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Your Trusted Legal Partner in Ventura, CA
Slaughter, Reagan & Cole is a distinguished law firm with approximately 150 years of combined legal experience among its attorneys. Specializing in business litigation, transactional work, and entity formation, the firm serves clients across Central and Southern California. Our team of AV-rated attorneys, recognized in Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America, combines local expertise with statewide reach to deliver tailored legal solutions. We prioritize cost-effective strategies, alternative dispute resolution, and early case analysis to maximize client outcomes.

With deep roots in Ventura County, we maintain strong relationships with local courts and actively contribute to community initiatives. Our practice areas include civil litigation, construction law, intellectual property, and appellate advocacy, supported by advanced litigation technology and a commitment to ethical standards.
Services
Business Litigation Civil Litigation Construction Litigation Intellectual Property Appellate Advocacy Alternative Dispute Resolution Personal Injury Real Estate Litigation Entity Formation Insurance Defense
Highlights and features
  • We have approximately 150 years of combined legal experience in business and litigation matters.
  • Our attorneys are AV-rated and recognized in Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.
  • We provide cost-effective solutions through early case analysis and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Our team maintains deep relationships with Ventura County courts and local legal institutions.
  • We combine advanced litigation technology with personalized client attention.
Associations and certifications
  • AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Super Lawyers
  • The Best Lawyers in America
  • Ventura County Bar Association
  • Best Law Firms by U.S. News
  • Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
What people say
Second to none Efficient and organized Glowing report Great job Highly recommended
Services
Business Litigation
Our attorneys handle complex business disputes, including contract conflicts, partnership disagreements, and corporate governance issues. We combine trial experience with strategic negotiation to protect client interests. Our approach focuses on resolving matters efficiently while maintaining aggressive advocacy when necessary.
Construction Litigation
We represent developers, contractors, and property owners in construction-related legal conflicts. Our services include dispute resolution for defective workmanship, contract breaches, and insurance claims. We leverage industry-specific knowledge to protect clients' financial and legal interests throughout California.
Personal Injury
Our team advocates for clients injured due to others' negligence, handling car accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. We pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through settlements or courtroom litigation.
Real Estate Litigation
We resolve complex real estate conflicts involving property defects, boundary disputes, and landlord-tenant issues. Our attorneys handle cases from initial negotiations through trial, focusing on preserving property values and client investments in Ventura County and beyond.
Appellate Advocacy
Our firm provides specialized appellate representation, preparing detailed briefs and oral arguments. We analyze trial outcomes for potential errors, focusing on overturning unfavorable decisions or defending favorable rulings in California's appellate courts.
People
William M. Slaughter
Partner
Founding partner with 40 years of trial experience in commercial litigation and insurance defense. AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell for over 25 years and recognized in Super Lawyers since 2009.
Barry J. Reagan
Partner
Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, representing clients in business disputes, real estate litigation, and personal injury defense. Specializes in community association and corporate law matters.
James B. Cole
Partner
Focuses on business transactions, real property law, and litigation. Brings extensive experience in corporate entity formation and complex commercial disputes to clients across California.
Michael Lebow
Partner
Handles bad faith claims, personal injury defense, and real estate litigation. Joined the firm in 2012 after clerking and became partner in 2019 with a focus on civil litigation matters.
Kevin J. Heimler
Partner
Specializes in civil litigation, landlord-tenant disputes, and personal injury cases. Joined the firm in 2017 with experience in general liability and habitability issues across California.
Questions
What areas of law does Slaughter, Reagan & Cole specialize in?
We focus on business litigation, construction law, personal injury, real estate disputes, and appellate advocacy. Our attorneys also handle insurance defense, intellectual property, and alternative dispute resolution.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our attorneys have approximately 150 years of combined legal experience, including trial work, transactional matters, and appellate representation across Central and Southern California.
Do you offer free case evaluations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to assess your legal needs and discuss potential strategies for your case.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine AV-rated attorneys, local court relationships, and cost-benefit analysis to deliver efficient solutions while maintaining aggressive courtroom representation when needed.
How do you handle construction defect claims?
Our team represents property owners and contractors in defect litigation, focusing on proving or defending against claims while managing costs through strategic discovery and expert analysis.