Mr. Haller's practice is particularly notable for its emphasis on international legal matters. With a strong focus on defending sovereign entities, heads of state, and diplomatic officials, he has secured multiple dismissals in litigation involving foreign sovereigns and their representatives. His experience extends to challenging discovery demands aimed at foreign government actors, a complex area of law that few attorneys are equipped to handle. His track record demonstrates a mastery of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), which governs legal proceedings involving foreign states in U.S. courts. In addition to defending sovereign clients, Mr. Haller also partners with plaintiffs’ attorneys to offer support and insight in FSIA-related litigation.
Before founding his own law office in 2009, Alexis Haller was a name partner at the San Francisco-based boutique firm Swanson, McNamara & Haller LLP. Over the course of a decade, he played a central role in securing victories in major foreign sovereign immunity appeals, as well as in defending the rights of foreign nationals under the Hague Evidence Convention and mutual legal assistance treaties. His successes include the dismissal of both civil and criminal fraud allegations and the exclusion of key evidence in federal criminal cases—demonstrating not only legal knowledge but strategic litigation insight. These early accomplishments laid the foundation for a practice that thrives on the most demanding and intellectually challenging legal issues.
Alexis Haller’s appellate practice spans state and federal jurisdictions, offering services that include direct appeals, petitions for review to the California Supreme Court, writs of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, and habeas corpus petitions in both state and federal court. He is also frequently retained by trial counsel to draft and argue major motions, including those involving constitutional questions such as the suppression of evidence under the Fourth Amendment. He is an active member of the Criminal Justice Act appellate panels in the Northern, Central, and Eastern Districts of California and serves on state appellate panels in the First and Sixth Appellate Districts. His work in this arena reflects a deep understanding of procedural intricacies and a commitment to protecting clients’ rights at every stage of the judicial process.
On the civil side, Mr. Haller handles appeals involving a wide range of issues, including breach of contract, real property disputes, fraud, and personal injury torts. He provides representation in federal district court proceedings involving the FSIA and is frequently called upon to assist with complex motions in cases where international law intersects with domestic litigation. Whether representing government entities or assisting private litigants, Mr. Haller’s approach is grounded in precision, clarity, and a profound understanding of appellate procedure.
Mr. Haller’s academic achievements are as distinguished as his professional career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude and earning election to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. While at Princeton, he also served as president of the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, one of the country’s oldest collegiate political and debating societies. He went on to earn his juris doctor from Stanford Law School, one of the nation’s top legal institutions, where he further developed the analytical skills and legal acumen that define his practice today.
Fluent in French, proficient in Italian, and conversant in Spanish, Mr. Haller brings a global perspective to his legal work, a rare and valuable asset in international litigation. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, including the Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits. His bar admissions include California, Washington, and the District of Columbia—giving him broad jurisdictional reach and the ability to represent clients in both federal and state forums across the country.
Outside the courtroom, Alexis Haller leads a well-rounded life marked by intellectual curiosity and a love of the outdoors. He enjoys hiking, surfing, skiing, and running, and remains a devoted fan of the New York Yankees. His passion for excellence extends beyond legal briefs and courtroom arguments to the everyday experiences that fuel a balanced and thoughtful life. Through all aspects of his work and personal life, Mr. Haller exemplifies a commitment to integrity, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Alexis Haller is widely respected for his collaboration with other attorneys on high-stakes motions and appellate strategies. His ability to distill complex legal theories into persuasive arguments has earned him a reputation as a valuable ally in both trial and appellate courtrooms. Attorneys across California and beyond frequently seek his counsel when faced with challenging procedural or constitutional questions, particularly in matters involving international law or the interface between federal statutes and state proceedings. This behind-the-scenes role as a strategist and writer complements his courtroom advocacy and reflects a comprehensive approach to client service.
His appellate work is particularly focused on safeguarding constitutional rights in criminal cases. Whether addressing violations of due process, challenges to unlawful searches and seizures, or ineffective assistance of counsel, Mr. Haller meticulously analyzes trial records and identifies key issues for appeal. He then crafts compelling briefs that not only highlight errors but also frame them within broader legal principles. His submissions to the California Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court demonstrate a deep understanding of precedent, statutory interpretation, and judicial reasoning. In every case, he is focused on reversing unjust outcomes and securing relief for clients facing the serious consequences of criminal convictions.
Mr. Haller’s international litigation practice often involves navigating overlapping layers of jurisdictional and diplomatic complexity. His representation of heads of state and foreign diplomats requires an intricate understanding of both domestic law and international treaties, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the principles governing sovereign immunity. He has successfully defended foreign officials from litigation in U.S. courts, asserting legal doctrines that protect diplomatic relations and uphold international legal norms. These cases demand not only legal skill but cultural sensitivity and diplomatic awareness—qualities Mr. Haller brings to every representation.
His ability to fluently speak French and work proficiently in Italian further enhances his international practice, allowing him to communicate directly with clients, foreign counsel, and government representatives without relying exclusively on translation. This linguistic skill has proven especially useful in matters involving foreign witnesses, multilingual documentation, and cross-border legal cooperation. In a field where misunderstandings can carry significant legal consequences, Mr. Haller’s command of languages is more than a convenience—it’s a crucial component of effective representation.
From his office in Aptos, California, Mr. Haller maintains a practice that combines local accessibility with global scope. He handles matters throughout the state and across multiple federal jurisdictions, bringing a level of expertise that rivals major metropolitan firms. Despite his broad experience and notable case results, he maintains a personalized, client-focused approach. Clients benefit not only from his legal acumen but from his responsiveness, discretion, and unwavering commitment to protecting their rights and interests. Whether representing an individual seeking post-conviction relief or defending a foreign government from civil liability, Mr. Haller approaches each case with the same intensity and dedication.
His years at Swanson, McNamara & Haller LLP provided him with a solid foundation in both white-collar criminal defense and civil litigation. As a partner in that highly respected firm, Mr. Haller developed the litigation and negotiation skills that now define his private practice. He handled cases that ranged from federal criminal trials to complex civil disputes, often working on matters where reputational risk and legal exposure were high. Those formative years reinforced the importance of precision, thoroughness, and client advocacy—principles that continue to guide his work today.
Alexis Haller’s admission to practice before the United States Supreme Court and multiple federal appellate courts reflects a level of trust and capability not easily attained. These prestigious admissions are reserved for attorneys with demonstrated legal competence and professional integrity, and Mr. Haller has made full use of them by advocating for his clients at the highest levels. His legal writing is known for its clarity, logic, and persuasive force, making him a formidable presence in appellate litigation.
His commitment to legal excellence is further reflected in his active participation in professional organizations. Mr. Haller is a member of the American Bar Association and the American Society of International Law, where he remains engaged with evolving legal standards and global legal developments. These affiliations ensure that he stays current with changes in both domestic and international law, enabling him to offer informed and effective representation to his clients.
Outside of his demanding legal career, Alexis Haller maintains a strong connection to the outdoors and family life. He often spends weekends hiking through the California hills or catching waves along the Pacific coast. These personal pursuits are not just hobbies—they serve as a grounding force that helps him maintain focus and clarity in his legal work. His enthusiasm for nature and physical activity mirrors the energy and tenacity he brings to his professional practice.
His multifaceted legal career, rooted in exceptional academic preparation and enriched by over a decade of litigation experience, reflects a deep-seated commitment to justice, intellectual rigor, and client service. Each case Alexis Haller takes on is approached with careful attention to detail, strategic insight, and the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for the client, whether in a California courtroom or on the international stage.
Clients who work with Alexis Haller often find that his approach combines analytical precision with a profound sense of responsibility for the outcomes he seeks on their behalf. Unlike many practitioners who treat appellate or international cases as purely academic exercises, Mr. Haller remains deeply aware of the real-world consequences his clients face—whether it's years of imprisonment, financial penalties, diplomatic tensions, or reputational harm. He approaches each matter with empathy, viewing every client as an individual with a story, not just a file number. This philosophy influences how he communicates with clients, always aiming for transparency, thoroughness, and trust-building through every step of the legal process.
His appellate strategy is shaped not only by knowledge of case law but by an ability to anticipate the concerns and priorities of appellate judges. Mr. Haller is particularly skilled at identifying the most compelling legal issues from a record often hundreds or thousands of pages long. He then crafts arguments that balance technical accuracy with a compelling narrative. In criminal appeals, for example, he has persuaded appellate courts to reverse convictions or remand for further proceedings by focusing on procedural violations, evidentiary errors, or ineffective assistance of counsel. His work on habeas corpus petitions further highlights his commitment to justice, especially for those who have exhausted their direct appeal options but still seek relief through post-conviction mechanisms.
Alexis HallerIn civil litigation, Mr. Haller is known for effectively handling disputes that involve high monetary stakes or sensitive diplomatic matters. Breach of contract claims, fraud allegations, and property disputes often require intensive document review, deposition strategy, and negotiation—all areas where Mr. Haller excels. His clients benefit not only from his litigation experience but from his ability to de-escalate conflicts where appropriate, proposing creative resolutions that align with their long-term goals. Yet when a matter must be resolved in court, he does not hesitate to advocate forcefully and persuasively.
One of Mr. Haller’s most distinctive legal skills lies in managing cross-border disputes. Whether he is navigating a case involving foreign governmental immunity or working on enforcement of judgments involving international defendants, he understands the importance of respecting jurisdictional boundaries while asserting U.S. legal principles. These matters frequently involve interplay between U.S. law and international treaties or conventions—such as the FSIA, the Vienna Convention, or bilateral mutual legal assistance agreements. His fluency in legal systems and cultures beyond the United States helps him to foresee complications and craft proactive legal strategies for clients operating in a globalized world.
Throughout his career, Alexis Haller has earned praise not just for courtroom results, but for the level of preparation and scholarship he brings to every case. His written submissions are known for their clarity and power, which is no surprise given his academic background at Princeton and Stanford—two institutions that instill both intellectual rigor and a capacity for critical thought. While many attorneys can spot legal issues, few can articulate them with the same degree of polish and persuasion that characterizes Mr. Haller’s appellate briefs and trial motions. It’s a skill that frequently tips the balance in high-stakes cases, especially when clarity of argument can make the difference in a close decision.
His participation in elite legal panels further demonstrates the high regard in which he is held by his peers. As a member of multiple Criminal Justice Act appellate panels and state appellate panels, Mr. Haller is regularly appointed to represent individuals who cannot afford private counsel in appellate proceedings. These appointments reflect not only his competence but his commitment to upholding constitutional rights regardless of a client’s financial means. His work in these roles often involves some of the most challenging and important constitutional questions in criminal justice, requiring both a strong grasp of precedent and a passion for fairness.
In every role he undertakes—whether as a legal adviser, appellate advocate, or courtroom litigator—Alexis Haller demonstrates a rare blend of intelligence, strategic insight, and ethical commitment. He is not simply a technician of the law but a principled advocate who believes in the rule of law and the importance of defending it across all levels of the justice system. This outlook informs how he interacts with judges, opposing counsel, and clients alike, earning him respect even from those on the other side of the courtroom.
His work has also contributed to shaping legal interpretations in developing areas of law, particularly those involving the reach of U.S. courts in international contexts. In a legal landscape where the actions of foreign officials, heads of state, and sovereign governments frequently intersect with American legal proceedings, Alexis Haller offers a unique voice—someone who understands both the letter of the law and the subtleties of international diplomacy. His experience representing sovereign defendants in U.S. courts has helped define the boundaries of legal responsibility for foreign states, protecting the integrity of diplomatic relations while ensuring adherence to constitutional safeguards.
Whether helping a client avoid unjust prosecution, defending a foreign dignitary from overreaching discovery, or challenging an appellate ruling before the nation’s highest court, Mr. Haller remains focused on excellence at every turn. His practice is grounded in scholarship, driven by results, and inspired by a genuine desire to uphold the core principles of justice and fairness. As he continues to represent clients in increasingly complex and high-profile matters, Alexis Haller remains one of the most respected and capable attorneys practicing in California and beyond.
What distinguishes Alexis Haller from many in his field is his ability to translate intricate legal doctrines into meaningful, strategic action. This skill is especially vital when dealing with cases that hinge on technical procedural issues or highly specialized areas such as the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. Many legal professionals may understand the statute in theory, but Mr. Haller has lived its nuances in courtrooms, securing dismissals and shaping precedent through direct litigation. His involvement in these cases reflects not only his legal aptitude but also a finely honed instinct for which arguments will resonate with courts at every level—from trial benches to federal appellate panels and the U.S. Supreme Court.
The success Mr. Haller has achieved in these complex arenas is not accidental. It stems from a career built methodically over years of experience and rigorous preparation. At Swanson, McNamara & Haller LLP, he gained hands-on exposure to high-stakes litigation early on, rapidly rising from associate to name partner. His contributions during this time involved challenging some of the most sensitive evidence in federal criminal trials and formulating sophisticated defenses for clients accused of serious financial and white-collar crimes. The legal strategies he developed during these years continue to inform his current practice, allowing him to approach modern litigation challenges with the benefit of deep institutional knowledge and tactical finesse.
His continuing role in appellate panels for federal and state courts has reinforced his commitment to excellence in legal writing and oral advocacy. These panels are composed of attorneys recognized for their skill and ethical standards, and being selected to participate is a clear acknowledgment of Mr. Haller’s standing in the legal community. Through this work, he has helped shape legal interpretations across a range of issues, from criminal sentencing to evidentiary admissibility, all while representing some of society’s most vulnerable defendants—those who would otherwise face the system alone.
Alexis Haller’s multilingual abilities are another key strength in his international practice. Fluent in French, proficient in Italian, and conversational in Spanish, he is able to communicate directly with international clients and legal counterparts without intermediaries. This facilitates more efficient case preparation and enhances trust between parties, especially in sensitive diplomatic or governmental cases. Language fluency also allows him to review legal documents and treaties in their original forms, ensuring that no nuance is lost in translation—a valuable asset in international litigation where the smallest misinterpretation can alter the course of a case.
Even in highly adversarial litigation, Mr. Haller maintains a standard of professionalism and civility that commands respect. Judges and peers alike recognize him as a thoughtful, well-prepared, and courteous advocate. He believes that the practice of law should uphold the dignity of the courtroom and the integrity of legal institutions, even when emotions run high or stakes are enormous. This approach not only benefits his clients but strengthens the credibility of their cases in the eyes of the judiciary.
His academic achievements provide a strong foundation for his legal excellence. At Princeton University, Alexis Haller earned summa cum laude honors and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. His leadership role as president of the American Whig-Cliosophic Society—one of the country’s oldest college debating forums—reflected an early commitment to public discourse and critical thinking. At Stanford Law School, he built upon this foundation, mastering both doctrinal analysis and legal writing, two skills that would define his career in the years to come.
While the breadth of Mr. Haller’s legal work is impressive, it is perhaps his consistency that most defines his reputation. Regardless of the client—whether a wrongfully convicted individual, a foreign dignitary, or a corporation facing cross-border legal exposure—he delivers the same high level of strategic insight and legal care. He sees each representation not simply as a professional obligation, but as a personal commitment to justice, fairness, and excellence. This ethos permeates every part of his practice, from initial consultations to final appellate submissions.
As legal frameworks become more globalized and litigation more complex, Alexis Haller’s unique combination of skills, experience, and cross-jurisdictional knowledge places him at the forefront of modern legal practice. His clients benefit from a lawyer who not only understands the law at its most intricate levels but who can apply that knowledge effectively and with purpose. Whether advocating in a U.S. courtroom or addressing legal issues that span continents, Alexis Haller continues to serve as a leading figure in litigation and appellate law.
Clients and colleagues alike often remark on Alexis Haller’s thoroughness—a trait that extends beyond case law to encompass every detail of the litigation process. From the moment he takes on a case, he immerses himself in the facts, legal theories, procedural posture, and jurisdictional contours. He understands that in appellate and international matters, success often turns on the smallest overlooked point: a misapplied precedent, an improperly preserved objection, or a subtle inconsistency in witness statements. His diligence ensures that no viable argument goes untested, no angle unexplored. For clients, this means confidence that their representation rests on a complete and uncompromising review of their legal position.