DARREN KAVINOKY
Darren Kavinoky is no stranger to the courtroom or television cameras – he is an accomplished trial lawyer and a well-known television commentator. However, he is far more than just another talking head delivering the usual legal “blah blah.”
Darren is an award-winning lawyer. He was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star (top lawyers under the age of 40) in 2005 and 2006; a Super Lawyer in 2010, 2011, and (soon to be formally announced) 2012; and also one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California (by the American Trial Lawyers Association) in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Darren received an “AV Preeminent Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell (a peer review ranking that signals the highest level of professional excellence and ethics); a perfect 10.0 Rating by Avvo.com (an independent attorney ranking site), and many other accolades. Darren has authored two legal textbooks in the field of criminal law, and was recently asked to write a third on the topic of search and seizure law.
Darren’s legal expertise and off-center wit make him an especially engaging contributor on many TV shows. He has worked as both a field correspondent and as in-studio talent for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider. He has also provided expert insight on entertainment, legal, political and lifestyle issues on the Today Show; Good Morning America; The Early Show; Dr. Phil; CNN’s Larry King Live; HLN’s Showbiz Tonight, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, Dr. Drew, Nancy Grace, and Prime News; various programs on truTV (and its predecessor Court TV); Donny Deutsch; Geraldo at Large; Fox & Friends; Inside Edition; and many other national and local broadcasts.
His contributions to radio have been equally as prolific and diverse. Darren has made scores of appearances on local market, syndicated, and satellite radio, both in the U.S. and abroad, on stations that focus on the entire range of listener from talk to rock.
Perhaps more important than his professional accomplishments is the compelling personal tale he has to share. He is living proof that the world loves a comeback story, and personifies triumph over adversity to rise to the level of success he now enjoys. Once a sensitive, fat kid from a dysfunctional family, he went on to suffer from his own addiction issues at a very young age and which plagued him for many years.
However, after two decades of unsuccessfully battling with his demons, he conquered his addictions in May of 2000 and has gone on to become the outstanding lawyer, exceptional businessman and proud family man that he is today. The kid who wore “husky” sized Toughskins has transformed into a dedicated athlete who recently completed his seventh Ironman triathlon and has done several ultra-marathons. The bankrupt attorney who once swept floors in a furniture store to make ends meet has since created several multi-million dollar businesses, including a law firm that now employs more than 20 people. And the man whose wife stuck by him despite years of struggle is the proud father of ten-year-old daughter who has never seen her daddy under the influence of anything. Darren knows firsthand that seemingly miraculous transformations are possible, and he delights in carrying that message to others.
Darren became a Certified Interventionist to better serve his client population, many of whom were suffering from untreated addiction issues. Darren has participated in over 100 interventions on people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, and other behavioral disorders. Darren has appeared as a guest interventionist on MTV’s Gone Too Far. He is a frequent speaker at conferences for interventionists around the world, and has delivered several keynote addresses on the topic of transformation regardless of circumstances.
Darren is the self-described “Chief Inspirational Officer” of his firm, where many such interventions have been conducted in the most difficult of circumstances, with legal issues, addiction, and family dysfunction dovetailing together. Indeed, the very mission statement of The Kavinoky Law Firm speaks to the premium put on these transformations: the firm’s mission is to empower its clients to recognize that the seemingly worst events in their lives can be the catalyst for profound positive change. Darren knows firsthand that it is not just the events in our lives that shape us, but more importantly it is the meaning we ascribe to those events. He inspires his clients, and those he intervenes on, to recast their past with this in mind. Once accomplished, the very events that formerly provoked feelings of guilt, shame and remorse often become their greatest asset.
These incredible life experiences have given Darren an authenticity and unique perspective that is truly refreshing. Darren has the innate ability to communicate effectively across all socioeconomic boundaries, a talent that has resulted in many favorable jury verdicts, and rave reviews from producers and audiences alike.
