The Gold Standard of Criminal Defense

Philippa Lauben brings 30 years of legal experience to Walsh Law, including more than 20 years devoted to criminal defense and the representation of clients facing serious and complex criminal charges.

Philippa earned her J.D. with honors from McGeorge School of Law in 1996. She received her B.A. from St. Lawrence University, graduating with honors with dual majors in Philosophy and Government, and was a member of Phi Sigma Tau.

Experience You Can Count On

Philippa began practicing law shortly after passing the California State Bar in 1996. She built a successful general practice with offices in three Northern California counties, representing clients in matters ranging from business litigation and family law to probate and bankruptcy.

Over time, criminal defense became the focus of her practice. In 2005, Philippa sold her general practice to devote herself to criminal defense.

For more than 20 years, she has represented clients through indigent defense contracts with multiple counties while continuing to handle private criminal matters. Her practice has included serious and high-stakes felony cases involving murder, rape and other sex offenses, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, and other complex criminal allegations. She has also spent decades representing juveniles and families in juvenile delinquency and Child Protective Services matters.

That breadth of experience has given Philippa a perspective that comes only from decades spent representing real people in difficult circumstances. She understands that a criminal case is rarely just about the charge on the complaint. It can affect a client’s family, career, reputation, finances, and future.

Philippa believes effective representation begins with understanding both the case and the person behind it. She is straightforward with her clients about the strengths and weaknesses of their cases, believes clients should understand the process and their options, and approaches every case with the same goal: finding the best path forward for the individual client.

Why Walsh Law

After nearly three decades of building and managing her own practice, Philippa had not planned on joining another law firm. That changed after meeting Christopher Walsh.

Philippa recognized in Walsh Law a vision that closely aligned with her own—building a criminal defense practice where talented attorneys work collaboratively, bringing different strengths and experiences to the table, and providing clients with the resources of a team rather than a single practitioner.

After decades of navigating both the practice and business of law on her own, Philippa was drawn to the opportunity to help build something bigger. She made the decision to leave solo practice and join Walsh Law, bringing with her decades of courtroom experience, the perspective of a longtime business owner, and a commitment to helping the firm continue to grow.

Community Focus & Involvement

Philippa’s connection to Northern California extends well beyond her legal practice.

She and her husband made California their home after the Army stationed him here early in his military career. They raised their family in the area and became deeply involved in the community, coaching youth sports at virtually every level.

Philippa continues that involvement today as a coach at Whitney High School. Working with young people and families has remained an important part of her life and has reinforced something she has seen throughout her legal career: people are far more complicated than a single mistake, accusation, or difficult chapter in their lives.

Bar Admissions

State Bar of California
United States District Court, Eastern District of California
United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California

Professional Memberships

Sutter-Yuba Bar Association
Former Vice President, Sutter-Yuba Bar Association

Honors & Awards

2024 Top 50 Lawyers in America