PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• American Association for Justice
  • Member (2008-2015; 2022-present)
• American Bar Association
  • Member (2008-2010; 2020 -present)
• California Lawyers Association
  • Member (2014 – present); Remote Proceedings Joint Taskforce with California Judges Association Co-Chair (2021); Strategic and Long-Range Planning Committee (2021); Awards Committee Chair (2019); Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee (SSF) Immediate Past Chair (2020, 2021), SSF Chair (2019); SSF Chair-Elect (2018); SSF Treasurer (2017); SSF Social Media Chair (2015- present); SSF Editorial Committee/Author for The Practitioner Magazine (2015-2020)
  • Project lead and author for 2020 book “Opening and Managing a Law Firm: Go Solo, Win Clients and Be Your Own Boss”
  • Creator of “Solo Life” comic featuring Latinx transgender lead character (art by Lucy Bolanos)
• California Women Lawyers
  • Member (2014- present); Immediate Past President (2018-2019); President (2017-2018); President-Elect (2016-2017); District 9 Governor (2014-2016); Treasurer (2015-2016); Awards Co-Chair (2016-2017); Legislative Committee Co-Chair (2013 – 2015); Social Media Co-Chair (2015- 2019)
  • Created National award-winning signature program “Elect to Run,” a program to educate and encourage women to run for public office.
• California Women Lawyers Foundation
  • Past President (2018-2019)
  • Scholarship Selection Chai
• Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
  • Member (2008- 2015; 2022- present); Mentor (2022); Membership Committee (2013-2014); Awards Committee (2013-2014); Awards & Installation Dinner Committee (2009); Trial Stars Dinner Committee (2008)
• Couture for a Cause
  • “Model” (2022); Planning Committee (2014)
• Federal Bar Association
  • Member (2019-present)
• Human Rights Campaign
  • Federal Club Member (2011-present), Federal Club Chair, San Diego Steering Committee (2011-2012)
• Lawyers Club of San Diego
  • Member (2011 to present); Women in ADR Steering Committee (2018-2020); Human Trafficking Task Force Co-Chair (2016-2017); Student Outreach Committee Co-Chair (2015-2016); Human Trafficking Task Force Education and Outreach Committee Co-Chair (2015-2016); Vice President of Policy & Outreach (2014-2015); Treasurer (2012-2014); Awards Committee Co-Chair (2014-2015); Annual Dinner Co-Chair (2013); Created the C. Hugh Friedman Young Lawyer Award (2013); Champagne & Chocolate Affair Co-Chair (2012)
• National Association of Women Judges
  • Amicus Judicii Member (2018-present); Co-Chair, Fairness and Access Committee (2022); Co-Chair, Friends Committee for Success Inside & Out (2022); Military & Veteran Judges Committee, Member (2022); Co-Chair and Founder, Mothers in Court Committee (2018-2021); Author for CounterBalance Magazine (2018-present)
• North County Bar Association
  • Member (2014 to present)
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association
  • Immediate Past President (2014-2015); Endorsement Chair (2014-2015); President (2013-2014); E-newsletter Editor (2014); Vice President (2012-2013); Amistad Co-Chair (2013); Secretary (2011-2012); Website designer and manager (2011-2014); Social Media Chair (2011-2014)
  • Created Zero Tolerance videos in English and Spanish with Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and San Diego Police Department
  • Received 2014 California State Bar Diversity Bar Association Award
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Scholarship Fund
  • Scholarship Selection Committee Chair (2022); Communications Officer (2017- 2019); Scholarship Selection Committee Member (2011-present); Board Member (2010-2015); Secretary (2010-2011)
• San Diego County Bar Association
  • Member (2008- present); Immediate Past President (2022); President (2021); President-Elect (2020); Vice President (2019); Leadership Outreach Committee Chair (2022); Programs, Education & Technology Chair (2019); Inaugural Technology Committee Chair (2018); Servicemembers Civil Relief Act LRIS Panel Member (2016- 2018); Bench/Bar Committee Member (2015- 2021); LRIS Taskforce (2014-2015); High School Mock Trial Coach (2013-2015); Editorial Committee/Author for San Diego Lawyer Magazine (2013- 2021); Law Student Outreach & Programming Committee Chair (2013); New Lawyer Division Civil Litigation Section Representative (2012); New Lawyer Division Board Member and Mentorship Chair (2011)
  • Meet & Confer Podcast host (2019- 2021)
  • LRIS Panelist (Personal Injury and Military Law) (2019- present)
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni Association
  • Member (2008 – present); Student/Student Orgs. Mentor (2010- Present); President-Emeritus (2013-2014); President (2012-2013); Treasurer (2011-2012); Community Outreach Chair (2011-2012); Golf Tournament Chair (2010-2011)
  • Created video “You Can Succeed” and “Why Alumni Support Thomas Jefferson” (2012)
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • Board of Trustees (2022-2025); Development Chair (2022), Admissions Task Force Chair (2022)
• Tom Homann LGBT Law Association
  • Member (2014- present)

AWARDS

• American Bar Foundation Fellow
• AVVO Rated 10.0 (Superb)
• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 2016-2023
• Best Law Firms, 2019-2023
• Best Lawyers in America 2018-2023; Personal Injury Litigation
• California Women’s Leadership Association’s Women to Watch in 2019
• Certificate of Appreciation, City of Los Angeles (2005)
• Certificate of Commendation, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Ron Roberts, 2012
• Certificate of Recognition, Office of Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr. SD Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, 2021
• Certificate of Recognition, CA Senator Brian W. Jones, 2021
• Certificate of Recognition, CA Assembly Member Col. Rocky Chavez, 2014
• Certificate of Recognition, CA Senator Marty Block 2013
• Commendation from Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton Commanding General Donovan, 2004
• Lawyers Club of San Diego, North County Community Service Award, 2019
• MOXIE Award, The Moxie Theatre, 2019
• National Conference of Bar Presidents President’s Page Award, 2022
• National Association of Women Lawyers, Outstanding Law Student Award, 2008
• Our City San Diego Justice Defender, 2017
• San Diego Attorney Journal, 2012, 2019
• San Diego Business Journal, Top 100 Leaders in Law, 2022
• San Diego Business Journal, Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence, 2022
• San Diego Business Journal, Top 50 Women of Influence in Law, 2022
• San Diego Business Journal, Women of Influence in the Law, 2021
• San Diego Business Journal, Leaders in Law, 2021
• San Diego Business Journal Next Top Business Leaders Under 40, 2018
• San Diego Business Journal, Women Who Mean Business Finalist, 2016
• San Diego Business Journal, Best of the Bar 2014-2016
• San Diego County Bar Association, Outstanding Service by a New Lawyer, 2013
• San Diego Daily Transcript Top Young Attorneys, 2010, 2012
• San Diego Daily Transcript Young Influential, 2013
• San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, President’s Award, 2015
• San Diego Law Library, Witkin Award: Excellence as Community Changemaker, 2019
• San Diego Magazine, Celebrating Women, 2021
• San Diego Magazine, Top Lawyers 2017-2022
• San Diego Magazine, Woman of the Year Finalist, 2015
• San Diego Magazine, Latinos Making a Difference 2013-2014
• San Diego Magazine, Women Who Move the City Finalist, 2013
• San Diego Metro Magazine, Top 40 Under 40, 2012
• San Diego Press Club Award, 2020
• Super Lawyers Top 25 Women | San Diego, 2022
• Super Lawyers Top 50 | San Diego, 2022
• Super Lawyers 2017-2022
• Super Lawyers Rising Star 2015-2016
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Adjunct Professor of the Year, 2015
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law, A. Thomas Golden Alumni of the Year Award, 2013

SPEAKING/TEACHING ENGAGEMENTS

• Professional Profile Make-over, Thomas Jefferson School of Law Women’s Law Association, 2022
• Professionalism and Networking, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2022
• Criminal Defense & Military Service Considerations, California Alliance of Paralegal Associations, 2022
• Trial Lawyers College: Discovering the Story, 2022
• You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup, CASD, 2022
• Using Virtual Focus Groups to Improve Your Case (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• Objecting with Confidence (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• Growing Through It: Surviving a Bar Complaint (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• Choosing to Run: The Truth About Running for Judge (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• Post Pandemic Justice, NAWJ, 2021
• Managing Motherhood and Leadership, Lawyers Club of San Diego, 2021
• Military Justice: Differences & Opportunities (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• Imposter Syndrome, LEAP, 2021
• The Business of Law, Federal Bar Association, 2021
• Trial Lawyers College: Week 3 of the Trial College (Faculty Lead), 2021
• Environmental LawyHERing: Overcoming Bias & Making Change (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• 20^th Annual Women and the Law Conference, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2021
• Advocating for Change, LiteraTV LawTech Connect, 2021
• Latinas in the Law Panel, TJSL La Raza Law Students & Women Law Students, 2021
• Women in the Law Panel, University of San Diego, 2021
• Helping Human Trafficking Survivors Through Pro Bono Legal Representation (Moderator), MSheLE, 2021
• New Year, New You: Stepping Fully into Your Power (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Executive Presence Reimagined (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the Legal Profession (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Mastering Motherhood and Money-Making (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Military Law, SDCBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service, 2020
• New Year, New Checklist: Securing Client Data and Communications (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Gratitude to Improve Well-Being (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Three Years Post #MeToo: How Things Have Changed, What We Have Learned, Where We Are Going (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Building an Inclusive Bar Association, CLA, 2020
• Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women Trial Lawyers (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Building Your Team (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• At the Crossroads: Ethics and Civility (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Trial Lawyers College: Voir Dire, 2020
• Gender in the Law and its Evolving Meaning (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women in ADR (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Fear and Resilience (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Trial Lawyers College: Summer Refresher Courses (Discovering the Story, Voir Dire, Opening, Direct, Cross, Closing), 2020
• Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women of Color in IP Law (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Judicial Applications: Elevating Your Answers (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• In Transition: Finding Success as Your Authentic Self (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Success Without Sacrifice (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Equal Pay Day: You Can’t Fix What You Can’t See (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• It’s Ok to Get Help Building a Career You Love (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Pivoting for Success (Moderator), MSheLE, 2020
• Trial Lawyers College: Opening Statement, 2020
• Elimination of Bias: Is it Possible?, California Lawyers Association, 2020
• Key Developments in Personal Injury, Continuing Education of the Bar, 2020
• UCSD Extension Sorbonne Winter Symposium, 2019
• Does Size Matter? Career Paths in Solo/Small Firms, Mid-size and Big Law Firms, California Women Lawyers Annual Conference, 2019
• CLA Annual Meeting, Far from the Shallows, 2019
• Trial Lawyers College: Week 3 of the Trial College, 2019
• Human Trafficking: Facts Matter, National Conference for Criminal Defense Investigators, 2019
• Keynote Speech: Breaking Down Barriers, Women Lawyers of Long Beach, 2019
• Attracting Clients with Social Media, SDCBA, 2019
• Steal This Idea: Reaching Our Members Where They (C)are, CLA, 2019
• Strategic Framework Facilitator, Pan Asian Attorneys of San Diego, 2019
• Trial Lawyers College: Direct Examination, 2019
• Serious Productivity Apps and Tips for the Mobile Lawyer, SDCBA Law + Tech Summit, 2019
• Authentication of Social Media Evidence, Continuing Education of the Bar, 2018
• The Effects of Criminal Convictions on Military Personnel, San Diego Law Library, 2018
• Best Practices from Experienced Leaders, San Diego County Bar Association Leadership Training, 2018
• Social Media & Ethics, Continuing Education of the Bar, 2018
• Social Media, Ethics & Authentication, Women Lawyers of San Luis Obispo, 2018
• Accommodations in Federal Court, 9^th Circuit District Bankruptcy Court Chief Judges, 2018
• Solo Small Firm Trial Skills Series: Closing Argument, Solo & Small Firm Section of CLA, 2018
• Solo Small Firm Trial Skills Series: Cross Examination, Solo & Small Firm Section of CLA, 2018
• Commencement Speaker, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2018
• Building Your Brand, CWL Annual Conference, 2018
• Moving Your Practice Forward: Communication Skills for the Modern Lawyer, CCCBA, 2018
• Strategic Framework Facilitator, Probate Attorneys of San Diego, 2018
• Trial Lawyers College: Voir Dire Regional, 2018
• Accommodations in Federal Court, 9^th Circuit District Court Chief Judges, 2018
• Social media and ethics, SDCBA Law + Tech Summit, 2018
• Commencement Speaker, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 2017
• September 3 Week Course (Week 2/Trial Skills), Trial Lawyers College, 2016
• Elect to Run (Moderator), CWL, 2016
• Advanced Trial Advocacy Course JAG Corps, USAF, 2016
• How to Hang Your Shingle: Choosing Your Practice Area, CEB, 2016
• Human Trafficking Task Force Community Education Presentation, Lawyers Club, 2016
• Increase Your “Like”-ability, SDCBA, 2016
• Trial Lawyers College: Cross-Examination, 2016
• Paths to Success, Color of Justice/MentorJet, 2016
• Trial Lawyers Workshop: Using the TLC Method in Every Case, CASD, 2015
• San Diego High School Mock Trial Program Panel, SDCBA, 2015
• #SDLaw: What You Need to Know About Social Media Today, SDCBA, 2015
• Know Your Rights, King-Chavez Women Studies Class, 2015
• Minority Women in the Legal Field: Advantage or Double-Edged Sword, TJSL, 2015
• Ins and Outs of Solo Practice, UCLA, 2015
• Success as a Woman and Minority, King-Chavez Women Studies Class, 2015
• Women Lawyers Panel, TJSL, 2015
• Elect to Run (Moderator), CWL, 2014
• Networking and Making the Right Moves, Military Spouse JD Network, 2014
• Deposition Panel, TJSL, 2014
• Deposition Objections, TJSL, 2014
• Deposition Notice & Subpoenas, TJSL, 2014
• Women in the Spotlight: The Path to Achievement (Moderator), CWL, 2014
• Alumni Address, TJSL Dedication Ceremony, 2013
• President’s Address, SDLRLA Mayoral Forum, 2013
• President’s Address, SDLRLA Gala Dinner, 2013
• Legal Education and Exchange Program (LEEP) Professor, TJSL, 2013
• “You Can Succeed: Transitioning from Student to Professional” Panel, TJSL, 2012
• Animal Law Panel, TJSL, 2012
• Networking 101, TJSL, 2012
• Alumni Address, TJSL Graduation, May 2012
• Alumni Address, TJSL Graduation, December 2012
• Understanding and Attacking DUI Field Sobriety Tests, SD Law Library, 2012
• Work/Life Balance for New Lawyers, Lawyers Club, 2012
• Civil Procedure in Practice, TJSL, 2011

PODCASTS

• All About the SDCBA’s New Lawyer Division, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Catching Up with San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Revisiting Police Accountability in San Diego, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Attorneys Turned San Diego City Council Members, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Member Spotlight: Dennis Temko Develops Automated Tool Hyperlinking Legal Documents, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Recognizing the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Lessons Learned from Lawyer Parents, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Member Spotlight: Erik Weber, Autistic Attorney Paying It Forward, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Member Spotlight: Pratik Shah and Esquire Tek, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2021
• Bobbing and Weaving Thru the San Diego Court System, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• SDCBA Women Bar Presidents Past and Present, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• An Upside to the COVID Crisis- Passion Projects Be Born, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• Renee Stackhouse on Applying TLC Voir Dire Methods In and Out of the Courtroom, Trial Lawyers College Podcast, 2020
• SDCBA Members Lead the Way for Commission on Police Practices, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• An Update on the SDCBA from Our President and ED, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• A (Free) Legal Research Treasure Trove for Attorneys, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• There’s More to These Lawyers Than Meets the Eye (and Ear), “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• Launching a Solo Practice, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2020
• Women in Big Law, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2019
• Clio Cloud 2019: The Win-Win Legal Services Model, “On the Road” Podcast Host, Legal Talk Network, 2019
• CLA 2019 Annual Meeting: Solo & Small Firm Section, “On the Road” Podcast Host, Legal Talk Network, 2019
• Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association and Foundation, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, SDCBA, 2019
• It’s a Heckuva Time to Be an Immigration Attorney in Our Border City, “Meet & Confer” Podcast, 2019
• Work and Life: How Two Solo Lawyers Balance Busy Careers, Marriage, and Parenting, New Solo Podcast, 2019
• Meeting the New Executive Director, Legal Talk Network, “On the Road” Podcast Host, 2019
• SDCBA: Maximizing Technology, Legal Talk Network, “On the Road”, 2018
• SDCBA: The Technology Committee, Legal Talk Network, “On the Road”, 2018