John A Messina Jr.

John A. Messina, Jr., Esq., is a founding partner and the head of Messina & Hankin LLP’s Temecula Valley office in Murrieta, California. As an integral team member of the firm, Mr. Messina practices complex real estate and business litigation & transactions. As a highly skilled litigation attorney, he has hands-on experience as a broker, real estate developer, and mortgage banker. To compliment Mr. Messina’s talents, he has assembled a unique team of attorneys who are experts in complex tax, bankruptcy, and employment law. With most successful litigation dependent on the discovery of critical, but often hidden communication, Mr. Messina’s team also includes one of the only attorneys in the United States who is also a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner. Having this unique capability, allows his team the ability to gather Electronically Stored Information (ESI) in its native format and have it admitted as evidence. To prepare for his career, Mr. Messina earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with Distinction from the University of Redlands. Then in 1993, he attained his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School. As a Martindale-Hubble AV Rated attorney, Mr. Messina litigates complex cases in State and Federal Courts, and has argued and prevailed in the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals along with prevailing in cases before numerous State Appellate Courts. Through his prestigious practice, Mr. Messina has been appointed as a Special Master in the Los Angeles Superior Court, is a Judge with the Intertribal Court of Southern California and represents business entities, government agencies, and individuals in civil litigation. He has dealt with matters regarding corporate and real estate finance, contracts, land use, and business torts. Mr. Messina also represents clients in non-litigation matters, including business organization, real estate leases, and purchase contracts. As a preeminent attorney, Mr. Messina has authored and published numerous articles in his field. Notably, he is the author of California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line: A Detailed Look at California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements and How to Change Them to Meet Your Needs. This book provides comprehensive instructions on drafting one of the best results-oriented real estate agreements. Mr. Messina serves as Reserve Deputy Sherriff for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department with the Rank of Reserve Captain; head of the Reserve Investigative Reserve Unit. Revered for his exceptional litigation skills, he is a pioneer in his field.

• The National Judicial CollegeThe National Judicial College

  Essential Skills for Tribal Court JudgesEssential Skills for Tribal Court Judges20152015

  • Grade: Certificate of CompletionGrade: Certificate of Completion
  • • This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court. This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court.
  • • Skills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document PreparationSkills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document Preparation

  • • 

      The National Judicial CollegeThe National Judicial College

      For 50 years, The National Judicial College (NJC) remains the national leader in judicial education. The first to offer programs to judges nationwide, the NJC continues to work with the judiciary to improve productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice and inspire judges to achieve judicial excellence.For 50 years, The National Judicial College (NJC) remains the national leader in judicial education. The first to offer programs to judges nationwide, the NJC continues to work with the judiciary to improve productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice and inspire judges to achieve judicial excellence.
• 

  Southwestern Law SchoolSouthwestern Law School

  Juris Doctor, LawJuris Doctor, Law1991 – 19931991 – 1993

  • Activities and societies: SCALE (Southwestern’s Conceptual Approach to Legal Education); completed Juris Doctor degree and passed California Bar in just over 24 months.Activities and societies: SCALE (Southwestern’s Conceptual Approach to Legal Education); completed Juris Doctor degree and passed California Bar in just over 24 months.
  • • Graduate of the SCALE Program, the first two-year ABA J.D. program in the country. Admission to this program is extremely competitive and requires applicants to interview as part of the application process resulting in limited enrollment of select highly motivated and exceptional students. (http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/scale)Graduate of the SCALE Program, the first two-year ABA J.D. program in the country. Admission to this program is extremely competitive and requires applicants to interview as part of the application process resulting in limited enrollment of select highly motivated and exceptional students. (http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/jd/scale)
  • • Skills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document PreparationSkills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document Preparation
• 

  University of RedlandsUniversity of Redlands

  Bachelor of Art with Distinction, Business ManagementBachelor of Art with Distinction, Business Management19821982

  • • Skills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document PreparationSkills: Fraud Investigations · Property Law · Commercial Real Estate · Legal Document Preparation
• Don Bosco Technical InstituteDon Bosco Technical Institute

  Manufacturing TechnologyManufacturing Technology1969 – 19741969 – 1974

  • Activities and societies: Varsity Swim Team & Letterman Society; 3 YearsActivities and societies: Varsity Swim Team & Letterman Society; 3 Years
  • • Technological Field: Manufacturing Technology [4 Years]

• 2019 Reserve Deputy of the Year2019 Reserve Deputy of the Year

  Issued by Orange County Sheriff’s Department · Feb 2020Issued by Orange County Sheriff’s Department · Feb 2020

  • Associated with Orange County Sheriff’s DepartmentAssociated with Orange County Sheriff’s Department
• Top Lawyers in CaliforniaTop Lawyers in California

  Issued by The Legal Network · Mar 2015Issued by The Legal Network · Mar 2015

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • Awarded to attorneys considered by the Legal Network to have the highest ethical standards combined with professional excellence.Awarded to attorneys considered by the Legal Network to have the highest ethical standards combined with professional excellence.
• Inland Empire Top LawyersInland Empire Top Lawyers

  Issued by Inland Empire Magazine · Oct 2013Issued by Inland Empire Magazine · Oct 2013

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • All members of the Firm selected as Top Lawyers in the Inland Empire.All members of the Firm selected as Top Lawyers in the Inland Empire.
• Top Lawyers in San DiegoTop Lawyers in San Diego

  Issued by San Diego Magazine · Feb 2013Issued by San Diego Magazine · Feb 2013

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • Awarded to Lawyers who have reached the highest level of Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence.Awarded to Lawyers who have reached the highest level of Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence.
• AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review RatingAV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating

  Issued by Martindale-Hubbell · Jan 2013Issued by Martindale-Hubbell · Jan 2013

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • The Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating is the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. This rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence. It is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers – members of the bar and the judiciary.
      The Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® rating is the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. This rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence. It is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers – members of the bar and the judiciary.
• Avvo Clients’ Choice AwardAvvo Clients’ Choice Award

  Issued by Avvo · Jan 2013Issued by Avvo · Jan 2013

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • Avvo award for receiving five or more 4- or 5-star client reviews on Avvo in 2013. http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/92562-ca-john-messina-180507.htmlAvvo award for receiving five or more 4- or 5-star client reviews on Avvo in 2013. http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/92562-ca-john-messina-180507.html
• Avvo Rating 10.0Avvo Rating 10.0

  Issued by Avvo · Jan 2013Issued by Avvo · Jan 2013

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • Highest Possible Avvo Rating. “The Avvo Rating is [Avvo’s] effort to evaluate a professional’s background. The rating is calculated using a mathematical model that considers the information shown in a professional’s profile, including a professional’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition — all factors that, in [Avvo’s] opinion, are relevant to assessing a professional’s qualifications.” http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/92562-ca-john-messina-180507.htmlHighest Possible Avvo Rating. “The Avvo Rating is [Avvo’s] effort to evaluate a professional’s background. The rating is calculated using a mathematical model that considers the information shown in a professional’s profile, including a professional’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition — all factors that, in [Avvo’s] opinion, are relevant to assessing a professional’s qualifications.” http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/92562-ca-john-messina-180507.html
• Southern California’s Top Rated LawyersSouthern California’s Top Rated Lawyers

  Issued by Los Angeles Times · Jan 2012Issued by Los Angeles Times · Jan 2012

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • Awarded to the Firm of Lytton Williams & Messina LLP

• Southwest Inn of CourtSouthwest Inn of Court

  Master of the Bench · Aug 2013 – PresentMaster of the Bench · Aug 2013 – Present

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • As part of the American Inn of Court, the Southwest Inn is designed to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. Members learn side-by-side with the most experienced judges and attorneys in their community. An American Inn of Court is not fraternal order, a social club, a course in continuing legal education, a lecture series, an apprenticeship system, or an adjunct of a law school’s program. While the Inn partakes of some of each of these concepts, it is quite different in aim, scope, and effect.
      As part of the American Inn of Court, the Southwest Inn is designed to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. Members learn side-by-side with the most experienced judges and attorneys in their community. An American Inn of Court is not fraternal order, a social club, a course in continuing legal education, a lecture series, an apprenticeship system, or an adjunct of a law school’s program. While the Inn partakes of some of each of these concepts, it is quite different in aim, scope, and effect.
• Federal Bar AssociationFederal Bar Association

  Active Member/Private Sector · Apr 2013 – PresentActive Member/Private Sector · Apr 2013 – Present

  • Associated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLPAssociated with Lytton Williams Messina & Hankin LLP
  • • The FBA represents the Federal legal profession. The FBA consists of more than 15,000 federal lawyers, including 1,200 federal judges, who work together to promote the sound administration of justice and integrity, quality and independence of the judiciary.The FBA represents the Federal legal profession. The FBA consists of more than 15,000 federal lawyers, including 1,200 federal judges, who work together to promote the sound administration of justice and integrity, quality and independence of the judiciary.
• Orange County Reserve Peace Officers Association (“OCRPOA”)Orange County Reserve Peace Officers Association (“OCRPOA”)

  President · Sep 2009 – PresentPresident · Sep 2009 – Present

  • • The Orange County Reserve Peace Officers Association (OCRPOA) was formed as a non-profit IRC 501(c)(4) organization for the primary purpose of providing our sworn reserve personnel with legal defense in the event civil or criminal action is brought against them for an incident occurring while acting as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. http://ocrpoa.org/The Orange County Reserve Peace Officers Association (OCRPOA) was formed as a non-profit IRC 501(c)(4) organization for the primary purpose of providing our sworn reserve personnel with legal defense in the event civil or criminal action is brought against them for an incident occurring while acting as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. http://ocrpoa.org/
• Coastal Family TherapyCoastal Family Therapy

  Board of Directors · Aug 2002 – PresentBoard of Directors · Aug 2002 – Present

  • Associated with Kelly Lytton & Williams LLPAssociated with Kelly Lytton & Williams LLP
  • • Coastal Family Therapy is a non-profit counseling service in Orange County, California. Coastal provides group and individual court-approved programs in alcohol and drug intervention and prevention for adults and adolescents, anger management for adults and adolescents, and co-parenting. http://www.coastalfamilytherapyservices.com/index.htmlCoastal Family Therapy is a non-profit counseling service in Orange County, California. Coastal provides group and individual court-approved programs in alcohol and drug intervention and prevention for adults and adolescents, anger management for adults and adolescents, and co-parenting. http://www.coastalfamilytherapyservices.com/index.html
• City of Industry Sheriff’s Station Youth Activities League (“YAL”)City of Industry Sheriff’s Station Youth Activities League (“YAL”)

  Member, Board of Directors · Oct 1994 – PresentMember, Board of Directors · Oct 1994 – Present

  • • The City of Industry Sheriff’s Station Youth Activities League (YAL) began in 1991. The concept and goal of the YAL is to be proactive in dealing with the youth of the community. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides leadership and mentoring for the youth through a variety of programs where the children learn to make life-enhancing decisions free of drugs and gangs. The program recognizes the importance of early intervention and the need to provide alternative activities to prevent negative behavior. The YAL strengthens the relationship between the deputies and the volunteers as they work together to benefit our youth. The YAL is a positive influence on thousands of children. It has united the community through the involvement of law enforcement, parents, businesses, education, government and community service groups. All programs provided by the YAL are free to the children. http://www.industryyal.org/The City of Industry Sheriff’s Station Youth Activities League (YAL) began in 1991. The concept and goal of the YAL is to be proactive in dealing with the youth of the community. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department provides leadership and mentoring for the youth through a variety of programs where the children learn to make life-enhancing decisions free of drugs and gangs. The program recognizes the importance of early intervention and the need to provide alternative activities to prevent negative behavior. The YAL strengthens the relationship between the deputies and the volunteers as they work together to benefit our youth. The YAL is a positive influence on thousands of children. It has united the community through the involvement of law enforcement, parents, businesses, education, government and community service groups. All programs provided by the YAL are free to the children. http://www.industryyal.org/
• The Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA)The Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA)

  Associate Member · Mar 2012 – Mar 2013Associate Member · Mar 2012 – Mar 2013

  • Associated with Kelly Lytton & Williams LLPAssociated with Kelly Lytton & Williams LLP
  • • The Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit industry trade association of active EB-5 Regional Centers (“Regional Centers”), attorneys, financial advisers, economists, broker/dealers, consultants, and other EB-5 related service providers. Regional Centers are private corporations and governmental agencies designated by the U.S. government to allow foreign investors to invest capital in their local economies with the goals of preserving and creating U.S. jobs through economic development.The Association to Invest In the USA (IIUSA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit industry trade association of active EB-5 Regional Centers (“Regional Centers”), attorneys, financial advisers, economists, broker/dealers, consultants, and other EB-5 related service providers. Regional Centers are private corporations and governmental agencies designated by the U.S. government to allow foreign investors to invest capital in their local economies with the goals of preserving and creating U.S. jobs through economic development.
• National Latino Peace Officers AssociationNational Latino Peace Officers Association

  General Counsel · Jan 1994 – Jan 2004General Counsel · Jan 1994 – Jan 2004

  • • Served as General Counsel to the National Latino Peace Officers Association from 1994 to 2004

• California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line: A Detailed Look at California Commercial Lease Options Purchase Agreement and How to Change Them to Meet Your NeedsCalifornia Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line: A Detailed Look at California Commercial Lease Options Purchase Agreement and How to Change Them to Meet Your Needs

  Aspatore Books, a Thomson Reuters business · Jun 1, 2009Aspatore Books, a Thomson Reuters business · Jun 1, 2009

  • Show publication
  • • Whether you are a seasoned real estate practitioner, an owner of commercial real estate, or a business renter who eventually wants to own your own space, California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line is the must-read resource you need to help you achieve your goal. Written by a top-level real estate attorney with boots-on-the-ground experience, this book provides comprehensive instructions on drafting one of the best results-oriented real estate agreements, truly putting landlord/tenant and buyer/seller together, including detailed explanations of various provisions, alternate language to use as needed, and ample appendix material. This how-to guide provides readers with the information necessary to understand the reasons behind those seemingly harmless lease and purchase provisions; discover creative ways to structure the transaction; learn important negotiating points; and avoid future litigation. Illustrating the ins and outs of the agreement, this book is truly an indispensable tool for those who make real estate deals happen.Whether you are a seasoned real estate practitioner, an owner of commercial real estate, or a business renter who eventually wants to own your own space, California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line is the must-read resource you need to help you achieve your goal. Written by a top-level real estate attorney with boots-on-the-ground experience, this book provides comprehensive instructions on drafting one of the best results-oriented real estate agreements, truly putting landlord/tenant and buyer/seller together, including detailed explanations of various provisions, alternate language to use as needed, and ample appendix material. This how-to guide provides readers with the information necessary to understand the reasons behind those seemingly harmless lease and purchase provisions; discover creative ways to structure the transaction; learn important negotiating points; and avoid future litigation. Illustrating the ins and outs of the agreement, this book is truly an indispensable tool for those who make real estate deals happen.
• Proposed Creation of an Orange County Real Estate Fraud Prosecution UnitProposed Creation of an Orange County Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit

  Completed at the request of Tony Rackauckas, OC District Attorney, and under the authority of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department · Jan 1, 2002Completed at the request of Tony Rackauckas, OC District Attorney, and under the authority of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department · Jan 1, 2002
• Obligations and Responsibilities of Officers and Directors of Nonprofit OrganizationsObligations and Responsibilities of Officers and Directors of Nonprofit Organizations

  National Latino Peace Officer Association National Convention Las Vegas, Nevada 1999, 2000 · Jan 1, 2000National Latino Peace Officer Association National Convention Las Vegas, Nevada 1999, 2000 · Jan 1, 2000

  • Show publication
  • • Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit BoardsTen Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
• Tribute to A FriendTribute to A Friend

  CHP Zenith 2000, Volume 45, Number1 / Winter 1998, at 36 · Jan 1, 1998CHP Zenith 2000, Volume 45, Number1 / Winter 1998, at 36 · Jan 1, 1998
• Some Tax Consequences for Homeowners Seeking Financial Relief, The Real Estate ProfessionalSome Tax Consequences for Homeowners Seeking Financial Relief, The Real Estate Professional

  The Real Estate Professional, February 1996, at 74 · Feb 1, 1996The Real Estate Professional, February 1996, at 74 · Feb 1, 1996

  • • This article is an overview of some of the tax consequences a homeowner may encounter in the short-selling or foreclosure of their personal home. Written in 1995This article is an overview of some of the tax consequences a homeowner may encounter in the short-selling or foreclosure of their personal home. Written in 1995
• Collection of Fines Imposed in Felony Cases by Judges of the Los Angeles Superior CourtCollection of Fines Imposed in Felony Cases by Judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court

  Completed at the request of the Honorable J. Stephen Czuleger under the authority of the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles · Jan 1, 1993Completed at the request of the Honorable J. Stephen Czuleger under the authority of the California Superior Court, County of Los Angeles · Jan 1, 1993
• Cost Effective Maintenance within Bracket Field Airport: County vs. Private SectorCost Effective Maintenance within Bracket Field Airport: County vs. Private Sector

  In cooperation with the Facilities Director, Bracket Field Airport, County of Los Angeles · Jan 1, 1982In cooperation with the Facilities Director, Bracket Field Airport, County of Los Angeles · Jan 1, 1982
• Business Formation; Addressing the “What Ifs?”Business Formation; Addressing the “What Ifs?”

  Avvo