At Lawyer Up Legal Counsel A.P.C., we provide fearless, effective representation for individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. From criminal defense to personal injury, we guide clients through complex legal processes with skill and precision, protecting their rights and fighting for their interests at every stage.
Our approach is grounded in experience, strategy, and a genuine commitment to each client’s well-being. We treat every client with respect and care, offering personalized guidance and advocacy tailored to their circumstances; never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you’re facing a legal dispute, navigating a difficult case, or seeking the protection and enforcement of your rights, our team stands by your side, fights for the best possible outcome, and helps you move forward with confidence.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Forged in Trial. Dedicated to Justice. Fighting for You.
Tricia Halstead is a trial lawyer to her core. For more than six years, Tricia fought in the trenches of Los Angeles County courtrooms as a Deputy District Attorney. She prosecuted thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to serious and violent felonies. For almost a decade Tricia has dedicated her career to litigation and has appeared in more than 8,000 matters throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino Superior Courts. Known for her skill under pressure and fearless approach to trial, she quickly earned a reputation as a relentless advocate who could go toe-to-toe with the toughest defense attorneys and deliver results.
That experience shaped Tricia into the kind of lawyer you want when everything is on the line. She knows how prosecutors think, how cases are built, and exactly how to dismantle them. Today, she uses that knowledge to defend individuals accused of crimes and to stand up for victims of negligence in personal injury cases. Whether protecting someone’s freedom or seeking justice after an injury, Tricia brings precision, strategy, and unwavering commitment to every case she takes on.
Her foundation as an advocate started years earlier, competing in mock trial, moot court, and national trial competitions where she earned top honors as one of the highest scoring advocates in the country. She went on to graduate magna cum laude from both Chapman University and the University of Illinois College of Law before launching her career in the courtroom.
Beyond her work in the courtroom, Tricia is a proud mother to a beautiful five-year-old son. Founding Lawyer Up Legal Counsel A.P.C. gave her the flexibility to balance parenthood with her passion for justice which reinforced her core belief that every client deserves to be treated like family.
When you hire Tricia, you are not just hiring a lawyer. You are gaining a champion who will fight for your freedom, your recovery, and your future with unmatched dedication and care. Do not fight alone, Lawyer Up today.
Associate Attorney
Built in the Courtroom. Driven by Justice. Here to Fight for You.
Juan E. Ortiz knows both sides of the courtroom, and that makes him a formidable advocate for every client he represents. Before joining Lawyer Up Legal Counsel A.P.C., Juan served as a Certified Law Clerk with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where he appeared on the record in preliminary hearings, argued complex motions, and counseled victims, witnesses, and law enforcement in high-stakes cases. He also served as a Certified Law Clerk with the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, fighting for clients’ rights, arguing bail, and drafting critical motions. He later brought that dual-perspective experience to a well-respected Los Angeles criminal defense firm, where he handled suppression motions, sentencing briefs, and client advocacy at every stage of the process.
A graduate of California Western School of Law, Juan earned the Distinguished Advocate Award and competed on the Trial Team, demonstrating the skill and composure under pressure that define a true litigator. He served as President of the Latinx Law Student Association, reflecting his deep commitment to his community. Juan holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley and is admitted to the California State Bar. Fluent in Spanish, he connects with and advocates effectively for Spanish-speaking clients navigating an often intimidating legal system.
When you work with Juan, you get an attorney who understands the weight of what you’re facing and is ready to fight for you at every step.
Case Manager
Organized. Compassionate. In Your Corner Every Step of the Way.
Selah Venezia brings a rare combination of sharp organizational skills, client-focused communication, and real-world legal experience to every case she touches. Selah began her legal career at a personal injury firm, where she managed cases from intake to settlement, drafting demand letters, negotiating medical liens, coordinating client care, and serving as the primary point of contact between clients, attorneys, and medical providers. She then joined one of California’s largest and most recognized personal injury firms, a statewide practice where she worked on thousands of cases as a case manager assistant, closely monitoring each client’s medical treatment and ensuring no one fell through the cracks. That experience gave her a deep understanding of what it takes to handle high case volumes without losing sight of the individual behind each file.
Selah holds a B.A. in Communication from Lipscomb University, where she also competed as a Division I soccer athlete, a testament to the discipline and teamwork she brings to everything she does.
When you work with Selah, you have someone in your corner who is responsive, detail-oriented, and genuinely committed to making sure your case gets the attention it deserves.
