Ralph Barat Saltsman

RALPH B. SALTSMAN is a co-founding partner of SSJ Law with over 40 years of experience in Liquor Law and Land Use Planning, in all Administrative and Governmental Relations, Appellate Law & Constitutional Law, and Indian Gaming and Sovereignty Law. Recognized by his peers as a SuperLawyer® for the last 15 years, Ralph is a respected leader in his fields of practice.

Ralph has represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, the Ninth Circuit, and U.S. District Courts in the Southern, Central and Northern Districts of California. He has sponsored conferences and has made appearances as a lecturer and guest speaker on subjects ranging from Land Use Planning, adult entertainment laws and regulations, Municipal Governing Law, and liquor licensing and compliance laws. He is also a prolific legal writer with an accomplished list of published articles and a known presence in the media.

Ralph has received numerous awards for his legal work, including the rating of AV Preeminent® from Martindale-Hubbell for the highest achievement in legal ability and ethics. He has been voted a SuperLawyer® by his peers consecutively for the last 15 years and is rated 10/10 on AVVO.

Ralph is the co-creator, co-host and Co-Executive Producer of the Emmy® award-winning television show Cheap Eats. He also co-hosted and was the Co-Executive Producer of Legal Help Live, a call-in legal show for radio and television.

Ralph has a vast knowledge of history and is an exquisite orator.

Honors and Awards

• SuperLawyers – 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010,

2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004.

• Profiled in Southern California’s Top Rated Lawyers 2012 edition

Media

• 2013, Winner, Star Award, Producer, Legal Help Live

• 2012 Los Angeles Emmy® Award, Producer, Cheap Eats

• 2011 Presenter Los Angeles Area Emmy® Awards

• Television Co-host and Co-creator, “Cheap Eats”™

• 2009 to date – Channels 16 & 36

• Television Co-host and Co-creator “Legal Help Live”

• 2005 to Present – Channels 16 & 36

• Television Co-host “It’ Your Call”- homeless issues in Southern California

• 2007, 2008 – Channels 16 & 36

• Radio Talk Show Host for “Legal Help Live” on KRLA Radio AM 870 2000 to 2006

Published Works

Recent Articles

• “Constitutional Law: Taxes, Guns & Privacy: We Need A Pardon!” – Metropolitan News, Co-Author, May 23, 2018

• “Count 1: Practicing law without a license” – Los Angeles Daily Journal, December 8, 2017

• “Marijuana is Here to Stay” – Metropolitan News February 16, 2017

• Government Regulation: Court of Appeal Shines Light on Liquor Licensing Metropolitan News October 20, 2016

• “Court Shines Light on Liquor Licensing” – Metropolitan News, Co-Author, October 20, 2015

• “Inside the Minds: Gaming Law and Litigation Strategies” ISBN 978-0-314-29255-1–Aspatore Books, Co-Author, Copyright 2014

• “E-Cigarettes – Poison or Panacea? Are Local and State Governments’ Regulations Right-On or Overboard?” – Metropolitan News, Co-Author, March 17, 2014

• “Temporary Judges: Critical Asset During Budget Crisis” – Daily Journal, Co-Author, Sept. 2012

• “In a State of Denial About Pot?” – Los Angeles Business Journal, Co-Author, Feb. 6, 2012

• “No Indian Casinos in Los Angeles County? Why Not?” – Indian Country Today, Co-Author, November 22, 2011

• “Letting the Genie Out of the Bottle?” Indian Intrastate Internet Gaming – Indian Country Today, Co-Author, January 7, 2011,

• “Is it an Elephant or a Mouse?” – 2010 Los Angeles Daily Journal, Co-Author

• “Into the Cookie Jar” – 2009 Los Angeles Daily Journal, Co-Author

• “Indian Casino Liquor: Licensing Impacted by Anti-Indian Forces” – 2006 Indian Country, Co-Author

• “The Wal-Mart Way – The Nation’s Largest Retailer Should Inspire Respect Instead of Animosity” – 2006 Los Angeles Business Journal, Co-Author

• “Extreme Makeover: Identity Upgrades” – 2006 Los Angeles Daily Journal, Co-Author

• “Who’s the Judge? Or, How Those Backroom Decisions Are Made” – 2004 California Beverage News, Co-Author

• “Sovereign Indian Nations and California’s ABC” – Nov 5, 2003, Indian Country, Co-Author

• “Native American Nations Should Set Their Own Liquor-Licensing Rules” – 2003 Los Angeles Journal, Co-Author

• “Judges Should Not Permit Consultants to Practice Law” Los Angeles Daily Journal, Co-Author

• “Administrative Law, Alcoholic Beverage licensing” (Chapter 18) – 1994 Matthew Bender, Co-Contributing Editor, Annual updates, ABC and OLCC Licensee Handbooks

Classes/Seminars Taught

• Speaker, 2012 IMLA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas

• Seminar Leader/Instructor, ABC Law Seminars

• Lecturer, ABC Law and Land Use Planning Seminars, 1993 – 1995

• Lecturer, Live Adult Entertainment Seminar, 1995

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Certificate of Appreciation – Los Angeles Superior Court Temporary Judge Program 2011 to date

• American Bar Association, Member

• CA Bar Association, Member

• CA Trial Lawyers Association, Member

• LA County Bar Association, Member

• The Loyola Student Rep. to the Community Legal Assistance Center Executive Board

• Governing Board of Loyola University-Community Service Program. 1973, Member

• Student-Faculty Clinical Education Committee, 1972-1973, Member

• Loyola Law School: Judge, Moot Court Competition