Tom Vertanous is a first-generation Armenian-American attorney whose legal work is driven by advocacy, public service, and human rights. He immigrated to the United States from Iran at the age of four, an experience that shaped his commitment to representing individuals facing serious legal challenges.
Mr. Vertanous earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Southern California (USC), with a minor in Health Care Administration. While at USC, he founded and led HyerUnited, a nonprofit organization that delivered more than $2,000,000 in medical equipment to Armenia, reflecting his long-standing dedication to humanitarian efforts.
Building on his healthcare background, Mr. Vertanous interned at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, where he authored “Leading Efforts to Increase Organ Donation Through Professionalization of Organ Procurement.” His work helped organ procurement organizations identify systemic barriers to donation while proposing practical solutions. He also interned at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of medical equipment to developing regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Mr. Vertanous earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, where he gained substantial courtroom and litigation exposure. During law school, he interned with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Sexual Crimes Division, and was selected as one of only two student externs for the Honorable Stéphane V. Willison of the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In that role, he developed a strong foundation in federal motion practice and observed numerous trials at the federal level.
In practice, Mr. Vertanous has worked on a broad range of complex matters, including catastrophic injury, trucking accidents, premises liability, civil rights, and wrongful death cases. He is known for his ability to connect with clients while navigating legally and factually demanding cases, with a focus on securing maximum compensation and meaningful results.
Mr. Vertanous was selected to the 2024 Southern California Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers®, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys across the region.