LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 Girardi Keese Amy Fisch Solomon: Top-Tier Personal Injury Litigator and Mentor A SPECIAL Advertising Supplement to the LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 1
GIRARDI KEESE PerSOnAL InJurY Amy Cantrell Given its deep bench of skilled trial attorneys who include partner Amy Fisch Solomon Girardi Keese has pioneered litigation in the personal injury field, achieving more than $10 billion for its injured clients. Amy is truly one of the finest trial lawyers around, and her results prove it, notes firm founder Thomas Girardi, who was ranked as the region s number one attorney in the 2013 Southern California Super Lawyers. He adds: She has had so many great results that it is increasingly difficult for her to try cases, because generally the other side comes around to her way of thinking and resolves the matter. Solomon has successfully tried more than 30 jury and bench trials in state and federal courts, obtaining many seven- and eight-figure results for her clients. Currently, she is representing women who have been injured by the birth control drugs Yaz and Yasmin; she has also handled pharmaceutical litigation against the makers of the drugs Actos, Vioxx, and Avandia. All of these cases involve a terrific amount of paperwork, and sometimes you see trial lawyers who are not so good at dotting the i s and crossing the t s, Girardi says. But with Amy, her papers filed with the court are just as persuasive as her oral arguments in the courtroom. Solomon began her career as a law clerk at Girardi Keese and has been a lawyer with the firm since 1989. Five other female attorneys join her at the firm: Amanda McClintock, Neyleen Beljajev, Celene Chan, Amanda Heather Marz, and Lauren Horwitz. When you join this firm, it s a life sentence without possibility of parole, Girardi jokes. Virtually everyone here was a law clerk before becoming a lawyer, and I think the reason why people remain so loyal is because they are enthusiastic about the work we re doing. Beyond her practice, Solomon serves as a role model for female trial attorneys by traveling to law schools and speaking about her experience at Girardi Keese. She is also a past- President of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and a co-leader of the CAALA Women s Caucus. The guidance Amy gives to younger lawyers at this firm is spectacular, Girardi says. And the dedication of people like her especially in terms of being an inspiration to younger lawyers has been an important part of this firm s success. LOS ANGELES OFFICE 1126 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017 PH: 213.977.0211 FAX: 213.481.1554 WWW.GIRARDIKEESE.COM SAN BERNARDINO OFFICE 155 WEST HOSPITALITY LANE, SUITE 260 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 PH: 909.381.1551 FAX: 909.381.2566 From left: Neyleen Sara Beljajev, Amy Fisch Solomon, Lauren Horwitz, Amanda Heather Marz Amanda McClintock Celene Chan 2 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 3
making strides The most recent demographic survey conducted by the California Journal found that women comprise approximately 39% of lawyers in the Golden State. That is a significant increase from 20 years ago, when women accounted for little more than one-quarter of the profession. California tops many states in this respect; nationwide, only one-third of attorneys are women. Still, there s room for growth: Nationally, more than 80% of partners in private law firms are men, and women fill just 4% of managing partners seats at the nation s 200 largest firms. In recent months, though, women lawyers in Southern California have taken on new leadership roles and sought out challenging cases. Here are some ways they are working to level the playing field: The California Women s Law Center (CWLC) celebrated the successful conclusion of a years-long Title IX case at Alhambra High School. In 2003, the school district spent $900,000 on several stateof-the-art athletic facilities that were for the exclusive use of its boys baseball team. The CWLC joined forces with the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center (LAS-ELC) to bring a suit against the school district on behalf of its female students. The suit was the first in California to challenge Title IX compliance at the high school level. After years of litigation, a settlement was reached in 2006. The school has since worked to remedy inequalities, and in December 2013, the U.S. District Court announced the end of its oversight of Alhambra High. Alhambra High School s work in connection with this settlement shows that any high school in California can comply with Title IX, which has been law for over 40 years, Elizabeth Kristen of the LAS-ELC said in a statement. Women lawyers also championed military veterans. Cacilia Kim of the CWLC and Elizabeth Kristen of the LAS-ELC were contacted by 19-year-old Airman 1st Class Trent Smith, who had been forced out of the military after reporting a sexual assault. The two attorneys secured an independent forensic psychiatric assessment of their client, which contradicted the U.S. Military s diagnosis of a rare personality disorder. They plan to use this as a basis for an appeal of Smith s dismissal. All I want to do is serve my country. I hope that our appeal is successful, Smith told the press. Other California attorneys turned their attention to politics. Lawyer and activist Sandra Fluke recently announced her plans to run for Ted Lieu s seat in the California Senate. Fluke first made headlines as a law student at Georgetown, when she gave Congressional testimony in favor of mandatory insurance coverage of contraception and soon drew the ire of conservative radio commenter Rush Limbaugh. I believe that the families and communities of this district from West Hollywood to West L.A. and from Santa Monica to Torrance and beyond deserve to have a fresh perspective from a new generation of progressive leadership in Sacramento, and I am eager to get to work fighting for the causes that matter most to our future as a community, state and nation... sandra fluke california senate race candidate After graduating from law school and passing the California Bar Exam, Fluke moved to Los Angeles and worked on behalf of causes such as the foster-care system and the living wage movement. I believe that the families and communities of this district from West Hollywood to West L.A. and from Santa Monica to Torrance and beyond deserve to have a fresh perspective from a new generation of progressive leadership in Sacramento, and I am eager to get to work fighting for the causes that matter most to our future as a community, state and nation, Fluke said when announcing her candidacy. By R. Monroe 4 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 5
The Loftin Firm, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW 5760 fleet street suite 110 carlsbad ca 92008 sloftin@loftinfirm.com WWW.LOFTINFIRM.COM p: 760.431.2111 f: 760.431.2001 from Carlsbad, California, Sue Loftin of The Loftin firm, P.C., serves the legal needs of all Californians by taking a strategic, creative approach toward legal planning and legal solutions for business and real estate clients. As a small boutique firm, clients are provided cost-effective personal service dedicated to providing the client peace of mind in the legal process. With Ms. Loftin s background in litigation and transaction matters, the firm can provide a unique perspective when preparing for either type of legal service. She is best known for her work in the manufactured housing sector, providing services to those communities from ground-up development, acquisition, financing, subdivision, land use, zoning, residency issues and related litigation. Ms. Loftin has equal legal experience in those areas related to all types of commercial and residential real estate matters. In business, she has acted on her passion of serving the public by advising nonprofit entities. Ms. Loftin has numerous reported appellate cases and over the last 30 years has received numerous awards, the California Assembly and the County of San diego have awarded Proclamations in recognition for her work in the area of housing, and in 2013, SBIeC awarded her the California excellence Award. She regularly speaks for CLe providers on issues related to real estate, business and nonprofits. Linda Randlett Kollar ADMINISTRATIVE, CIVIL LITIGATION, HEALTH CARE Linda Randlett Kollar is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, P.C., a firm dedicated to the representation of healthcare providers. With more than 25 years of legal experience, she is recognized by her clients and peers as an accomplished litigator, health law regulatory expert and champion of behavioral healthcare providers. She credits her success to her passionate interest in the law and her work. Ms. Kollar specializes in the representation of behavioral healthcare provider institutions as well as healthcare professionals. Her clients include non-profit organizations that provide residential treatment and foster care for children, physicians, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists. Ms. Kollar devotes a substantial part of her practice to advising behavioral healthcare providers on licensure, compliance and contracts, special education, privacy, confidentiality, HIPAA and minor s consent issues. As a seasoned litigator, she regularly represents her provider clients in administrative and civil litigation, including writs and appeals. She is a nationally recognized expert and consultant regarding legal issues affecting child welfare organizations. In high demand as a speaker, Ms. Kollar has lectured throughout the United States. She has been awarded Martindale-Hubbell s highest peer review rating AV Preeminent and has been selected by her peers as one of Southern California s Super Lawyers in Los Angeles magazine. Ms. Kollar was elected to the Litigation Counsel of America, The Trial Lawyers Honorary Society in 2009 and has been selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America since 2012. HOOPER, LUNDY & BOOKMAN, P.C. 1875 Century Park East, Suite 1600 Los Angeles CA 90067-2517 310.551.8194 lkollar@health-law.com KAREN BROWN CFLS* family LAW With nearly 40 years of experience in complex family law, general business and entertainment litigation, Ms. Brown is an accomplished trial attorney dedicated to providing prompt and professional service to her clients most pertinent needs in complex family law litigation. Ms. Brown has been practicing family law exclusively for 14 years. Ms. Brown has an extensive background in representing clients in difficult family law matters including custody disputes, highly contested financial matters related to divorces, and pre-and post-nuptial agreements. Having concentrated on family law in recent years, her experience has included simple divorces and multimillion-dollar cases involving real estate and other assets. Not only does Ms. Brown provide clients with expert legal counsel, but also with the care and attention required in highly sensitive and often stressful litigations. She has utilized her diverse experience by providing advice and counsel to clients through innovative solutions that have saved them thousands of dollars in legal expenses and years of protracted litigation. *Certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization FAMILY LAW OFFICE OF KAREN S. BROWN 11845 WEST OLYMPIC BLVD., SUITE 900 LOS ANGELES, CA 90064 PH: 323.274.2697 FAX: 888.433.3968 KAREN@KSBFAMLAW.COM WWW.KSBFAMLAW.COM SUSAN E. FIELDS WOrkerS COMPenSATIOn LAW Susan Eliasoff Fields is Managing Partner of Koszdin, Fields, Sherry & Katz, and focuses her practice on all aspects of Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability Claims. Susan is AV Preeminent rated with 33 years experience in handling Workers Compensation cases. She holds a Certificate of Specialization in Workers Compensation law. She has acted as a Judge pro tem at the Workers Compensation Appeals Board. Certified Specialist, Workers Compensation The State Bar Of California Board of Legal Specialization LAW OFFICES KOSZKIN, FIELDS, SHERRY & KATZ 6151 VAN NUYS BOULEVARD, VAN NUYS, CA 91401 PH: 818.781.1503 800.870.5297 FAX: 818.989.5288 SUSAN@KOSZDIN.COM 6 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM
JAMRA & JAMRA, LLP family LAW After working exclusively in the area of family law for approximately 20 years, Grace Jamra decided to open her own firm in early 2011, establishing an innovative family law practice designed to costeffectively address the specific needs of each client. On starting her own firm, Ms. Jamra stated, I wanted to be more available to a wider array of clients and provide excellent legal services in a cost-effective fashion. With her background in economics and finance and her expertise in child custody matters and her reputation as a tenacious litigator, Ms. Jamra handles all aspects of family law matters, including complex dissolution proceedings involving custody, support, division of assets, including business valuations and post-judgment matters. In every case, Ms. Jamra always seeks an amicable resolution before resorting to litigation. I try to convince my client and the other side to do what is necessary to exchange information voluntarily, avoid court intervention, if at all possible, and try to resolve matters amicably. If not, then court intervention is always an option. Jamra is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale- Hubbell and has been named by her peers in Southern California Super Lawyers since 2003. She has also been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Southern California by Super Lawyers since 2011. In 2008, her alma mater Whittier Law School awarded her its Attorney of the Year Alumni Award. Ms. Jamra regularly speaks and writes on legal strategies and family law, and is the former Chair for the Family Law Executive Committee of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, 2012-2013. She also serves on a number of charities, including organizations that strive to protect children s rights. Clients involved in family law disputes are facing a loss of time with their children, a loss of certain Grace Jamra assets and in some circumstances a reduction in income. Sometimes they are facing problems with the taxing authorities, or in more serious cases, problems with domestic violence, addiction, special needs children and other such challenges. To navigate themselves through a divorce, clients need the guidance and experience of an attorney that is sympathetic and passionate about the case. But equally important, clients deserve to be education about the process so that they can make the decisions that ultimately best suit them and their family. It s important the balance a client s needs and priorities with the cost of litigation or settlement when representing someone going through a family law proceeding. In the end, it s critical to educate the client about the process they are about to go through. It is equally important to give the clients the options on how to best be heard and understood regarding the issues that are important and paramount to them. With all the challenges that face a client going through unchartered territory, our goal is to educate and customize a cost-effective and solution-focused strategy for each client that revolves around the client s individual needs and priorities as well as their budget. 9465 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 460, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212 PH: 310.278.9001 FAX: 310.278.9002 JAMRALAW.COM GRACE@JAMRALAW.COM LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 7
PROOF - FOR APPROVAL ONLY ALM LEGAL GROUP Account Executives Andrew Chernela Pamela jeffers Ulei Kou marcy palacios Jason romano Graphic Designer Ashley McKevitt Content Manager Justin Smulison Profiles Writer Sean Stonefield cover photo amy cantrell business manager colleen hanson to order reprints of LOS ANGELES WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW 2014, PleAse ContACt 877.257.3382 or REPRINTS@ALM.COM Senior Vice President Kevin Vermeulen CYNTHIA E. FRUCHTMAN LABOr & employment Cynthia E. Fruchtman helps employers succeed in their labor & employment, business and civil litigation matters. With almost 30 years of experience, she provides businesses and individuals with tough and articulate advocacy, insightful legal advice and custom-tailored legal solutions in every type of industry. Her comprehensive services address present problems and prevent future issues from arising. She assists business owners with issues related to regulatory compliance, various employment law issues and other general civil matters. She crafts innovative solutions to meet her clients goals and resolve matters efficiently, expeditiously and sensibly with sensitivity to cost, time and resource management, and overall business goals. As a seasoned litigator, skilled and effective arbitrator and mediator, author of numerous employment law treatises and articles, and presenter at local and national legal conferences and training seminars, she is recognized as a leader in the fields of labor & employment, business law. Her practice also includes Assisted Reproduction Technology Law. She represents donors, recipients, surrogates, clinics and agencies. She has worked with the California legislature regarding regulation in this area and has written and spoken extensively at legal and medical conferences on ART-related issues. LAW OFFICES OF CYNTHIA E. FRUCHTMAN 2530 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 310 SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 PH: 310.829.0678 FAX: 310.829.5923 WWW.FRUCHTMANLAW.COM DENISE M. GUZMAN BuSIneSS, TruSTS & estates Denise M. Guzman is a noted business and estate planning attorney who has served the Los Angeles community for over 30 years. Ms. Guzman is the founding partner of Guzman Law Group, P.C., a firm which represents owners of closely-held businesses as well as clients in entertainment, estate planning and trust administration. Ms. Guzman, who earned her bachelors degree from USC and a law degree from UCLA, has always been an advocate for women in business. In 1993, Ms. Guzman founded the South Bay Chapter of the American Business Women s Association, a national organization dedicated to fostering professional and personal growth for businesswomen. In 2003, Ms. Guzman received the Woman of the Year award from The Switzer Center for her service to the community. In 2010, Comerica Bank, in partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers, named Ms. Guzman as their Woman of Entrepreneurship honoree in the Best of L.A. Women s Business Awards. Ms. Guzman currently serves as a board member to the P.S. I Love You Foundation and Joy2Learn Foundation. GUZMAN LAW GROUP, P.C. 1230 ROSECRANS AVENUE, SUITE 650 MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266 PH: 310.321.6640 FAX: 310.321.6641 DGUZMAN@GUZMANLG.COM WWW.GUZMANLG.COM TONI JARAMILLA employment LAW Jaramilla has been practicing employment law since 1994. She is recognized as a fierce and compassionate lawyer, successfully representing workers in hundreds of cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and unpaid wages. She is Past Chair of the California Employment Lawyers Association (2011-2013), and the 2010 recipient of CELA s Joe Posner Award, a distinguished recognition given to a lawyer who exemplifies tireless commitment to the plight of workers. She is consistently voted a Super Lawyer since 2005 and voted yearly among The Best Lawyers in America featured in the LA Times. Early in her career, she was profiled on the front page of the LA Daily Journal, Bar President is Feisty Advocate (Oct. 6, 1998). In 2004, she was voted a Southern California Rising Star given to top attorneys under the age of 40. She was Chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California State Bar (2004-2005), and is a frequent speaker for organizations and radio talk shows on the topics of employment law, diversity, litigation, and trials. She is passionate about diversity issues and mentors many students and new lawyers on creating positive social change through employment law. TONI JARAMILLA, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION 10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 300 LOS ANGELES, CA 90067 PH: 310.551.3020 FAX: 310.551.3019 TONI@TJJLAW.COM WWW.JARAMILLA.COM 8 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM
KL KIESEL LAW LLP Picture by Nathanson s Photography partner, helen Zukin, has devoted her career to representing victims of catastrophic injuries, toxic exposures and defective pharmaceutical and medical device products. Ms. Zukin says, Women are disproportionately the victims of defective drugs and medical devices. female clients often are most comfortable knowing that their team of attorneys include experienced female lawyers who understand their concerns. Ms. Zukin has been in the leadership of national and state coordinated proceedings including cases involving Yaz, lipitor and metal-onmetal hip implants. she has served as president of the los Angeles city Ethics commission, chaired the commission on Judicial nominees Evaluation that investigates and evaluates judicial candidates, is an officer of the Executive committee of lacba s litigation section and serves as vice chair of lacba s Judicial Evaluation committee and the central District s u.s. Magistrate Judge Merit selection panel. TIFFANY HOWARD, HELEN ZUKIN, MELANIE MENESES, MARIANA ARODITIS Kiesel law is nationally recognized for its legal expertise, strong commitment and exceptional results in the representation of its clients. for decades, the lawyers at Kiesel law have represented plaintiffs in cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, class action, pharmaceutical and medical device injury, unfair business practices, consumer fraud, construction defect, truck accidents, environmental litigation and abuse cases. its partners have been in the leadership of numerous complex and class action national litigation. Kiesel law is dedicated to its clients, the legal community and the continued justice administered by the courts. Kiesel law works to improve access to the courts and to ensure its clients obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve. 8648 WilshirE boulevard, beverly hills, ca 90211-2910 t: 310.854.4444 f: 310.854.0812 WWW.KiEsEl-lAW.coM LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 9
As you plan for the remainder of the year, we want to make you aware of some upcoming ALM projects. Our national publications are an excellent opportunity to showcase your esteemed and talented attorneys. 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 Southern California Top Rated Lawyers (LOS ANGELES TIMES) Top Rated Lawyers In Labor & Employment (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 855.808.4520 OR LEGALLEADERS@ALM.COM 10 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM
LAW OFFICES OF HINDEN & BRESLAVSKY WOrkerS COMPenSATIOn Amy Cantrell Helping to Protect the Rights and Dignity of Injured Workers and Their Families for 40 Years As one of the largest plaintiffs workers compensation firms in the region, Hinden & Breslavsky serves as a powerful ally for injured and disabled workers throughout California. Over its four-decade history, the firm has learned which strategies are the most effective for maximizing compensation; and, as a result, it has effectively advocated for thousands of injured clients. At court, judges and opposing counsel know they re going to be dealing with lawyers who have a deep understanding of this field, notes partner Diana Marsteiner, a past president of the Southern California Chapter of the California Applicants Attorneys Association. We know the laws inside and out, and we approach everything we do in a very learned, determined manner. Indeed, Hinden & Breslavsky has a long history of providing education in the area of workers compensation. Beyond teaching its own attorneys about developments in the law, the firm has conducted more than 100 seminars and authored more than 80 books or publications on the subject. The firm also offers educational scholarships to its staff members and their families and encourages participation in continuing education. The more we educate people about issues in this field, the easier it becomes to change laws and, ultimately, change lives, Marsteiner explains. Marsteiner is joined at the firm by six other female attorneys, as well as a diverse staff of 90 members that is fluent in seven languages and represents cultures from 14 different countries. In addition to being recognized as Women Leaders in the Law, attorneys at the firm have been honored by Super Lawyers, Top Attorneys and the City of Los Angeles for their service to the community. 4661 W. PICO BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90019 PH: 323.954.1800 WWW.HINDEN.NET PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY MATTERS. Phillips Lerner is a Los Angeles-based family law firm. While proud of its history of achieving notable results for its clients, PL is also committed to encouraging women in family law and in the legal and business professions generally. Founding principal, Stacy D. Phillips, serves as a mentor and advocate for women (and men) in their varied professional endeavors. Phillips speaks on issues related to women, has made a special effort to include outstanding women in her firm, and fosters business development opportunities by hosting a holiday networking dinner each year, attended by over 200 women leaders. ROBYN SANTUCCI STACY PHILLIPS AZITA AVEDISSIAN Over half of PL s attorneys are outstanding women lawyers who also give back to the community. Azita Avedissian serves on the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association and also sits on the Board of Regents of the Armenian Prelacy Schools. Robyn Santucci is the current Board Chair for the Associate Board of Our House Grief Support Center which honored her with the Spirit Award for her outstanding philanthropic work. Robyn also volunteers for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law helping low income litigants. A former partner at a national law firm, Pauline Martin refocused her practice area when she joined PL after being impressed by how the firm handled a case for a family member. In addition to embarking on this new adventure, Pauline was the Chair of the Board of Step Up On Second, LLP the largest non-profit mental health organization in Santa Monica. In addition to practicing law and being involved in the community, everyone at PL participates in the firm s annual Adopt-A-Center program. Since 1999, the firm has aided local non-profits servicing families and children. Each year, the firm organizes an activity for the families and firm members to which friends and supporters are invited and maintains its involvement with the organizations throughout the year. PAULINE MARTIN 2029 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 1200, LOS ANGELES, CA 90067 PH: 310.277.7117 WWW.PHILLIPSLERNER.COM LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM 11
12 LOS ANGELES Women Leaders in the Law 2014 ALM