Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorneys

Attorneys Who Are On Your Side

A Dedicated Legal Team Ready to Serve You

Many people become frustrated with the legal system, because it tends to be stacked against them. Whether they are dealing with a serious personal injury claim or criminal accusation, they don’t feel like they have anyone on their side.

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your legal concerns. From our law office in Newport Beach, our lawyers represent clients throughout Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

What Sets Us Apart

Clear Communication

We sit down with you to understand your concerns and questions. We will come up with an individualized plan and strategy for you.

Tenacious Advocacy

We pride ourselves on our ability to take on any obstacles that may come your way. We will fearlessly advocate on your behalf.

Courtroom Experience

As former public defenders, we have the knowledge needed to handle the most complex criminal and personal injury cases.

A car accident, a fall or another serious accident can leave you with costly medical bills, a long and painful recovery, and the possibility of permanent impairment. Insurance companies will do almost anything to avoid paying you the fair compensation you are due. We are experienced criminal law and personal injury trial lawyers who will protect your interests at every stage of the civil justice system. We will deal with the insurance company so you can concentrate on your health and your family.

The criminal justice system is supposed to presume that you are innocent. Unfortunately, it rarely works that way. Once you are accused of a crime, the system is geared to convict you. The police and the prosecutor are not on your side. Our attorneys are. We defend people charged with all types of criminal and serious traffic offenses, including DUI, drug charges, domestic violence and assault charges. We know how damaging a criminal conviction can be to your life. We are attorneys who will always fight for you.

Meet the Team

  • Partner

  • Of Counsel

    Chi Darling is co-founder of Johnston and Darling, APC. She is an attorney that is compassionate and attentive to details. She is also focused and committed to providing legal representation that produces the best results for her clients.

    Chi attended the University of Southern California, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Policy and Management. She also graduated as the class valedictorian from the School of Public Policy in 2002. In 2007, she received her Juris Doctor Degree in Law from Pepperdine University School of Law. While at Pepperdine, Chi worked as a judicial law clerk and clerked with the Law Offices of Los Angeles County Public Defender. Chi has been admitted to practice law in California and Massachusetts.

    After her admission to the State Bar of California, Chi dedicated her legal career to the office of the Orange County Public Defender. She successfully represented clients with broad ranging criminal charges. From traffic infractions to serious felony matters, Chi’s priority was always providing effective legal representation with compassion and understanding. Subsequent to her time with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, Chi expanded her legal knowledge and professional experience in the civil arena with law firms specializing in recovery for healthcare providers and a variety of personal injury matters.

    Chi believes in a personal and professional life of service to the community. She has dedicated her time to different organizations such as the Orange County Rescue Mission, Share Our Selves, Union Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army.

Areas of Practice

Personal Injury

We’ll help you get the compensation you need for auto accidents, slip-and-falls, and other personal injury matters.

Auto Accidents

With more than 20 years of combined experience, we are here to protect your rights after an auto accident.

Criminal Defense

We defend people charged with drug possession, domestic violence, DUI, and other criminal offenses. We help clients with expungement, probation termination, felony reduction and arrest record sealing.

Client Testimonials

  • "It is an honor to leave a review for Johnston and Darling Law Firm. They did everything they said they where going to do and by far exceeded my expectations. Even if I consistently bothered them about minor or major issues, they always had answer, with the best attitude. I’m so glad I chose them to represent me, I would highly recommend them to anyone not just family. Even after my situation was resolved, I call them every so often for some legal advice and they are always happy to assist me or guide me. Please if you are looking for representation, DO NOT hesitate to call them. You will not be disappointed. I hope the best to Johnston and Darling law firm and pray that God bless their business abundantly." - Jonathan A.

  • "I have worked with Johnston and Darling on two occasions and was equally satisfied with both. My first was related to my mother’s car and the ongoing warranty issues she had with the dealership/manufacturer as her car kept going in for mechanical issues. J & D started a lemon law claim on our behalf and secured the maximum benefit available under the law (a lemon law buyback). Throughout the process, J & D kept me informed about important updates and walked us through the process to the moment when we obtained a refund and returned the car. I highly recommend them for anyone who needs help with a lemon law matter. I have also worked professionally with J&D (I am also an attorney) on a legal matter related to a personal injury case and can unequivocally recommend them to help any one in need of competent and compassionate attorneys. I was most impressed by their attention to detail and their commitment to do everything available to them within the confines of the law to make their clients’ whole." - Masih K.

  • "I had the privilege of working with Johnston and Darling and cannot say enough about their professionalism, knowledge and expertise, in handling my case. I worked directly with attorney Jessica Johnston. I was so impressed by her patience when communicating the information I needed to make informed decisions. She was proactive in reaching out with status updates to make sure I understood the process, procedures and timeline. She was always available to explain the pros and cons of an offer and provided guidance in helping me choose a settlement. She was a hard worker and she had my best interest in mind. She represented everything I was looking for in an attorney; integrity, compassion, enthusiasm, and honesty. She worked hard to make sure I was a satisfied client. I highly recommend Johnston and Darling, APC." - Janice H. Wildomar

  • "Johnston and Darling, APC law firm helped me clear a past record discreetly. I am very appreciative for their assistance in this matter. Chi Darling explained the law and outlined it in clear language easily to understand. She also let me know what steps were needed for the process all along the way. She was always reassuring, articulate, knowledgeable and efficient in her work ethic including her personal communication skills with me. Chi Darling made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome." - Anonymous

Know Your Rights

Get a free initial consultation today by sending us a message or calling us at (949) 490-1589.