About Us

With over four decades of law enforcement experience and legal expertise, Lita Abella stands as a beacon of unwavering integrity and unparalleled investigative prowess. As the Founder and Principal Investigator of Abella & Associates, she has established herself as a formidable force in investigations, guiding clients through complex legal challenges with unwavering dedication and astute leadership.

Lita’s career began in 1980, when she joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Navigating diverse roles across various divisions, including, but not limited to patrol, traffic, vice, narcotics, Drug Abuse Recognition Education (DARE), Investigative Analysis Section, and Internal Affairs, she honed her skills and gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of criminal investigations.

Her unwavering commitment to excellence propelled her through the ranks, earning her pivotal positions such as police officer, training officer, senior lead officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant.

Lita actively engaged with various LAPD organizations and initiatives, serving as a delegate of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, vice president of the Los Angeles Women Police Officers Association, and contributing to significant commissions and task forces, including the Christopher Commission.

A true embodiment of service, Lita extended her dedication beyond her official duties by participating in events such as the LAPD Baker to Vegas Relay Race, the Police Olympics, and various sports and fitness competitions.

Culminating her public service tenure in 2000, she leveraged her extensive law enforcement background and unwavering passion for justice to establish Abella & Associates.

In 2004, Lita further enhanced her qualifications by earning a Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, solidifying her position as a legal expert and formidable investigator.

Her expertise extends beyond criminal investigations, having served for 12 years with the State Bar of California, including 6 years with the Office of the Chief Trial Counsel as an investigator on complex disciplinary cases and 6 years with the Office of Professional Competence/Lawyer Assistance Program. Moreover, she is a sought-after Continuing Legal Education (CLE) public speaker on competency, ethics, and bias, delivering invaluable presentations to attorneys and legal professionals on substance use disorders, mental health issues, wellness, and leadership development.

Lita Abella stands as a seasoned investigator, public speaker, mediator, and leader with a track record of handling thousands of criminal, civil, and administrative cases. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is underscored by her extensive training, positioning her as a formidable professional capable of navigating the complexities of legal challenges.

Drawing on her unparalleled public and private-sector experience, Lita is dedicated to helping clients unravel legal intricacies and find practical solutions. Today, she leads Abella & Associates, providing clients with unparalleled insights, investigative prowess, and legal acumen to address their diverse legal and business needs. She is a volunteer mediator with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, Dispute Resolution Program. She is also an author of The ABELLA Model: Leading High-Stress Professionals with Trauma-Informed Practices, Resilient Lawyering: A Practicable Guide to Sustainable Well-Being in Law, and Resilient Professional: A Practicable Guide to Lead, Work, and Thrive in High-Stress Environments.

Lita holds the California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Certificates: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, and Management; the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate (Cornell University); and the Project Manager Certificate.

Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • BHBA Wellness Committee
• California Association of Licensed Investigators
  • CALI Director-at-Large, Los Angeles District Director, Los Angeles District Governor (2008-2012)
• California Lawyers Association (CLA)
  • California Lawyers Association, Health and Wellness Committee Chairperson
• City of Azusa, Library Commissioner (2014 to present)
• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles Wellness Committee
• Institute for Well-Being in Law State Task Force Committee Member
• International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• International Coaching Federation Los Angeles (ICFLA)
• Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association Professional Responsibility and Ethics Committee
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association Lawyer Well-Being Project
• National Speakers Association (NSA)
• National Speakers Association So Cal
• Southern California Mediators Association (SCMA)
• SEIU Local 1000, DLC 850 Executive Board, President, VP, Bargaining Team Chairperson, Chief Steward (2013 to 2024)

CONTACT US

Lita Abella, PI#22102

Abella & Associates Investigative Services

LAbella@AbellaAndAssociates.biz

(909) 228-1700