Women Leaders. Law. Mary Alexander & Associates. in the. A Warrior for the Injured. San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 1

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1 Special Advertising Section SAN FRANCISCO S San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Mary Alexander & Associates A Warrior for the Injured A SPECIAL Advertising section in San Francisco Chronicle the recorder the wall street journal For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 1

2 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Making Strides Twenty years ago, just 26% of California s lawyers were women. According to the California Bar Journal s most recent demographic survey, the percentage of women practicing law in the state has climbed to nearly 40%. That change is visible in the courtroom, says San Francisco personal injury attorney Mary Alexander. When I first started out, I was usually the only woman in the room, Alexander says. Now, from the courtroom to trial lawyer meetings to bar meetings to depositions, it s unusual for there not to be women attorneys present. When I first started out, I was usually the only woman in the room...now, from the courtroom to trial lawyer meetings to bar meetings to depositions, it s unusual for there not to be women attorneys present. Mary Alexander San Francisco personal injury attorney Throughout Northern California, women in the legal profession have made a significant impact in politics, leadership, and legal activism. The annual conference of California Women Lawyers (CWL), held in San Francisco in May 2013 featured House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi as its keynote speaker. In her speech, Pelosi discussed several issues facing women today, including pay disparity, gun control, and campaign finance reform; she also praised her audience for its activism. Her speech was a motivational call to continued action of conference attendees and all women, Kelly Robbins of Robbins Family Law (and second vice-president of CWL) said afterward. Other speakers and panelists at the luncheon included CWL President Eliza Rodrigues of Sedgwick LLP; Nancy O Malley, District Attorney of Alameda County; Senator Ellen Corbett; Honorable Tara Flanagan, Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court; Justice Maria Rivera of the First District Court of Appeal; and Laura Stein, General Counsel for the Clorox Company. Other women lawyers in San Francisco assumed new leadership roles. San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Beth Freeman was appointed to the federal bench in February Freeman is a graduate of the University of California-Berkeley and Harvard Law School; she spent four years in private practice and 18 years with the San Mateo County counsel s office before being appointed to the San Mateo bench by Gov. Gray Davis in She served as presiding judge of that court in 2011 and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) praised Freeman for her strong qualifications... and extremely important experience. After being confirmed by a 91-7 vote, Freeman will serve in the San Franciscobased Northern District of California. Additionally, California Attorney General Kamala Harris continues to work on behalf of Golden State residents. Harris, who formerly served as two-term district attorney of San Francisco, became the first woman, the first African-American, and the first South Asian to serve as chief law enforcement officer for the state when she was sworn in in In 2013, she turned her focus to early childhood education, commissioning a study on the scope, causes and effects of truancy and absenteeism in the state. She also took a leading role in writing the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, the nation s most comprehensive package of foreclosure reforms, which took effect in Harris may be poised to take a greater leadership role in the state in years to come. Kamala will be a strong candidate for Governor after Jerry [Brown] or [Barbara] Boxer s seat in 2016, a senior Democratic operative told The Washington Post. By R. Monroe 2 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist

3 Special Advertising Section San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY MARY ALEXANDER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. AUto ACCIdEntS, PErSonAL InJUry, ProdUCtS LIABILIty over her career as a trial lawyer in california, mary alexander has attained a rarefied status among plaintiffs attorneys: alexander has received two of the consumer attorneys of california s top honors the marvin e. Lewis award and the edward i. Pollock award and in 2012 she was inducted into the california State Bar Litigation Section s trial Lawyer hall of Fame. But above all, alexander strives to make a difference through her work. and reflecting her efforts, in 2013 the american association for Justice honored her with the Leonard ring champion of Justice award, which recognizes lawyers who serve as advocates for human and civil rights. the most rewarding part of being a personal injury lawyer is being able to make a living and help people at the same time, alexander observes. it s what makes this profession so satisfying. a scientist before she studied law, alexander brings a unique combination of expertise and compassion to her practice. She started out as a researcher in medical toxicology and went on to become the director of environmental health at the Stanford research institute. But after a decade of working in environmental and occupational health research, alexander sought to help injured individuals more directly, and she therefore turned to the law. thirty years later, she has become a powerful voice for victims of personal injury and products liability. my background in science has certainly been a big factor in my success because i use that knowledge every day, alexander says, whether i m cross-examining an expert in medicine or engineering, reviewing medical articles on a particular drug or device, or simply discussing the effect of a drug or toxic chemical with my client. alexander notes that her scientific knowledge was particularly helpful in a recent lead paint case that she tried last summer. as part of that case, alexander served as co-lead counsel on behalf of ten cities and counties in california that were trying to get paint companies to remove the lead paint from hundreds of thousands of homes in the area. in december Mary Alexander 2013, a state judge in Santa clara county ordered three companies to pay $1.15 billion into a fund to be used for that purpose. What i used to do as a scientist in toxicology came full circle in this case, alexander says. For young children, lead paint can cause brain damage and even death, so this was a very important public health decision that will really make a difference in california. in another defining case, alexander represented a young woman who was paralyzed from the neck down after the brakes on a rented bike failed to work and she crashed into a tree head first. alexander argued the woman s case and secured a verdict of $13.3 million. Knowing that you played a part in improving someone s quality of life is deeply rewarding, alexander says. it s what continues to give me passion for the work i do. 44 montgomery Street, SUite 1303, San FranciSco, ca Ph: toll Free: FaX: For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 3

4 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY Special Advertising Section PARADIGM COUNSEL LLP technology And BUSInESS maureen dorney and chiara Portner are partners with Paradigm counsel LLP, a Silicon Valley law firm providing innovative legal services to emerging growth and technology companies. Paradigm s lawyers function as an integral part of their client s business team and offer flexible and creative billing arrangements. after working at large law firms for over 20 years, maureen dorney founded Paradigm counsel in chiara Portner joined the firm shortly thereafter, after her tenure at a large law firm. Finding a more nimble and practical way to deliver the same client service typically desired from major law firms was the initial inspiration for maureen to create a new firm. maureen and chiara regularly advise clients on matters such as technology and intellectual property transactions, clean technology, outsourcing, privacy compliance, web and mobile content and sales, and marketing agreements. their breadth of knowledge and depth of experience in these areas significantly benefits clients across a range of technology sectors, providing clients instant familiarity with their business and legal issues. maureen and chiara are valued by their clients as versatile legal counsel, From left: Maureen S. Dorney, Chiara Portner frequently called upon to join clients at their negotiation table. Paradigm counsel uses a team approach, giving clients the benefit of interdisciplinary and broad industry experience from attorneys and paralegals who formerly served clients from within large law firms and in-house legal departments. the result is attorneys and paralegals who excel at providing sophisticated, cutting-edge advice, which is efficient, practical and cost-effective. Paradigm counsel s tight-knit and well-practiced group of 10 attorneys enables the firm to quickly scale up or down as required by projects, while also fostering collaboration among team members to achieve the best results for clients. 450 Sheridan ave, PaLo alto, ca Ph: ParadiGmcoUnSeL.com maureen@paradigmcounsel.com chiara@paradigmcounsel.com PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY 4 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist

5 Special Advertising Section TIMKEN JOHNSON LLP real EStAtE San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY Both of these dynamic female lawyers began their professional lives as law clerks in a real estate law firm Leslie Johnson in 1971 and heidi timken in as homegrown lawyers, they achieved great success and prominence there, while establishing first-rate careers in real estate transactions and litigation, respectively. in 2006, they branched out on their own and established timken Johnson LLP. Little did they know that in two short years the bottom would drop out of the very market upon which they had staked their careers. But Johnson and timken were undaunted by market adversity; they are unique individuals who, together, stared down the theretofore unthinkable real estate collapse, grew their firm when others were dropping off the map, and never looked back. today, they lead a successful fiveattorney law firm with a diverse client base and an always-challenging caseload. Johnson is a creative, bold thinker who continues to structure complex, outsidethe-box deals on a regular basis after more than 40 years in the profession. many of her clients have been with her for decades and rely on her trusted counsel in all aspects of their diverse businesses, from real estate investments to wine making to cutting-edge green technology. Johnson is a tough negotiator, with a keen eye always focused on making the deal happen. Leslie s hallmark is she listens more than she speaks, and that is vital during negotiations because that always makes her the smartest lawyer in the room, timken says. timken is a lively, captivating trial lawyer, with a commanding presence in the courtroom and a light yet confident touch with clients. She strives for negotiated resolutions, but is always prepared for battle at the trial and appellate level. She has obtained more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements for her clients, as well as equally impressive defense verdicts (most recently defeating class certification of a statewide easement dispute for a major utility) during her more than two decades in the profession. She has also developed an expertise, recognized statewide, in eminent domain law. Whenever heidi speaks in the courtroom, people sit up and listen; she makes real connections with everyone, says Johnson. Johnson and timken are av Preeminent rated by martindale-hubbell, the highest peer-review rating available. Johnson is a prolific speaker (early in her career she helped usher in the first irs-sanctioned tax-deferred exchanges) and timken has been selected by her peers in Northern California Super Lawyers every year since together, Johnson and timken have been active and founding members of the east Bay chapter of the nationally prominent commercial real estate Women (crew). timken has twice served as President of the chapter, and timken Johnson LLP is a perennial chapter sponsor at the highest level; both Johnson and timken are involved in and well known at the national level of this 8,500-member organization. Johnson and timken have earned their seats at the table in the male-dominated field of real estate law by always being bold, using their intelligence, wit, and ever-present senses of humor to win over clients both large and small and public and private, as well as opposing counsel and the bevy of usual stakeholders. they take tremendous pride in having formed a firm in their own vision with bright and From left: Leslie A. Johnson and Heidi A. Timken loyal colleagues in a warm but appropriately intense environment. they are both committed to the growth of their firm and the achievements of women and minorities in the legal profession. Johnson and timken enjoy what they do and it shows: real estate impacts people in a very personal way; we enjoy playing such a significant role in people s personal and professional lives, says timken. Johnson adds, real estate law is incredibly creative and that is what keeps us going after so many years in the profession San miguel drive, SUite 100 WaLnUt creek, ca Ph: FaX: htimken@tjlawgroup.com LJohnSon@tJLaWGroUP.com Gary Wagner For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 5

6 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 LAW OFFICES OF randy sue PollocK CRIMINAL DEFENSE Ms. Pollock has been exclusively practicing criminal defense for the past 30 years. She represents clients in both state and federal court who are charged with crimes ranging from mail and wire fraud offenses, RICO conspiracies, espionage, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, tax violations, money laundering, and drug trafficking, to a variety of state offenses, including marijuana cultivation and transportation. She has been AV rated since 2001, is a Super Lawyer in Northern California, and has been selected for the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers since She most recently won a Not Guilty verdict after a five-month RICO prosecution in federal court in San Francisco. Following that acquital she was the only criminal defense attorney named by The Recorder as one of the top statewide Attorneys of the Year GRAND AVENUE, STE. 120, OAKLAND, CA PH: FAX: RSP@RSPOLLOCKLAW.COM Special Advertising Section REBECCA COLL LItIgAtIon, CLASS ACtIonS, government rebecca coll is an experienced trial lawyer licensed to practice in california, new York, and the district of columbia. martindale-hubbell rates ms. coll as av Preeminent, its highest rating. during the rating process, ms. coll s peers described her as exceptionally knowledgeable, creative, ethical, and committed to a high quality of law practice, a first rate lawyer, an excellent business litigator, and smart, thoughtful, and practical. a San Francisco judge described ms. coll as displaying exceptional talent and professionalism in his courtroom. avvo, an online service that reviews legal professionals, has rated ms. coll as Superb, its highest rating. clients unanimously awarded ms. coll 5 out of 5 stars. ms. coll is a co-founder of Quadra & coll, which U.S. News & World Report recognizes in its Best Law Firms listings. Quadra & coll is committed to providing excellent legal services to their clients. the firm represents individuals, businesses and public entities in complex litigation, class actions, catastrophic injury suits and government litigation. QUADRA & COLL LLP 649 mission St. San FranciSco, ca Ph: rcoll@quadracoll.com SPear Street 18 th FLoor San FranciSco, ca t F KerrWaGStaFFe.com NANCY L. TOMPKINS APPellAte litigation nancy tompkins is a partner in the San Francisco firm Kerr & Wagstaffe LLP, specializing in appellate litigation. an original writer and thinker, nancy represents clients in state and federal court in a wide range of complex matters, including intellectual-property, contract, trust and fee disputes. Before joining Kerr & Wagstaffe, nancy was a partner at townsend and townsend and crew LLP (now Kilpatrick townsend & Stockton LLP) focusing on patent and other complex litigation in the federal courts. a native of new england, nancy moved to california in 1990 to work as a Staff attorney with the ninth circuit court of appeals. She remained in that position for eleven years, taking a one-year intermission to work in the chambers of the late Justice h. Weston Walker of the california First district court of appeal. nancy holds a B.a. in Latin from oberlin college and a J.d. from northeastern University School of Law in Boston. She is admitted to practice before the Supreme court, the ninth and Federal circuits, and the courts of california and massachusetts. nancy s publications include numerous essays and the book Roe v. Wade: the Fight Over Life and Liberty. COLLEEN DUFFY-SMITH CIvIL LAW, FAMILy LAW as a founding partner of morgan duffy-smith & tidalgo LLP, colleen duffy-smith brings her experience as a seasoned trial lawyer to the mix of the firm s family law and civil litigation practice. For over 20 years, ms. duffy-smith has represented individuals, public and private entities, and class members in professional negligence, consumer fraud, elder abuse, probate, predatory lending, securities violations, products liability, defamation, unlawful business practices, antitrust, business torts, and serious personal injury actions. She also handles marital dissolutions, prepares pre-marital agreements, marital and domestic partnership settlement agreements, and provides advice to family law clients whose cases present civil litigation components. ms. duffy-smith has been an adjunct professor teaching torts and civil litigation and trial practice for the University of california, Berkeley, and the San mateo community college System in their paralegal programs. MORGAN DUFFY-SMITH & TIDALGO LLP 1960 the alameda SUite 220 San JoSe, ca Ph: FaX: San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist

7 Special Advertising Section PAGE PROOF FOR San APPROVAL Francisco s ONLY Women Leaders in the Law 2014 WarriOr in action MarY alexander and associates Bring everything they Ve got to FigHt FOr their CLientS When mary alexander started college, she had no plans to become an lawyer much less one of San Francisco s most well-known and respected personal injury attorneys. instead, alexander studied biology and chemistry with plans to go into public health. But after working for a few years in the occupational environmental health field, alexander realized that she could make a bigger impact in the legal profession. that realization drew her to law school at Santa clara University, and to eventually launch mary alexander and associates in 2001 focusing on personal injury, consumer rights, and product liability. alexander s science background feeds into one of the firm s areas of great strength: state-of-the-art courtroom displays. the firm s team enjoys taking on complex cases, but they also understand that they must be able to translate convoluted fact patterns and specialized terminology into language that members of a jury can easily grasp. the firm s attorneys believe that it s better to show than tell. that s why the team uses cuttingedge presentation tools and other trial technologies to make those explanations both thorough and accessible. those displays were an important part of the firm s largest case in 2013, a lead paint case that was 14 years in the making. in 2000, they helped 10 cities and counties in california file a suit against companies that had promoted or sold lead paint in the state. We had some excellent graphics that helped explain the effects of lead, as well as videos that went into the relationship between lead and certain health effects, alexander says. they make complicated medical concepts much more understandable. the case, which went to trial in the summer of 2013, resulted in the judge issuing a $1.15 billion verdict. that sum will build a fund that the cities and counties can use to identify and remove lead paint. it s a landmark legal decision, as well as a very important public health moment, says alexander. it s been a long, hard battle, so it s very satisfying to be able to help protect the children of california from the damaging effects of lead poisoning. alexander is quick to credit her team for her firm s many successes. and, over the years, they have amassed impressive experience and accolades. alexander is a past president of both the association of trial Lawyers of america and the consumer attorneys of california, and she has been named one of the San Francisco Bay area s top 10 trial attorneys by the San Francisco Chronicle. Jennifer Fiore, a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, has experience in admiralty and maritime personal injury law. She has also been deemed a rising Star by Super Lawyers from , and was named one of the top 40 under 40 by the national trial Lawyers association in Sophia aslami, a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law, has advocated for the rights of San Francisco s homeless population and worked on eviction-rights cases. in , she was named a rising Star by Super Lawyers. Women give an important perspective on the law. And we make up half of the population, so it s crucial for our voices to be heard. - MARY ALEXANDER they re all really good at what they do, alexander says. they re smart and capable people who are very good at working with clients. For her part, alexander is proud of building a law firm that s respected for its important work and comprised entirely of women. i think it s great for the profession, because it s important to reflect the population, she says. Women give an important perspective on the law. and we make up half of the population, so it s crucial for our voices to be heard. r. Monroe For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 7

8 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Special Advertising Section PATRICE L. GOLDMAN EMPLoyMEnt LAW For more than 20 years, Patrice Goldman has represented individuals in employment law matters. With her main office in marin county, ms. Goldman serves clients and mediates throughout northern california. ms. Goldman has successfully represented individuals who have been harassed, experienced discrimination or retaliation, or been denied their proper pay. She has handled all aspects of employment law matters from severance negotiations to trial (both bench and jury) to appeal before federal and state courts. ms. Goldman s peers have consistently selected her as one of the northern california Super Lawyers since a graduate of Yale University and hastings college of the Law, she has also studied mediation with Steven rosenberg and mark rudy. ms. Goldman has served as a Principal contributing editor on the rutter Group s California Practice Guide on Employment Litigation and is a member of the california employment Lawyers association and Bay area Lawyers for individual Freedom. GAY GRUNFELD CIvIL LItIgAtIon Gay Grunfeld is a partner with rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP in San Francisco where she focuses her practice on complex civil litigation, with an emphasis on civil rights, employment, business, and attorneys fees cases. She has more than 20 years of experience practicing before trial and appellate courts at both the state and federal levels. av rated, Gay was named one of the top 75 Women Litigators in california for 2013 and 2011 by the Daily Journal and honored as one the 2013 Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyers. She also received a clay award in 2012 and was named one of The Recorder s 20 attorneys of the Year for She is Vice chair of the Board of directors of equal rights advocates. Gay received her J.d. from columbia Law School, where she was the articles editor of the Columbia Law Review, and after law school clerked for the honorable Jack Weinstein, chief Judge, U.S. district court for the eastern district of new York. SHARON HIGHTOWER HEALtH CArE Sharon hightower is a senior partner and the assistant managing Partner in the San Jose office of ericksen arbuthnot. her practice areas include healthcare, of which she is the co-chair of the practice group, employment, Personal injury, Products Liability and Professional Liability. her practice includes the defense of litigation involving professional liability claims, including surveyors, inspectors, and a host of other professionals. She provides services for both civil and administrative claims. other aspects of her practice involves employment litigation, product liability, and personal injury. She was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community and the profession by the Santa clara county Bar association with its prestigious 2013 Salsman award. named after Bryl r. Salsman, the late Superior court Judge and appellate court Justice from Santa clara county, the lifetime service award was presented at the association s recent annual installation ceremony and reception on January 22, 2014 by incoming President, dianne Sweeney. LAW OFFICES OF PATRICE L. GOLDMAN, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 1299 FoUrth Street, SUite 307 San rafael, ca Ph: FaX: PG@PGoLdmanLaW.com BARBARA HOLIAN MEJIA EStAtE PLAnnIng, ELdEr LAW my work is my ministry. in ESTATE PLANNING, i listen attentively to clients desires and offer options for consideration from 20+ years experience designing and administering estate plans that fit each family uniquely. i understand that family dynamics influence options and help clients navigate applicable laws to reach their objectives, while maintaining lifelong relationships that impact generations. in ELDER LAW, i help families view elders needs from the elder s perspective, anticipate physical and emotional changes, and reach consensus on significant issues impacting the elders quality of life. in LIMITED CONSERVATORSHIPS, i empower families to act in protection of their vulnerable loved ones, sensitive to the court s concerns, and mindful of their desire to preserve their loved one s dignity and integrity, in light of his or her disabilities. my book, Limited Conservatorships: Protecting Developmentally Disabled Adults, a How-to Guide, available on amazon.com, assists cost-concerned clients in doing the court work themselves. LAW OFFICE OF BARBARA HOLIAN MEJÍA 975 WeSt alisal Street, SUite e-1 SaLinaS, ca Ph: BarBara@BarBarameJia.com ROSEN BIEN GALVAN & GRUNFELD 315 montgomery Street, tenth FLoor San FranciSco, ca Ph: GGrUnFeLd@rBGG.com LESLIE KRASNY Food & BEvErAgES Leslie Krasny practices in the areas of regulatory and administrative law, primarily focusing on food/dietary supplements, including safety, recalls, inspections, ingredient evaluations/gras opinions, claim substantiation, organic requirements, green/sustainability claims, labeling and advertising, california s Proposition 65, recall insurance, continuing product guarantees, international trade and biotechnology. She represents companies throughout the supply chain, from growers and manufacturers to retailers, and serves as General counsel to the Produce marketing association. ms. Krasny was Vice President and General counsel of dole Packaged Foods company prior to joining Keller and heckman. She is a member of the Board of directors of the Food and drug Law institute, serves on its Food and dietary Supplements committee, and is on the editorial advisory Board of Food Processing Magazine. ms. Krasny was ranked by chambers & Partners in the 2013 edition of Chambers USA, America s Leading Lawyers for Business, for Food & Beverages, and selected by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in the Best Law Firms 2013 list. KELLER AND HECKMAN LLP one embarcadero center, SUite 2110 San FranciSco, ca Ph: KraSnY@KhLaW.com ERICKSEN ARBUTHNOT 152 north third Street San JoSe, ca Ph: FaX: ShiGhtoWer@ericKSenarBUthnot.com MINETTE A. KWOK IMMIgrAtIon And nationality LAW minette a. Kwok is a Partner with minami tamaki LLP and a State Bar of california certified Specialist in immigration and nationality Law. her practice focuses primarily on business immigration, representing startups and emerging high tech companies, as well as global Fortune 500 companies. ms. Kwok serves on the national Board of trustees of the american immigration council and on the american immigration Lawyers association s Business immigration committee. She was named a northern california Super Lawyer ( ), top 50 Female northern california Super Lawyer (2007, 2008, 2014), and a top Women Super Lawyer in northern california (2012). ms. Kwok is a member of the california Bar, U.S. district court for northern district of california, and the U.S. ninth circuit court of appeals. She graduated from the University of california at Berkeley with a B.a. in history with high honors and from the University of San Francisco School of Law. MINAMI TAMAKI LLP 360 PoSt Street, 8 th FLoor San FranciSco, ca Ph: FaX: San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist

9 Special Advertising Section San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM LEGAL GROUP Account Executives Andrew Chernela Lauren decosimo laura gunawan Pamela jeffers Ulei Kou Bridget McDonald marcy palacios George Schwimmer Graphic Designers Sammy Elfatrany Ashley McKevitt Content Manager Justin Smulison Profiles Writer Sean Stonefield business manager colleen hanson Senior Vice President Kevin Vermeulen KAREN DRURY RUSSELL FAMILY LAW, MEDIATION Karen drury russell is an expert Family Law mediator and collaborative practice attorney in Santa Clara County, California. Ms. russell has been in practice since 1984 and proved her ability to lead early in her career serving as Chairperson of the Santa Clara County Bar Association Family Law Section after just 5 years in practice. that same year, she received the prestigious Salsman award, the highest honor for an attorney in Santa Clara County. She served the Santa Clara County bar association as treasurer and chairperson of many task forces and committees. After 14 years litigating high conflict custody cases, Ms. russell changed her practice to emphasize out of court alternatives to litigation. In 1998, she stopped all litigation work to focus her practice only on Mediation and Collaboration, which she continues to do today. Ms. russell became a leader in the collaborative community creating course curriculum to train other lawyers in collaborative techniques. She is a co-founder of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). In 2012 Ms. russell received the Eureka award from the statewide organization Collaborative Practice California, for her outstanding contributions to collaboration in the state. today, in addition to her private practice, Ms. russell works on a volunteer basis with the Family Court in Santa Clara County to bring new and innovative programs to life that help families resolve their matters without litigation. She remains completely devoted to helping her clients find solutions that work for them and their families without court intervention. 51 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA Office Business Cell LOIS A. LINDSTROM ProFESSIonAL LIABILIty, InSUrAnCE ms. Lindstrom is the managing Partner of the ericksen arbuthnot s oakland/walnut creek office, and chair of the Board of directors. She co-chairs the healthcare and insurance coverage practice groups for the firm and also practices in the areas of Personal injury, Products Liability, Professional Liability and real estate. ms. Lindstrom is av Preeminent Peer review rated by martindalehubbell an honor less than 5% of women lawyers attain. She is also listed in the Bar register of Woman Preeminent Lawyers. ms. Lindstrom also serves on the Board of directors of the association of defense counsel of northern california and nevada and chairs the insurance Liaison committee for that organization. While ms. Lindstrom has developed experience in several areas of practice, the primary focus of her practice is Professional Liability, including healthcare professionals. this includes assisting her clients in matters involving their professional boards, and administrative hearings and appeals. She continues to use her knowledge from this experience in her practice involving insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. DONELLE MORGAN FAMILy LAW donelle morgan has been a certified Family Law Specialist since 1992 and a lawyer for over 30 years. She is an experienced trial lawyer and strategist who works with complex issues associated with the dissolution of marriage and post-dissolution matters. Flexible and creative problem solving is what ms. morgan takes pride in, along with the ability to assist clients in a risk benefit analysis related to the merits of their cases. her breadth of knowledge is vast, on issues such as the characterization and division of assets, child and spousal support, custody and visitation, valuation of professional practices and businesses, stock options, actions to set aside prenuptial and marital settlement agreements, misappropriation of assets and breaches of fiduciary duty in the family law setting. LINDA ROSS PErSonAL InJUry, WrongFUL death Linda ross is a graduate of Uc Berkeley. She worked her way through Golden Gate University Law School and began practicing law in She represents seriously injured individuals and the survivors of the wrongful death of family members. She has served on the Board of directors of the San Francisco trial Lawyers, marin trial Lawyers, and consumer attorneys of california. She is a past president of the San Francisco trial Lawyers and was a finalist for trial Lawyer of the year. She has been named as a Super Lawyer from and was named as one of the top Women attorneys in northern california in She is an av Preeminent rated attorney and was recognized as such in the 2013 edition of San Francisco s Top Rated Lawyers. She also mentors young lawyers and speaks at seminars for other lawyers. ERICKSEN ARBUTHNOT 155 Grand avenue, SUite 1050 oakland, ca Ph: FaX: LLindStrom@ericKSenarBUthnot.com MORGAN DUFFY-SMITH & TIDALGO LLP 1960 the alameda SUite 220 San JoSe, ca Ph: FaX: LAW OFFICES OF LINDA ROSS 2204 Union Street, San FranciSco, ca Ph: Linda@LindaroSSLaW.com For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 9

10 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY Special Advertising Section LAW OFFICE OF Jessie Serna As you plan for the remainder of the year, we want to make you aware of some projects that ALM has planned. our national publications are an excellent opportunity to showcase your esteemed and talented team. a profile or branded message reaches business leaders, fellow attorneys and consumers who have the ability to bring your firm new cases and referrals. TOP RATED LAWYERS BY PRACTICE AREA taxation insurance immigration transportation mass torts trusts & estates appellate Law Securities Personal injury Banking & Finance White collar criminal defense mergers & acquisitions Labor & employment construction corporate restructuring & Bankruptcy real estate technology SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITIES top rated Lawyers in Labor & employment (FeatUred in FORTUNE ) U.S. top ranked Law Firms (FeatUred in FORTUNE ) top rated Lawyers in Personal injury (LOS ANGELES TIMES & NEW YORK MAGAZINE) top rated Lawyers in Family Law (LOS ANGELES TIMES & NEW YORK MAGAZINE) For more information, contact LeGaL LeaderS toll Free at or LeGaLLeaderS@aLm.com PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH the law office of Jessie Serna specializes in personal injury litigation, including life changing auto accidents and dramatic wrongful death cases. attorney and firm founder Jessie Serna has over 33 years of experience practicing civil law in Santa clara county. She is bilingual and fluent in Spanish. attorney Serna knows how to win difficult cases in the california court of appeals and the california Supreme court. as the lead attorney, she has won several big cases, one of which includes the landmark california Supreme court case of Rudy Ochoa v. County of Santa Clara (1985) 39 cal.3d 159. attorney Serna and her staff are committed to assuring each client is awarded the greatest amount to which they are entitled. She is a graduate of San Jose State University, where she earned a bachelor degree. She earned her doctorate of Jurisprudence from the Golden Gate University, School of Law in San Francisco. She is the former president of the Santa clara county trial Lawyers association, and former president of the La raza Lawyers association for Santa clara county. ms. Serna also has served on the Board of Governors of consumer attorneys of california. She has earned countless awards from her peers in the civil legal field. to order reprints of SAN FRANCISCO S WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW 2014, PleAse ContACt or REPRINTS@ALM.COM JESSIE SERNA ATTORNEY AT LAW 1585 The Alameda Suite 100 San Jose, CA (408) San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist

11 Special Advertising Section San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 PAGE PROOF FOR APPROVAL ONLY 575 MARKET STREET, SUITE 4000 SAN FRANCISCO, CA debra r. Schoenberg, esq., has a long and distinguished career. more than twenty-five years ago, she established her own firm, which has vast experience and expertise in the highly sensitive and complex practice of family law, and ms. Schoenberg has established a professional reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, keen attention to detail, loyalty, and dedication to client service. ms. Schoenberg handles cases that range from complex financial issues and extensive marital estates, to high-conflict custody matters. adept at negotiating resolutions as well as aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, she also handles straightforward family law cases, pre- and post-marital agreements, and marital settlements. ms. Schoenberg has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to fairness and equity, and because of her vast experience she is able to capture the perfect balance of compassionate sensitivity, and the assertion of a client s rights. Long recognized as a leading family law attorney, ms. Schoenberg is a frequent lecturer in family law. in recognition of her work she was named a Fellow of the american academy of matrimonial Lawyers and a Board certified Family Law trial Specialist by the national Board of trial advocacy. She is also a certified Family Law Specialist by the State of california Board of Legal Specialization. as the result of an extensive and confidential review by members of the Bar, she has been repeatedly listed in the directory of Super Lawyers. the San Francisco Business Times named debra Schoenberg to their 2013 list of 100 top Women owned Businesses. the firm has also been repeatedly selected as one of the top three family law firms in the Bay area. ms. Schoenberg is a member of the california, new York, and Vermont Bar associations. She recently published a book entitled Divorce in California. My goal is to preserve your dignity and your humanity throughout what can be a very difficult and painful process, while at the same time achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf. debra r. SchoenBerG, esq. PrinciPaL DIVORCE, DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTION, LEGAL SEPARATION, COMMUNITY PROPERTY, ALIMONY, CUSTODY & VISITATION, CHILD SUPPORT, RESTRAINING ORDERS, PATERNITY, PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS, POST- DIVORCE DISPUTES MODIFICATION OF ORDERS, APPEALS, MARVIN ACTIONS, DOMESTIC TORTS For more information please vist San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 11

12 San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Special Advertising Section REAL ESTATE AND LAND USE MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS ESTATE PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION AND ADR BUSINESS ENTITY PLANNING AND FORMATION EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY from left: rob harrison, Jeff schoppert, Wendy Wyse, stafford Keegin, Jessica Karner, Deborah black, nicole cabalette and paul smith (brand new to the team and not pictured is anne reilly) ABOUT KEEGIN HARRISON Keegin Harrison has provided exceptional and responsive legal services to our Bay area and california-based national clients for over 50 years. located in Marin, we offer a sophisticated, client-focused approach to a full range of complex legal matters. along with mergers and acquisitions and general business law, the firm s areas of expertise include real estate, land use and neighbor law, commercial and real estate litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning and trust administration, non-profit law, employment and labor law, and intellectual property. We are proud of our practice, and take great pleasure in being effective advisors, negotiators, problem-solvers and advocates for our clients. ABOUT JESSICA KARNER in the Keegin Harrison tradition, Jessica blends large-firm experience with a personal, client-centered approach. a skillful transactional lawyer, whether for merger or acquisition deals, corporate or other entity structuring, or as general counsel to companies in a wide variety of industries, Jessica has helped make Keegin Harrison the premier business law firm in Marin county. she has successfully closed deals ranging from under $1 million to $100 million, and has represented non-profits at all stages, from formation through merger. Jessica serves her clients with the highest level of dedication and professionalism, putting particular emphasis on understanding and achieving client goals while getting the deal closed. she brings to the job a strong practical sense, an unflappable negotiating style, and a good sense of humor. the firm always seeks out the brightest lawyers it can find, and Jessica is a prime example of this philosophy, says senior partner, stafford Keegin. Jessica graduated in 1995 from Uc Berkeley s Boalt Hall school of law. While at Boalt, she served as editor in chief of the california law review and earned membership in the academic honor society the order of the coif. a six-year partner with 13 years at Keegin Harrison, Jessica has always been a leader, in the firm and in the community. Her participation as an active volunteer for professional organizations, local non-profits, and schools recently included serving as the President (2012) of the Marin county Bar association fourth Street, Suite 600, SAn rafael, CA Ph: (415) fax: (415) San Francisco s Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM For more information please vist