of the World's Leading Companies since 2007.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

California

State Capital

Sacramento

Highest Court

California Supreme Court

Bar Association

State Bar of California

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Los Angeles (2018)
Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Los Angeles (2014)
Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Los Angeles (2012)
Recognized: Commercial Litigation
Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Practice Area: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Practice Area: Personal Injury Litigation
Practice Area: Product Liability Litigation
Special Focus: Product Liability

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

Southwestern University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1980

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Reviews

Kenneth Cooper

3 months ago

A consummate professional who delivered an outstanding result

Our company faced a complex product liability lawsuit that threatened our reputation and financial stability. From our first consultation, Walter Yoka demonstrated a masterful command of the intricate legal and technical details. His 45 years of experience, particularly his deep focus on products liability defense, was immediately evident. Walter and his team at Yoka | Smith LLP were not just reactive; they built a proactive, bulletproof strategy. His calm, authoritative presence in depositions and court was invaluable. The case settled on highly favorable terms, a direct result of his formidable trial readiness. His 'Lawyer of the Year' recognitions are clearly well-deserved. We are profoundly grateful for his exceptional guidance.