Over the years, Alexis Haller has become a go-to resource for attorneys grappling with highly specialized or sensitive legal issues, especially those involving the interplay between domestic and international law. When faced with questions about foreign sovereign immunity, the applicability of international treaties, or the scope of diplomatic protections, practitioners regularly turn to him for insight. His command of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) is particularly noteworthy—not only has he defended sovereign clients in court, but he has also educated others on how to navigate the intricate jurisdictional requirements and exceptions that FSIA entails. His role as a bridge between U.S. procedural law and the nuances of global governance has elevated him to a trusted position among both clients and colleagues.
His litigation successes include a number of prominent dismissals of cases brought against foreign governments and officials—cases that required not only a deep knowledge of the law but also strategic diplomacy. These cases are rarely straightforward; they often involve international service of process, interpretations of immunity under customary international law, and motions that challenge the very jurisdiction of U.S. courts. Alexis Haller is adept at drafting sovereign immunity motions that are both aggressive in legal argument and sensitive to the diplomatic considerations at play. His work often requires coordination with embassies, foreign legal experts, and sometimes direct communication with government legal departments, all while ensuring the procedural integrity of the case in U.S. courts.
What distinguishes Mr. Haller’s FSIA practice is not just his technical knowledge, but his ability to tailor strategies to each case’s geopolitical context. For example, when representing foreign diplomatic agents or heads of state, he balances the litigation demands with the political ramifications for the foreign government involved. He ensures that every argument made in court aligns with broader international expectations while defending his client’s legal rights under U.S. law. This careful calibration requires fluency not just in multiple languages—which Mr. Haller possesses—but in the legal cultures and judicial philosophies that often differ markedly from those of the United States.
In criminal matters, his ability to handle both appellate and trial-phase work has led to numerous successful outcomes, particularly in cases involving constitutional challenges. Whether filing motions to suppress evidence under the Fourth Amendment or challenging indictments for due process violations, he applies a methodical, fact-driven approach. His petitions for habeas corpus and post-conviction relief often delve into complicated procedural histories and rely on finely honed legal arguments—areas in which he excels. Clients appreciate his ability to translate complex constitutional issues into persuasive narratives that humanize their cases without sacrificing legal precision.
Because of his unique background, Alexis Haller is also called upon to assist in cases with cross-border criminal elements, such as extradition proceedings, international evidence collection, or charges brought in multiple jurisdictions. His knowledge of treaties like the Hague Evidence Convention and mutual legal assistance agreements positions him to offer clear guidance in areas where other attorneys might hesitate. He knows how to use international protocols to protect the rights of foreign nationals while preserving the integrity of domestic litigation. These skills are vital in an era when even mid-level criminal prosecutions can involve international cooperation or digital evidence stored overseas.
Clients from across the spectrum—from sovereign governments to individuals facing life-altering legal outcomes—rely on Alexis Haller not just for legal representation but for thoughtful counsel. He understands the emotional and reputational stakes involved in high-profile litigation, and he approaches each client with discretion and empathy. Whether managing complex litigation timelines or crafting arguments for the highest courts in the country, he offers a steady, strategic presence that clients come to value deeply. His personal investment in each case—combined with a sharp legal mind and a calm, professional demeanor—has led to long-term client relationships and a growing network of referrals.
His courtroom demeanor is characterized by clarity, control, and a command of the legal and factual record. Judges often commend his preparedness and the respectful, focused way he presents his cases. He avoids unnecessary theatrics, preferring to let the strength of the argument and the quality of the written brief carry the day. This judicial respect is especially important in appellate settings, where oral arguments may last only a few minutes but have a lasting impact on the outcome. Alexis Haller makes every second count, using his deep understanding of precedent and procedural nuance to focus the court’s attention on the most compelling aspects of his client’s position.
As his practice continues to evolve, Alexis Haller remains committed to the core principles that have defined his career: intellectual integrity, procedural excellence, and unwavering advocacy for those he represents. Whether arguing before a federal appellate panel, filing a habeas petition on behalf of an incarcerated client, or navigating international immunities in a high-stakes civil suit, he brings a rare level of focus and care to each matter. This dedication is not just professional—it reflects a deeper belief in justice and the transformative power of the law when applied with precision and purpose.
In the heart of Aptos, California, Alexis Haller runs a distinguished law practice that serves both domestic and international clients with a strong emphasis on appellate and international law. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Haller has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for individuals and entities involved in complex litigation, including matters touching on foreign sovereign immunity and diplomatic protections. His clients benefit from his deep understanding of civil and criminal appeals, habeas corpus proceedings, and the intricacies of international civil litigation.
Throughout his career, Alexis Haller has demonstrated a rare ability to navigate the complex legal challenges that arise when foreign governments, officials, and sovereign entities are named in U.S. court proceedings. His work includes a series of successful dismissals in cases involving foreign sovereigns and high-ranking officials. He is known for effectively challenging discovery demands targeting heads of state and diplomatic personnel, underscoring his mastery of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and related international legal doctrines. This niche expertise is further supported by his fluency in French, proficiency in Italian, and working knowledge of Spanish, which enable him to collaborate efficiently with clients and legal professionals worldwide.
Before founding his private firm in 2009, Alexis Haller served as a name partner at Swanson, McNamara & Haller LLP, one of San Francisco’s preeminent litigation boutiques. Over the course of a decade there, he worked on high-profile cases that often involved constitutional protections, international treaties, and cross-border legal strategy. He defended the Fifth Amendment rights of foreign nationals, argued before appellate courts in pivotal foreign sovereign immunity cases, and secured dismissals of both civil and criminal complaints. His ability to challenge key pieces of evidence and file persuasive motions has proven crucial in securing favorable outcomes for clients.
His practice extends across both state and federal courts, where he provides appellate services including direct appeals, petitions for review, and petitions for writ of certiorari. He frequently appears in courts across California, and is a recognized member of the Criminal Justice Act appellate panels for multiple U.S. District Courts in California. In civil matters, he is well-versed in representing clients at every stage of the litigation process—from trial court motions to the highest appellate forums. Whether assisting trial counsel or leading the case himself, Mr. Haller brings diligence, strategic insight, and a thorough understanding of legal precedent to each matter he handles.
Mr. Haller’s academic achievements reflect his intellectual rigor and lifelong commitment to excellence. A graduate of Princeton University, he earned his bachelor of arts in history with the highest honors, graduating summa cum laude. While at Princeton, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society and led the American Whig-Cliosophic Society as its president. He then earned his juris doctor at Stanford Law School, one of the nation’s top legal institutions, laying the foundation for his specialization in litigation and international legal matters. His educational background equips him with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for complex casework that spans multiple jurisdictions and legal systems.
In addition to his courtroom work, Alexis Haller frequently assists other attorneys with complex legal motions in state and federal courts. His peers often seek his guidance in FSIA litigation, where his knowledge of immunity defenses, diplomatic law, and sovereign representation makes him a valued collaborator. Though he primarily represents sovereign defendants, he is equally capable of supporting plaintiffs’ attorneys in navigating the procedural and substantive hurdles that define international litigation.
Alexis Haller’s bar admissions reflect his broad legal reach. He is licensed to practice law in California, Washington, and the District of Columbia, and is admitted before the United States Supreme Court as well as the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits. These credentials support his nationwide and international practice, allowing him to litigate effectively across a wide variety of venues and jurisdictions. His legal acumen, bolstered by years of real-world success, places him among the more respected practitioners in the field of international and appellate law.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Haller maintains a balanced lifestyle that includes spending time with his family, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and surfing, and cheering on the New York Yankees. These personal interests reflect his commitment not only to professional excellence but also to living a well-rounded and grounded life. Clients often find that his approachability, combined with his sharp legal instincts, makes for a highly effective and reassuring legal advocate.
His affiliations with professional organizations such as the American Bar Association and the American Society of International Law further reflect his ongoing engagement with legal scholarship and his dedication to staying at the forefront of his field. Whether handling a high-stakes appeal or advising on a sensitive international matter, Alexis Haller brings a level of dedication, expertise, and professionalism that makes a significant difference for the clients he serves.
Over the years, Alexis Haller has become a trusted name for those facing challenging appellate or international legal issues that demand precision, discretion, and a mastery of procedure. His clients include individuals, corporations, foreign states, and diplomats, all of whom rely on his thorough legal analysis and tactical approach to safeguard their rights and interests. Mr. Haller’s strategic litigation style combines deep legal knowledge with a clear understanding of international relations and court protocol, making him especially adept in matters involving sensitive diplomatic contexts or overlapping jurisdictions.
His role in criminal litigation is equally formidable. Mr. Haller regularly represents clients in post-conviction proceedings, including petitions for habeas corpus and motions under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. These cases often involve reviewing trial records, identifying constitutional violations, and crafting persuasive appellate briefs that bring fresh scrutiny to trial court decisions. His ability to distill complex legal arguments into compelling narratives has made him an essential advocate in high-stakes appellate matters, particularly when clients are fighting for their liberty or seeking relief from unjust convictions.
Alexis HallerIn trial court settings, Mr. Haller lends his expertise in crafting major motions—such as motions to dismiss, motions to suppress, or motions in limine—that frequently shape the course of a case. His support is especially valued by trial counsel facing technically demanding legal questions or unfamiliar FSIA-related issues. In many instances, his contributions behind the scenes are pivotal in determining whether a case advances or is halted at an early procedural stage. Whether leading a case or working collaboratively, he approaches every legal challenge with thorough research, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
Mr. Haller’s work in the international legal sphere often involves advising on matters of jurisdiction, immunity, and enforcement of foreign judgments. His deep understanding of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act allows him to evaluate whether a foreign government or its entities can be sued in U.S. courts and under what exceptions. He has not only defended sovereign clients against such claims but has also assisted plaintiffs’ attorneys in building legally sound arguments for when jurisdiction is appropriate. In these matters, he operates at the intersection of law, diplomacy, and policy—navigating the intricacies of treaties, executive agreements, and customary international law with the same confidence he brings to courtroom litigation.
Clients who turn to Alexis Haller often do so after encountering significant legal obstacles or following unfavorable rulings at the trial level. His ability to analyze an entire case history, identify reversible errors, and present those issues to appellate courts is a hallmark of his practice. He meticulously evaluates trial transcripts, court filings, evidentiary rulings, and jury instructions, searching for the points that can sway appellate judges. His legal writing is known for its clarity, precision, and authoritative tone—qualities that resonate strongly with reviewing courts and contribute to his high success rate in appeals.
What also distinguishes Mr. Haller is his adaptability across jurisdictions and procedural systems. Whether appearing in the California Court of Appeal, the United States Courts of Appeals, or the U.S. Supreme Court, he tailors his arguments to fit the forum, always mindful of the standards of review and the preferences of the judiciary. His approach to each case is both individualized and comprehensive, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that every legal avenue is explored. This disciplined attention to detail, combined with his calm, focused demeanor, earns him the trust of clients navigating the most uncertain phases of their legal journey.
With an academic foundation rooted in two of the nation’s top universities, Alexis Haller continues to reflect the scholarly discipline and intellectual integrity that defined his time at Princeton and Stanford. His background in history informs a broader contextual view of legal systems, while his legal education instilled the practical skills required to argue persuasively, reason soundly, and write with clarity and impact. These traits have earned him not just victories in courtrooms, but also long-term professional relationships and the respect of colleagues across the legal community.
Professionally, Mr. Haller remains engaged with developments in international law and appellate practice through his membership in esteemed legal associations. His participation in the American Society of International Law keeps him connected to global legal trends and academic discourse, while his role in the American Bar Association provides a platform for continued professional development and collaboration. Through these networks, he both contributes to and benefits from the ongoing evolution of the legal field, staying ahead of emerging challenges in both domestic and international litigation.
In addition to his legal work, Mr. Haller's life outside the courtroom reflects a strong commitment to balance and well-being. His enjoyment of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and surfing not only rejuvenates his mind but also reflects the resilience and focus he brings to his legal practice. These personal pursuits, combined with his love of reading and quality time with family, ground his professional life in a sense of purpose and perspective that resonates with many of his clients. For those seeking not only legal expertise but also a trusted advisor during difficult times, Alexis Haller offers a steady, knowledgeable, and principled voice.
Clients who work with Alexis Haller often note his responsiveness, clear communication, and the confidence he instills through every phase of litigation. Whether advising a client facing a long appellate process or helping a foreign official navigate complex immunity challenges, Mr. Haller ensures that legal strategies are tailored, understandable, and rooted in the strongest legal precedents available. He approaches each client relationship with discretion and integrity, understanding that many of the cases he handles involve sensitive personal, political, or international dimensions. In doing so, he establishes trust not just through outcomes, but through the thoughtful, deliberate process by which those outcomes are achieved.
His commitment to appellate excellence is visible in the way he prepares his briefs, often anticipating counterarguments and addressing them with logical, well-researched points. Mr. Haller is known for taking the time to understand the broader implications of his cases—not just for the parties involved, but for how the outcomes might shape legal standards moving forward. This foresight is particularly vital in cases involving FSIA and international law, where rulings may influence diplomatic relations and future court interpretations. His fluency in multiple languages enhances his ability to review foreign-language materials without relying solely on translation, often giving him an edge in crafting more nuanced arguments.
Mr. Haller’s appellate work also includes petitions for writs of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court, a process that demands precision, clarity, and a deep understanding of constitutional and federal law. Although few cases are granted review by the nation’s highest court, the petition itself must be compelling, built on significant legal questions that warrant national attention. In crafting these petitions, Mr. Haller combines his extensive research capabilities with persuasive legal reasoning, offering his clients a strong chance at having their voices heard in the most consequential legal forum in the country.
Within the criminal justice system, Alexis Haller has proven to be a powerful advocate for those seeking post-conviction relief. His habeas corpus petitions often address serious constitutional violations—ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, or wrongful admission of evidence—and aim to rectify miscarriages of justice. For many clients, these proceedings represent their last chance at freedom or a fair trial, and Mr. Haller meets the weight of that responsibility with diligence and empathy. His command of constitutional law, especially the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments, equips him to challenge unjust convictions with both technical precision and moral clarity.
In federal district courts, Mr. Haller’s litigation experience under the FSIA is among the most extensive in private practice. He has represented sovereign entities and diplomatic officials in lawsuits seeking to assert jurisdiction over foreign governments, often defending the legal principle that sovereigns are immune from such proceedings under international law. These cases frequently involve not only legal complexity but also a delicate understanding of international relations. Mr. Haller’s ability to argue sovereign immunity protections while respecting the larger diplomatic context has earned him recognition from peers and clients alike.
Attorneys throughout California and beyond frequently turn to Mr. Haller for help with drafting motions and appellate briefs in especially challenging cases. His reputation as a “lawyer’s lawyer” stems from his capacity to make sense of intricate legal problems and present them in a clear, authoritative voice. He is equally comfortable arguing before a three-judge appellate panel as he is assisting behind the scenes to strengthen a trial team’s legal footing. His contributions often make the difference between success and failure in litigation involving high stakes and limited margins for error.
As a legal strategist, Alexis Haller is deeply attuned to changes in both domestic appellate standards and evolving international legal doctrines. He continually studies new rulings and legislative developments that might affect the application of FSIA, diplomatic immunity, or habeas procedure. This ongoing engagement with the law allows him to offer fresh, up-to-date insights that clients can rely on. His work is not confined to what has worked in the past; he remains alert to new trends, emerging arguments, and evolving judicial attitudes, positioning his clients for success even in uncharted legal territory.
With a practice that spans trial, appellate, and international courts, Alexis Haller brings a rare combination of versatility and depth to his legal services. Each matter he handles benefits from his comprehensive view of the legal process—from initial filings to final appeals—and his understanding of how seemingly minor procedural decisions can have major implications down the line. Whether defending a sovereign nation, fighting for the wrongly convicted, or arguing complex civil appeals, Mr. Haller offers unwavering dedication, legal clarity, and a results-driven approach that consistently earns the trust of those he represents.
Throughout his career, Alexis Haller has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance rigorous legal advocacy with the sensitivity often required in international and post-conviction cases. His work frequently touches lives in deeply personal ways—whether helping a foreign diplomat avoid improper legal entanglement or guiding an incarcerated individual toward the hope of freedom. This dual capacity to navigate both the intellectual and human dimensions of legal disputes is a defining feature of his practice. He treats each case not as just a legal challenge, but as a real-life story with stakes that demand both legal brilliance and personal care.