Blumenthal Law Offices Blumenthal Law Offices
951-682-5110
Virginia Blumenthal Photo
  • Bio
  • Credentials

Virginia M. Blumenthal

Founding Attorney

Backed by 50 Years of Experience

For 50 years, Virginia M. Blumenthal has practiced criminal defense law in Riverside. Given her dedication, she has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in America by the National Trial Lawyers, and her firm has been listed as a Top Ranking Law Firm in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

In 1975, Ms. Blumenthal, a former Riverside school teacher, opened the first woman-owned law firm in Inland Southern California. Today, she is one of the most recognized litigators in California. Her team of attorneys at Blumenthal & Moore is devoted exclusively to defending the accused.

In 2019, Ms. Blumenthal argued before the California Supreme Court – a rare distinction for a trial attorney – in the landmark case People v. Aranda. Three months later, the state high court issued a 6-1 decision in her favor.

Recognition for Her Exceptional Work Ethic

Ms. Blumenthal has received a long list of honors for decades of service, including the 2025 Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award from the Mission Inn Foundation; the Impact Award from Inland Empire Magazine; the Civil Rights Law Giant Award from the Riverside County NAACP Youth Council; and the Roy Hord Volunteer of the Year Award from the Riverside Downtown Partnership.

She also has been named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, and Alumnus of the Year by the Riverside Community College District. She has also received the Krieger Meritorious Service Award for outstanding community service – the highest honor of the Riverside County Bar Association.

In 2022, Ms. Blumenthal was elected to her fifth term on the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, where she long served as President. She has served as President of the Riverside County Philharmonic, is one of the founders of the Riverside County High School Mock Trial program, and is a founding director for the Riverside Police Foundation. She also sits on a range of local boards, including those directing the UC Riverside Foundation, the Riverside University Hospital System Foundation, and the Riverside Unified School District Foundation.

Ms. Blumenthal’s work has been recognized by:

  • The President of the United States
  • The Governor of California
  • The Mayor of Riverside
  • The California Legislature
  • The Riverside County Board of Supervisors
  • The Riverside City Council

AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • White Collar Crimes
  • All Aspects of Criminal Law

Bar Admissions

  • California, 1975

Education

  • California Southern Law School, Riverside, California
    • J.D., 1975
  • California State Northridge
    • M.A., 1971
  • California State Northridge
    • B.A., 1970

Honors, Awards, & Accomplishments

  • Received the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award from the Mission Inn Foundation, 2025
  • Received the Impact Award from Inland Empire Magazine, 2025
  • Received the Ronald O. Loveridge Distinguished Leader Award from the Riverside Police Foundation, 2024
  • Received an Access to Justice Award from the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino, 2024
  • Named Best Lawyer in the IE by Inland Empire Magazine, 2024
  • Received a Champion for Justice Award from the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, 2023
  • Received the Civil Rights Law Giant Award from the NAACP Youth Council, Riverside Chapter, 2023
  • Blumenthal & Moore received the Small Business Eagle Award from the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, 2023
  • Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corona Chamber of Commerce, 2023
  • Received the Bear of Distinction Award from Poly High School in Riverside, the school's hall of fame honor for distinguished alumni, 2022
  • Received the Roy Hord Volunteer of the Year Award, Riverside Downtown Partnership, 2022
  • Named Riverside Community College District Alumnus of the Year, 2016
  • Received the James H. Krieger Meritorious Service Award, the highest honor of the Riverside County Bar Association, 2015
  • Named Citizen of the Year, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, 2014
  • Received an Honorary Life Member Award from the Fraternal Order of Police, Riverside, Lodge 8, 2014
  • Named Riverside County Woman of the Year, California Legislature, 2010
  • Received the NAACP Law & Justice Award, 2009
  • Received the YWCA Women of Achievement “Person Who Makes a Difference” Award, 2008
  • Received the Gold Key Award, Soroptimist International of Riverside, 2007
  • Received the ATHENA Leadership Award for outstanding community service, 2004
  • Opened the first female-owned law firm in Riverside and San Bernardino counties
  • Rated AV Preeminent, the highest possible rating for professional excellence, by the nation’s leading national attorney directory, Martindale Hubbell
  • Named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers
  • Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America – an honor she has held for more than 30 years
  • Named one of the “77 best female litigators in California” by Los Angeles Daily Journal, the San Francisco Daily Journal and the Sacramento Daily Recorder
  • Named one of the “Best Lawyers in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties” by Inland Empire Magazine
  • Named a Top Ranking Law Firm (Blumenthal & Moore) in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
  • Named “One of the Best Women Litigators in California,” one of the “Most Influential Attorneys in the State of California,” “One of the Best Lawyers in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties” and “Super Lawyer in California”
  • Elected to five terms on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees, with extensive service as Board President
  • Board member and past president of the Riverside County Philharmonic
  • Volunteer with the Riverside County Spelling Bee (Head Judge since 1977)
  • Volunteer and founder of the Riverside County High School Mock Trial Program – helped bring the program to Riverside
  • Founding governor who helped establish the Riverside Community College Friends of Forensics, to help students learn to speak in front of audiences
  • Founding director of the Riverside Police Foundation
  • Honorary coach of the UCR girl’s basketball team

Classes/Seminars

  • Guest Lecturer, "People Who Make a Difference," Riverside County

Get Started Today

Request Your No-Charge Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy