Before founding his own firm in 2009, Haller was a partner at Swanson, McNamara & Haller LLP in San Francisco, where he spent a decade handling high-stakes cases involving sovereign immunity, civil fraud dismissals, and Fifth Amendment protections for foreign nationals. His work during this period established him as a formidable advocate in both state and federal courts. Today, his practice remains deeply rooted in appellate and international litigation, assisting clients with criminal appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and post-conviction relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. He also supports fellow attorneys with intricate motions, leveraging his membership on multiple federal appellate panels and state court appointment lists.
Haller’s civil litigation practice is equally robust, covering appeals in state and federal courts, Supreme Court petitions, and FSIA-related disputes. His cases often involve tort claims, contractual breaches, and real estate conflicts, with a particular emphasis on defending sovereign entities while occasionally aiding plaintiffs in FSIA matters. His fluency in French, proficiency in Italian, and intermediate Spanish skills further enhance his ability to navigate cross-border legal challenges. Beyond the courtroom, he balances his professional commitments with family time, outdoor activities, and a passion for literature, reflecting a well-rounded approach to life and law.
Admitted to practice in California, Washington, and the District of Columbia, Haller is also qualified to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court and several federal appellate circuits. His career highlights include representing foreign heads of state and diplomatic agents, reinforcing his reputation as a go-to attorney for sensitive international cases. Active in legal associations like the American Bar Association and the American Society of International Law, he remains engaged with evolving legal standards and global precedents. Whether arguing before appellate judges or strategizing trial motions, Alexis Haller’s dedication to meticulous, client-centered advocacy continues to define his distinguished career.
His deep involvement in international law has led to significant victories in cases where jurisdictional complexities and diplomatic sensitivities were at play. Haller’s ability to dissect intricate legal doctrines—such as the Hague Evidence Convention and mutual legal assistance treaties—has allowed him to protect clients’ rights while navigating the often murky waters of cross-border litigation. His work extends beyond traditional courtroom battles, often involving strategic negotiations with foreign governments and agencies to secure favorable outcomes without protracted legal battles. This nuanced approach has made him a trusted advisor for clients facing high-stakes international disputes, whether they involve sovereign immunity claims or complex civil fraud allegations.
In criminal appeals, Haller’s meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of constitutional law have resulted in overturned convictions, suppressed evidence, and successful habeas corpus petitions. His work on direct appeals and post-conviction relief demonstrates a commitment to ensuring due process and safeguarding defendants’ rights, even in cases where initial trials may have been flawed. He frequently collaborates with trial attorneys to strengthen motions and appeals, ensuring that every legal avenue is explored. His inclusion on multiple federal Criminal Justice Act panels speaks to his reputation as a skilled appellate advocate, trusted by courts to handle some of the most challenging criminal appeals in the system.
Beyond his legal practice, Haller’s academic achievements and professional affiliations underscore his standing in the legal community. His early recognition by Phi Beta Kappa and leadership roles at Princeton highlight a lifelong dedication to intellectual rigor. At Stanford Law School, he honed the analytical skills that now define his litigation strategy. Today, he remains actively engaged in legal discourse through bar associations and international law societies, staying at the forefront of evolving legal standards. His multilingual abilities further enhance his practice, allowing him to work seamlessly with clients and documents in French, Italian, and Spanish—a rare asset in complex international cases.
When not immersed in legal briefs or court arguments, Haller finds balance in the rugged landscapes of California, whether running coastal trails, surfing Pacific waves, or hiking through redwood forests. These pursuits reflect the same discipline and focus he brings to his cases—a blend of endurance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. His support for the New York Yankees adds a touch of personal passion, a reminder that even the most dedicated attorneys have their own loyalties beyond the courtroom. For clients and colleagues alike, Alexis Haller represents a rare combination of scholarly depth, real-world litigation skill, and unwavering commitment to justice.
His practice continues to evolve, adapting to new legal challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether representing sovereign nations in immunity disputes or individuals fighting for their rights in appellate courts, Haller’s work remains grounded in a fundamental belief in the rule of law. His career is a testament to the impact one attorney can have when expertise, integrity, and relentless advocacy come together—leaving a lasting imprint on both clients and the broader legal landscape.
Alexis Haller's approach to international litigation demonstrates a keen understanding of how geopolitical dynamics intersect with legal strategy. His representation of sovereign entities often requires navigating uncharted legal territory, where precedent may be scarce and political considerations loom large. One notable aspect of his practice involves advising foreign governments on compliance with U.S. discovery rules while respecting their own legal traditions and sovereignty concerns. This delicate balancing act has positioned him as a bridge between different legal systems, capable of finding solutions that satisfy both American courts and international clients. His work frequently involves analyzing how foreign laws interact with U.S. jurisdiction, particularly in cases where cultural differences might otherwise create obstacles to fair resolution.
The appellate side of Haller's practice reveals a lawyer who thrives on intellectual challenges and complex legal puzzles. His appellate briefs are known for their clarity and persuasive power, often reframing cases in ways that give appellate judges new perspectives on settled law. He possesses an uncommon ability to identify subtle errors in trial court proceedings—whether improper jury instructions, evidentiary missteps, or constitutional violations—and build compelling arguments around these issues. This skill proves particularly valuable in habeas corpus cases, where he has successfully argued that convictions violated fundamental rights or rested on flawed legal foundations. His appellate work extends beyond mere technical corrections; it often shapes how laws are interpreted and applied in future cases.
Haller's criminal defense practice reflects a deep commitment to protecting individual rights against governmental overreach. His Fourth Amendment challenges to search and seizure procedures have resulted in suppressed evidence that changed the trajectory of cases. He approaches each criminal appeal with fresh eyes, examining trial records for constitutional violations or procedural missteps that others might overlook. This thoroughness extends to his work on federal post-conviction relief petitions, where he meticulously reviews trial transcripts, witness statements, and forensic evidence for inconsistencies or newly discovered information that could warrant reconsideration of a conviction. His ability to distill complex legal arguments into clear, persuasive narratives makes him particularly effective before appellate panels.
The international dimension of Haller's practice continues to grow as global legal disputes become more interconnected. He frequently handles cases where diplomatic immunity issues collide with civil litigation, requiring careful analysis of treaties and customary international law. His representation of foreign officials often involves coordinating with multiple governments to ensure proper protocol while vigorously defending his clients' interests. These cases sometimes unfold at the intersection of law and diplomacy, where legal arguments must be crafted with an awareness of broader international relations. Haller's fluency in multiple languages gives him an edge in these matters, allowing direct communication with clients and access to foreign legal materials without reliance on translation.
Beyond his casework, Haller contributes to the legal community through mentorship and professional collaboration. He regularly works with less experienced attorneys on complex motions and appeals, sharing insights gleaned from years of high-stakes litigation. This collaborative spirit extends to his pro bono work, where he applies his appellate expertise to help those who might otherwise lack access to quality representation. His professional memberships keep him engaged with current debates in international law and criminal justice reform, ensuring his practice remains at the cutting edge of legal developments.
The physical demands of surfing and hiking mirror the mental stamina required for Haller's legal practice—both require patience, timing, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Perhaps it's this combination of intellectual rigor and physical discipline that allows him to maintain focus during marathon appellate arguments or complex multinational negotiations. His personal interests suggest a lawyer who understands the value of perspective, whether gazing at a legal problem from multiple angles or viewing the coastline from a surfboard. This balanced approach informs his legal strategy, where he consistently demonstrates the ability to step back, assess the bigger picture, and then zero in on the most effective arguments.
As international business and cross-border disputes continue to proliferate, Haller's expertise in sovereign immunity and diplomatic law positions him as an increasingly vital resource for clients navigating this complex landscape. His practice reflects the evolving nature of global legal challenges, where a single case might involve multiple jurisdictions, conflicting laws, and sensitive diplomatic considerations. What sets him apart is his ability to synthesize these disparate elements into coherent legal strategies—a skill that benefits both sovereign nations seeking to protect their interests and individuals fighting for justice in an interconnected world. His career continues to demonstrate how deep legal knowledge, when combined with creative problem-solving, can produce remarkable results across borders and legal systems.
Alexis Haller’s practice embodies the evolving nature of modern legal challenges, where domestic litigation increasingly intersects with international law. His recent work includes novel arguments regarding the extraterritorial application of U.S. laws to foreign sovereign entities, testing the boundaries of traditional immunity doctrines. These cases often require navigating uncharted legal waters, where Haller’s ability to draw parallels from unrelated areas of law frequently yields breakthrough arguments. His international clients particularly value his nuanced understanding of how political developments—from changing administrations to global diplomatic tensions—can impact ongoing litigation strategies. This political awareness, combined with rigorous legal analysis, allows him to anticipate shifts that might affect his clients’ positions months before they materialize in court.
The technological aspects of Haller’s practice reveal an attorney who adapts cutting-edge tools to enhance traditional legal analysis. In complex fraud cases involving multinational actors, he employs sophisticated e-discovery techniques to manage voluminous cross-border document productions while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy laws across jurisdictions. His appellate work increasingly addresses emerging digital evidence issues, from the authentication of social media content to challenges involving algorithmic bias in forensic analysis. These technical competencies complement his human-centered approach to law—whether explaining complex international legal concepts to clients through clear analogies or translating technical evidentiary issues into compelling narratives for appellate judges less familiar with digital forensics.
Haller’s approach to mentoring younger attorneys reflects his broader philosophy about the legal profession. He emphasizes the importance of viewing each case through multiple lenses—not just as a set of legal arguments, but as a story about people, institutions, and competing values. His guidance often focuses on the art of legal writing, teaching associates how to craft persuasive narratives without sacrificing precision. This mentorship extends to pro bono collaborations, where he works with nonprofit organizations on appeals involving civil liberties and international human rights issues. These cases allow him to contribute his appellate expertise to broader social justice efforts while providing valuable experience to attorneys early in their careers.
The international scope of Haller’s practice continues to expand into new geographic regions and legal specialties. Recent matters have involved advising African and Asian governments on immunity issues related to infrastructure projects with U.S. connections, as well as representing European clients in cross-border inheritance disputes with sovereign immunity implications. His language skills prove particularly valuable in these engagements, enabling direct review of foreign legal documents and more nuanced communication with clients. This global practice requires constant attention to geopolitical developments—trade agreements, sanctions regimes, and diplomatic tensions all potentially affect the legal strategies available to his clients. Haller’s ability to synthesize these external factors with pure legal analysis gives his clients a distinct advantage in complex international disputes.
Alexis HallerEven his recreational pursuits inform his legal work in unexpected ways. The patience and timing learned from surfing translate to knowing when to press an argument in court and when to hold back. Hiking remote trails cultivates the perseverance needed for lengthy appellate processes. His reading habits—spanning history, political science, and literature—provide broader context for understanding the societal impacts of legal decisions. This multidimensional approach to life and law makes Haller particularly effective at seeing connections others miss, whether drawing parallels between historical treaty interpretations or finding creative solutions inspired by unrelated fields.
Looking ahead, Haller’s practice appears poised to tackle some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of national and international law. Pending cases involve questions about how artificial intelligence tools might affect sovereign immunity analyses and whether new technologies require rethinking traditional jurisdictional boundaries. His established expertise in FSIA litigation positions him as a natural leader in these emerging debates. Yet despite the increasing complexity of his caseload, Haller maintains a grounded approach—focusing on fundamental legal principles while adapting to new challenges. This combination of stability and adaptability continues to define his practice, benefiting clients who need both deep expertise and innovative thinking in an ever-changing legal landscape.
The throughline in Haller’s diverse practice areas remains his commitment to rigorous analysis and creative problem-solving. Whether untangling conflicting international legal obligations or crafting nuanced appellate arguments, he brings the same intellectual curiosity and attention to detail. His career demonstrates how specialization in technical areas of law needn’t mean narrow thinking—rather, his deepest expertise lies in connecting disparate legal concepts to build stronger arguments. This approach continues to yield successes in court while contributing to the broader development of international and appellate law jurisprudence. For clients facing high-stakes legal challenges with international dimensions, Alexis Haller represents that rare combination of scholarly depth, practical experience, and innovative thinking needed to navigate today’s most complex legal matters.
Alexis Haller's practice continues to break new ground at the intersection of technology and international law. Recent cases have required him to grapple with how blockchain transactions and decentralized autonomous organizations challenge traditional concepts of sovereign immunity and jurisdictional boundaries. His innovative approach to these cutting-edge issues involves drawing analogies from centuries-old maritime law principles while simultaneously incorporating the latest understandings of digital asset frameworks. This dual perspective allows him to craft arguments that satisfy both traditionalist judges and those more comfortable with technological evolution. His work in this space is increasingly cited by legal scholars examining how legacy legal frameworks must adapt to the digital age without sacrificing fundamental protections for sovereign entities.
The human element remains central to Haller's practice, even when dealing with complex international disputes or technical appeals. He has developed a particular sensitivity to cultural nuances that often underlie legal conflicts between parties from different nations. This manifests in careful witness preparation for clients unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system, where he patiently explains not just legal procedures but the cultural assumptions embedded in American courtroom dynamics. His ability to navigate these invisible cultural barriers has proven invaluable in cases where foreign governments or officials must participate in U.S. proceedings while maintaining their dignity and sovereign status. Clients frequently remark on his rare capacity to make them feel understood on both legal and personal levels, even when dealing with matters of high diplomatic sensitivity.
Haller's appellate strategies reveal a chess master's approach to litigation, often thinking several moves ahead about how today's arguments might influence future cases or create helpful precedent. He has developed a reputation for identifying and preserving key issues at trial that others might overlook, knowing these could become crucial on appeal. This forward-thinking approach extends to his motion practice, where he crafts filings with an eye toward creating a comprehensive record for potential appellate review. His briefs frequently anticipate and neutralize opposing arguments before they're even made, demonstrating an almost prescient understanding of how cases might evolve through the appellate process.
The physicality of Haller's outdoor pursuits—whether catching waves at dawn or navigating mountain trails—informs his legal work in subtle but important ways. The endurance required for long hikes mirrors the stamina needed for complex appellate litigation, where cases can unfold over years. Surfing's demand for perfect timing translates to an instinct for when to file critical motions or how to pace oral arguments. Even his choice of solitary sports reflects the independent thinking he brings to his cases, where he's willing to pursue unconventional legal theories when they serve justice. These activities provide more than just balance—they cultivate mental and physical habits that directly enhance his legal practice.
As international commerce becomes increasingly digital, Haller's practice has expanded to address novel questions about how sovereign immunity applies to cryptocurrency transactions, state-sponsored cyber activities, and other emerging technological frontiers. He recently pioneered arguments about whether certain digital assets should be considered "property" of a state under international law, with significant implications for enforcement actions. These cases often require him to serve as both legal strategist and educator, helping courts understand technical concepts while grounding them in established legal principles. His ability to bridge these worlds makes him uniquely valuable in an era where technology constantly reshapes legal boundaries.
The philosophical underpinnings of Haller's approach become apparent in his writings and occasional lectures. He frequently explores how concepts of fairness and justice translate across different legal systems, and how international law can serve as a framework for mutual understanding rather than just a tool for dispute resolution. This broader perspective informs his case selection and legal strategies, often leading him to take on matters that could establish important precedents beyond their immediate client impact. His work occasionally touches on fundamental questions about the role of law in an increasingly interconnected yet fractious world, though he remains focused on practical results rather than theoretical debates.
Haller's multilingual abilities continue to provide unexpected advantages in his practice. Beyond facilitating direct communication with clients, his language skills allow him to spot nuances in translated documents that others might miss. He's known to personally review key foreign-language materials rather than relying solely on translations, sometimes identifying crucial details that change case trajectories. This hands-on approach extends to his review of foreign legal codes and treaties, where subtle linguistic differences can have major interpretive consequences. In arbitration proceedings involving multiple languages, his ability to shift between legal concepts in different tongues often helps bridge conceptual gaps between parties.
The future of Haller's practice seems likely to involve even more interdisciplinary challenges as global issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence create new legal questions at the intersection of sovereignty and international cooperation. His established expertise in navigating complex jurisdictional issues positions him well to help shape how legal systems respond to these transnational challenges. Yet despite the increasing scope and complexity of his work, he maintains a grounded approach—focusing on each client's specific needs while keeping sight of how individual cases contribute to the broader development of international and appellate law. This dual focus on micro and macro levels continues to define his distinctive contribution to the legal profession.
Alexis Haller's practice has recently ventured into the emerging legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence and state sovereignty. He's currently litigating groundbreaking cases examining whether AI systems developed by state entities qualify for sovereign immunity protections—a question that pits centuries-old legal doctrines against twenty-first century technological realities. These matters require him to parse through complex technical specifications while simultaneously applying nuanced interpretations of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. His approach blends traditional legal analysis with insights from computer science, often collaborating with technical experts to translate machine learning concepts into persuasive legal arguments. This interdisciplinary method has proven particularly effective when explaining neural network operations to judges more accustomed to evaluating conventional evidence.
The psychological dimensions of Haller's appellate work reveal a sophisticated understanding of judicial decision-making. He tailors his written submissions not just to the legal standards at issue, but to the specific philosophical leanings of different appellate panels. His briefs for more textualist judges emphasize historical applications of legal principles, while his arguments for pragmatist jurists highlight the real-world consequences of various interpretations. This nuanced approach extends to oral arguments, where he's developed a reputation for adjusting his presentation style mid-argument based on justices' questions and body language. Several former clerks have remarked that Haller possesses an uncanny ability to "read the room" in appellate courtrooms, pivoting his emphasis to address unspoken judicial concerns as they arise during questioning.
Haller's international practice has recently expanded to include advising on international arbitration clauses in contracts involving state-owned enterprises. His innovative drafting techniques help clients navigate the complex interplay between commercial arbitration rules and sovereign immunity protections. These provisions often require balancing enforceability concerns with diplomatic sensitivities—a challenge Haller meets by drawing on his deep knowledge of both private dispute resolution mechanisms and public international law. His clauses frequently incorporate fallback positions and tiered dispute resolution processes that account for potential changes in sovereign immunity interpretations over the lifespan of long-term contracts.
The pedagogical aspect of Haller's work continues to grow through his involvement in training programs for government attorneys from various nations. These sessions go beyond simple knowledge transfer, instead fostering critical thinking about how different legal systems approach similar problems. His teaching method emphasizes comparative analysis, encouraging participants to examine how their domestic legal frameworks might adapt solutions from other jurisdictions. This educational work has unexpectedly generated referral business, as foreign governments increasingly seek his counsel on implementing legal reforms based on concepts discussed in these trainings. The cross-pollination between his educational initiatives and legal practice creates a virtuous cycle that enhances both spheres of his professional life.
Haller's linguistic capabilities have recently proven invaluable in cases involving multilingual contract disputes with sovereign entities. He's developed a specialized practice area reviewing original language versions of international agreements to identify potential translation discrepancies that could affect immunity analyses. This niche service often reveals subtle but crucial differences between how parties from different legal traditions understood their contractual obligations. In one notable case, his ability to compare Chinese, French, and English versions of a multilateral agreement helped establish that certain provisions had been fundamentally misinterpreted in prior litigation—a discovery that reshaped the entire legal strategy for his client.
.jpg)
