Biography about Frank Barbaro, Attorney

  Frank Barbaro, one of Orange County’s most prominent trial attorneys, is truly the passionate champion of the underdog.  Born in Detroit and raised in Garden Grove, California by his mother and grandmother, who were of Irish/Scottish descent,   Frank was taught good, old fashioned values.   The genesis of his vocation might have begun when Frank was a student at Garden Grove High School.  There he was often involved in campus leadership and politics.    To help his family get by he worked many jobs, one of which was at Disneyland as the Skipper on the Jungle Cruise where he called himself “Fearless Frank.” 

 The fact that he really cares about his community is evident in the amount of hours he puts in.  Practically ever since Frank passed the bar in 1969 he has become more and more active and influential in the political community of Orange County.   Frank first chaired the Democratic Party in 1977/78.  During his tenure, Frank mobilized a voter registration program that resulted in a Democratic Majority for the first time in Orange County.   Frank was also responsible for the creation of the Democratic Foundation of Orange County.  Interestingly, a fellow Garden Grove High School classmate now chairs that organization.   Frank chaired the Orange County Campaigns of President Carter, Senators Edward Kennedy, Bill Bradley and Alan Cranston.   In 2001 Frank was again asked to chair the Democratic Party of Orange County where his office tackles many issues confronting society and serves as a rallying point for the area’s candidates. He also served as a consultant to Governors Edmund G. Brown Jr. and former Governor Gray Davis on judicial appointments.  He was re-elected unanimously in 2003.  Recently, Frank organized a front line defense fund for the striking labor union. Party members who have seen him in action say that Frank’s gift to the Democratic Party is his ability to organize and unite various interests.  Frank has a gift for allowing various individuals to feel included.

Frank is outstanding in his field as a trial attorney and has enjoyed a successful and challenging career.  Colleagues say his passion and zeal in the courtroom make him a formidable trial attorney who has returned many verdicts in favor of his clients.  No wonder his reputation in the Orange County Bar and state-wide is that of a fierce and devoted advocate for his clients. Frank has been involved with numerous high profile cases including the Lincoln Savings and Loan scandal and the MGM Grand Hotel fire in Las Vegas.  Frank has served as the CEO of the Committee to Preserve a Responsible Judiciary since 1978.

Frank co-founded Lex Romana, a group of Italian American Attorneys in Orange County in 1978 who share in their Italian heritage when they meet.  He has been an active supporter of the group and a role model for up and coming trial attorneys.   He obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1968 from USC and was awarded the USC Alumni Scholarship, the Legion Lex Scholarship and Warner Trust Grant for excellence and the Bauer Fellowship to the USC Law School. 

It was a visit to Europe as a student in 1965 where Frank first discovered Italy.  Out of all the countries visited, Italy was his favorite.  However, the memories of that trip lay dormant while Frank pursued his career as a lawyer.   Suddenly, in 1989, his father’s sister, whom he hadn’t known existed, called him from Italy and asked to meet him.   Frank and his sister Lora Piazza, flew to Italy and were amazed to discover lots of relatives from their dad’s side of the family.  A permanent connection was made between their father, who had passed away in 1971 and had not lived with them at the time, and their Italian heritage.  That magical trip also ignited a new passion.  Since then, he has traveled to Italy frequently, bringing Lora, his two sons and her son.  Together they are planning to remodel his aunt’s old home in Locri, Calabria and expect to take many more trips to Calabria. 

 The home is near a beautiful seashore and the town is situated in the lower end of the toe of the boot.  Frank’s love of Italy has spread to his family. His  sons Case and Brett have learned to speak Italian and Casey even lived in Florence for a short time.

Frank’s fondness for musicals led him to spearhead the reopening of the Pacific Amphitheatre, no small task.  As chairman of the board for the venue, he wanted to make it even better and took into consideration how the noise level would affect the neighboring homes and also the types of performances presented.   Consequently, the Pacific Amphitheatre has become a desirable spot for the higher end shows and performers much to the benefit of the residents of Orange County.    Lora believes that Frank got his love of entertainment and organizing events from his late father who owned a nightclub in Detroit. 

Frank has a famous relative; his godfather is famed actor Leo Carrillo of the legendary Cisco Kid movies due to the friendship between the actor and Frank’s father, who doubled as the actor in his nightclub act.

Since 1982 Frank’s law office has been a prominent building on Main Street in Santa Ana across from the old City Hall building near the Civic Center and courthouse.  Frank has built a large practice there and so much more.  Once he’s out of the courtroom, it would probably be difficult to find him in any one place for long.  There are lots of projects to complete and so many people to help.  Someone has to do it, someone who cares and someone fearless, for the tasks are daunting.    Then he has that upcoming trip to Italy.

Back To Samples Page

Kathy DeSantis ©2004