Portola Lawyers

As a former Deputy District Attorney and Deputy Public Defender who has litigated thousands of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, I know how to fight for you. My background includes adult and juvenile cases, as well as serious and violent felonies and three-strikes cases.

I am also an experienced civil litigator with a corporate and white-collar litigation background at a prestigious "big law" firm who switched sides to sue corporations and other entities (including insurance companies, police departments, governments, and others) on behalf of individuals to obtain justice for my clients.

As a result, I have seen firsthand how corporations and...

Based in Marin County, CA, Peter Chambers proudly defends his clients against their government. Mr. Chambers is at the vanguard of criminal defense law, regularly leveraging the latest legal and technological tools to improve his clients' situation. Never afraid of taking a case to trial, Mr. Chambers takes greater pride in the number of cases dismissed before ever reaching the jury.

Before swapping coasts and counsel tables, Mr. Chambers served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, NY, prosecuting cases from attempted murder to petty theft. He is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School,...

Diana is a recognized expert in employment and privacy law, as well as a trained workplace investigator, executive coach, and mediator. Diana is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals in both European Union and U.S. Data Privacy. Diana has received mediation training from The Center for Understanding In Conflict, and was also trained by, and serves as an empaneled mediator for, The Northern District Court of California. In addition she mediates privately and as a member of the Contra Costa County Superior Court and the San Mateo County Bar Association. Diana completed over 100 hours of...

Chapman Law Group, A.P.C. handles personal injury law, real estate and business counseling, and general litigation and appeals in state and federal courts. Attorney David Chapman is a Certified Mediator. The firm serves clients throughout Marin County, the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and Northern California. Mr. Chapman represents seriously injured victims in cases involving auto accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injury – including brain and spine injuries - dog bites, slip & fall, medical malpractice, and elder abuse. Mr. Chapman’s real estate practice handles cases involving nondisclosure, fraud, easement and boundary issues, HOA & landlord /...

Cate Eranthe is a California-licensed attorney admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District with over 20 years of complex discovery and litigation experience. Ms. Eranthe has handled chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies from initial filing through discharge. A San Francisco native she provides practical strategies and advises on different approaches to achieve your best outcomes.

We counsel and represent consumer debtors and small businesses in bankruptcy. Our goal is to assist our clients in moving from financial overwhelm to financial empowerment.

We also counsel ways to manage student loans and resolve...

California Civil Appeals, State & Federal

Myron Moskovitz served as law clerk to Justice Raymond E. Peters of the California Supreme Court. He is the author of Winning An Appeal (Carolina Academic Press, 4th ed.) and Moskovitz On Appeal (LexisNexis, 2015). He has handled and consulted on many appeals, both in state and federal courts. Although appellate courts reverse in civil cases only about 20% of the time, he has won reversals in more than 70% of his civil cases in which he represented appellants.

He is Professor of Law Emeritus...

Colby Dean LaVelle II proudly manages LaVelle Law Offices with the personal attention of a boutique law firm but with the resources of larger law firms. An honored graduate of Santa Clara University of Law, Mr. LaVelle has dedicated his career to the pursuit of justice. He began his legal career working for the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Following his success litigating criminal matters, Mr. LaVelle started the LaVelle Law Offices. Now with eight locations across California, The LaVelle Law Offices is an incarnation of Mr. LaVelle's desire to serve the public, as he...

James H. (Jim) Gulseth was born and attended high school in Devils Lake, North Dakota and graduated with an A.B. degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Jim earned his JD degree at the University of California Hastings School of Law in San Francisco and is admitted to practice in the State of California and before the Federal District Court, Northern District of California, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. He is a member of the Corporations, Business Transactions, Securities and Tax and Intellectual Property Sections of the State Bar of California. Jim’s reported cases include...

The Applegate Law Office focuses on efficient, effective representation. I provide my clients with exactly the help that they need. I founded the Applegate Law Office in June 2009. I have been practicing law in California since 2003, and I have spent most of those years practicing law in the North Bay. As an attorney for years in Santa Rosa and a former prosecutor in Ukiah and Willits, I am familiar with Sonoma and Mendocino County courts. My office, centrally located in Santa Rosa, serves all of the North Bay – Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, and Marin counties.

A personal injury...

J.R. Richards' practice focuses on developing long term client relationships representing their interests in both transactional matters and in civil litigation. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants primarily in real estate and business disputes and has successfully litigated cases through dispositive motion, trial and settlement in state and federal courts. J.R. prepares each case to achieve a favorable judgment by trial or before trial, and when in the best interest of the client leverages a favorable settlement. Community Involvement: * Coach/Manager for Pre-K/K softball team the Purple Puppies 2016. * Coach/Manager for the Danville...

Boris has devoted himself to a career in criminal defense and fighting for the rights of the accused—a passion that grew from his experience being erroneously arrested at age thirteen due to a misidentification. This experience left him intimately aware of the kind of anxiety and fear a criminal accusation causes in one's life. Bringing this memory to the courtroom and negotiating table alike, Boris quickly gained a reputation as a fearless and zealous advocate for his clients who fights with integrity and compassion every step of the way.

Smart & Aggressive Criminal Defense. Experienced in representing individuals accused of crimes...

Michael Hassen's litigation practice spans over 30 years and emphasizes general business and commercial litigation, including class action defense and matters involving intellectual property and unfair competition.

Ms. Jaffee’s main area of practice is civil litigation. She represents clients in a wide range of matters, including personal injury, medical and dental malpractice, real estate, premises liability, employment and general business litigation.

She joined Perry, Johnson, Anderson, Miller & Moskowitz in September 2016. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a civil litigation attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area, including as a litigation associate in the San Francisco office of a multi-national law firm.

During law school, Ms. Jaffee interned with the State Bar of California and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ms. Jaffee obtained her...

Chad practices Business Law and Estate Planning. In his business practice, he represents sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs and corporations (for-profit and nonprofit) across a broad spectrum of industries. He takes particular pride in assisting families with their estate planning needs to execute their wishes for the next generation.

Prior to joining the Perry, Johnson, anderson, Miller & Moskowitz LLP, Chad was an associate in the Washington, D.C., office of Jones Day, where he was a part of the firm's international trade and national security practice. In that role, he advised U.S. and foreign corporations on a...

Ryan Hafey is a dedicated attorney whose career reflects a strong foundation in both academic achievement and practical legal experience, guided by a deep commitment to social justice. He began his legal career at The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where he supported the Department of Airports’ legal team. Ryan later turned his attention to immigration law, working on complex asylum and deportation matters at a large firm in downtown San Francisco. He served clients from India, Nepal, and Central America, developing a reputation for skillful advocacy. In 2021, Ryan joined a San Leandro law firm where he continued his work on...

Devina Douglas has worked hard to build a reputation within the northern Bay Area as an attorney who is as easy to work with as she is knowledgeable. She has experience in all facets of criminal practice from pre-filing investigations through jury trial, including investigation, arraignments, motions, discovery, pre-trial negotiations and plea bargaining, probation violations, and post-conviction remedies. She handles various felony and misdemeanor cases involving DUI, homicides, marijuana crimes, fish and game violations, drug offenses, sex crimes, and domestic violence.

Devina attended the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), where she earned a...

Laura received her undergraduate degree in 2003 from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, graduating Summa Cum Laude and with distinction in her major (English). After graduation, Laura went on to work as a paralegal at Latham & Watkins, LLP, in their Silicon Valley offices and later attended U.C. Hastings College of the Law, graduating with her J.D. in 2008. While at Hastings, Laura was the Executive Articles Editor of the Hastings Women's Law Journal and recipient of the Roger J. Traynor Student Writing Competition Award for her Note "On the Steps of the Mosque: the Legal Rights of Non-Marital Children...

Bryan Schwartz is an Oakland, California-based attorney dedicated to helping employees protect their rights in the workplace. He has fought prohibited discrimination, retaliation, and harassment, obtained reasonable accommodations for disabled employees, vindicated whistleblowers' rights, and ensured that corporations pay workers all wages they are owed. He has successfully litigated individual and class action complaints nationwide, helping to recover millions of dollars for thousands of employees, forcing corporations and Government agencies to change their practices and punish wrongdoers. Bryan Schwartz is also one of the few Bay Area-based attorneys with extensive experience representing Federal employees in their unique Merit Systems...

I have served in the State of California since 1988, handling Social Security Disability, Workers’ Compensation Law, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury matters. At the Law Offices of Norman J. Homen, our goal is to provide injured clients with the best results in a timely and cost-effective manner. For over 30 years, our outstanding litigation team has remained dedicated to the rights and welfare of the injured and disabled throughout Southern California. The cornerstone of my success is the quality of relationships that I maintain with clients. Clients are treated with integrity and respect for their needs, goals, and objectives. We...

The principal of Steinberg Law has twice presented cases to the United States Supreme Court! According to Reuters, Keven Steinberg can be considered an “Elite of the Elite” merely because of this great accomplishment. Lawyers dream of presenting cases to the United States Supreme Court. For over 200 years, only a small handful of lawyers have made it that far. There are even fewer clients who can say their own lawyer is an attorney who has been before the United States Supreme Court. Indeed Mr. Steinberg’s cases which have been presented to the United States Supreme Court now appear in law...

Setyan Law, APC is a trusted law firm in Los Angeles, specializing in employment law, workers' compensation, and personal injury cases. With a commitment to providing strong legal representation, Setyan Law helps clients navigate complex legal issues, particularly those wronged by their employers or injured due to the negligence of others. Employment Law Setyan Law is dedicated to protecting employees' rights in a wide range of employment law matters. Whether you are facing wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, or retaliation, our team is ready to fight for your justice. We understand how employers can take advantage of their workers, and we...

Simon Stepanyan is the founder of Stepanyan Law Firm. Growing up in a family of attorneys, it was only a matter of time before Simon would become one himself. He is a graduate of law schools in the United States, France, and Armenia. Simon’s legal education is complemented by his work experience at law firms in all three countries. Immediately prior to founding Stepanyan Law Firm, Simon worked at a Los Angeles law firm, where his practice was focused on multi-million dollar complex state and federal cases, consumer class actions, business law, and immigration law. Having a unique background and international legal...

The Law Office of Nabil E. Chelico is committed to providing professional and aggressive representation to clients while adhering to strict ethical standards. I have successfully represented clients before USCIS, the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals; the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. I represent clients in family-based petitions; fiance/fiancee petitions; employment-based petitions; complicated naturalization applications; removal proceedings; appeals; petitions for review, and writs of mandamus. Each case will be given the appropriate attention it needs and no client will be left...

Gerard V. Kassabian JD, LL.M, is a California licensed attorney with diverse experience in transaction and litigation matters representing high net-worth families with respect to their trusts and estates, family law, real estate and business law matters. Mr. Kassabian is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and the United States District Court of California, Central District. After graduating from the University of Southern California with dual-degrees in Business Finance with emphasis in Real Estate and Political Science, he attended Southwestern Law School where he was an associate editor of the Southwestern Law Review honors program followed by a...

I am a shareholder at Grant Shenon. My practice primarily revolves around complex business and real estate transactions and disputes. I am known for my adept negotiation skills, which I use to strategically position my clients for success. Additionally, I often serve as outside general counsel, providing guidance on strategic business decisions, risk management, and general corporate compliance issues. I have been practicing law for over 14 years. My educational background includes a Juris Doctor Degree and a Masters Degree in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law. I also hold a Certificate of Entrepreneurship and the Law, and a...

Suzanne Natbony is a third generation lawyer, with a focus on business transactional and regulatory/compliance law, and dispute resolution. She is licensed to practice in California, with her own law practice, Solve & Win, in West Los Angeles, in addition to being a Partner at the international law firm, Aliant LLP (AliantLaw.com) and Of Counsel to Merino Yebri LLP (MYlawLLP.com) in Century City. Ms. Natbony also serves as outside General Counsel to Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, a multi-state medical spa franchise (BHRCenter.com), Rejuva Medical Aesthetics, a westside medical spa, For Us By Us Network, a streaming video platform, and...

Mr. Clark has been recognized as a tenacious litigator. Acquiring his experience by fighting against hundreds of the largest corporations in the state, Mr. Clark has successfully litigated all types of employment cases from beginning to end. He has an extensive record of success for his clients and enjoys making sure the rights of employees are vindicated. Prior to passing the California bar, Mr. Clark served in the U.S. Army National Guard as an Avionics Mechanic working on Blackhawk helicopters for the 126th Medical Company (Air Ambulance). He received an Honorable Discharge in 2007 after eight years of service. Thereafter,...

Shadi is a dedicated attorney with a passion for assisting clients. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, she has built a strong reputation as a reliable professional. Her comprehensive knowledge and experience enable her to handle virtually all tax-related issues, including tax resolution, penalty abatement, audits, and audit reconsiderations. She takes great pride in being a true advocate for the taxpayers she represents, striving to protect their rights and provide them with the best possible outcomes.

Mr. Reyes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the University of California Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and obtained his law degree from the UCLA School of Law. Mr. Reyes specializes in employment law, wage and hour matters, personal injury law, real estate litigation, business litigation, and landlord/tenant matters. He is a member of the California State Bar and Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mr. Reyes has been a licensed Real Estate Broker in the state of California since December of 2008. He is admitted to practice law in...

Over 20 years experience with consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, lien avoidance and income tax discharge.

Prior to graduating from law school in our Nation's Capital, Daniel R. Perlman worked as a Prosecutor for the Maryland State's Attorney's Office in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he became aware of many of the stumbling blocks that exist between prosecutors and defense attorneys from the government side. Daniel R. Perlman used this opportunity to learn how best to approach prosecutors and how to creatively resolve differences to the satisfaction of both sides.

Eliot Houman is a co-founding partner of The Accident Guys. Mr. Houman has handled numerous complex lawsuits from their inception through trial and appeals, and has helped his clients obtain millions of dollars in judgments and settlements.

Mr. Houman graduated towards the top of his class from the prestigious Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.

Prior to founding The Accident Guys, Mr. Houman worked at some of our nation’s most well-respected law firms, including a national firm voted one of America’s “Most Feared Plaintiffs Firms of 2014.” Having honed his legal skills working alongside many of our country’s best and...

Attorney Stoker is the principal attorney of Stoker Law Firm. He is the second youngest out of five children with three brothers and a sister which led him to thrive on competition. His mother often reminds him of when he was in elementary school telling her he wanted to be a lawyer.

While attending Suffolk, Attorney Stoker served as a fellow in the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, studied international law at Lund University in Sweden, and earned a concentration in Business Law and Financial Services.

Attorney Stoker's legal career began with an internship his senior year at Merrimack with Gomez & Palumbo,...

Robert has been helping injury victims and the families of wrongful death victims since graduating from Pepperdine Law School and becoming an attorney in 2006. Robert has obtained millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients every year and especially gets great satisfaction out of successfully resolving difficult cases. Robert has obtained many fantastic results for clients when police reports have blamed his client for the accident or prior attorneys have dropped the case. Robert is an animal lover, member of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and other animal welfare organizations and is always available for a...

Shannon H.P. Ward is a Partner and Trial Lawyer at The Aarons Law Firm located in Encino, California, where she specializes in sexual harassment and assault cases, as well as handling the firm’s wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation cases.

Shannon has been asked to participate as a speaker and moderator for several professional legal seminars in Los Angeles, and actively participates in planning educational events for other attorneys through the Consumer Attorneys’ Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), where she is a member of the Education Committee and the Vice Chair of the Law Student Outreach Committee. Shannon has been named as...

The areas of focus are Personal Injury, Contracts, Business Management, Business Formation (Corporation and LLC), Real Estate, Bankruptcy, Debt Settlement, Estate Planning and Banking. In addition to practicing law, the second part of the firm concentrates on Business Management section in which focus is on accounts payable, accounts receivable, paying bills, doing all tax work and anything else the client is interested in. Lastly, the firm concentrates on business consulting for anyone who currently has a business or plan to start a business.

Edgar Manukyan established the Manukyan Law Firm with the primary objective of empowering employees in their pursuit of justice against employers who have treated them unfairly. Edgar's passion for employment law stems from the opportunity it provides to represent individuals who often lack a voice in such situations. While victims in personal injury cases are usually aware of their mistreatment and seek accountability, employees may not always recognize that they have been exploited over an extended period. Edgar is a fervent advocate for employee rights, and he founded his firm to dedicate his time and effort to championing their cause. Navigating...

BIG FIRM EXPERIENCE…SMALL FIRM SERVICE® Melvin N.A. Avanzado is the principal of The Avanzado Law Firm, APLC. Mel is a trial lawyer and outside general counsel, representing clients in complex matters in entertainment, media, intellectual property, sports and employment. Mel has extensive experience practicing with big law firms but now practices in his own small firm so he has the ability to provide personalized service to his clients. Mel is extensively involved in his community. Mel is active with numerous non-profit organizations, serving as general counsel to the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles and the UCLA Alumni Association...

Jonathan Roven is a dedicated plaintiff-side employment and personal injury attorney who founded Jonny Law with a mission to fight for workers and injury victims against powerful employers and insurance companies. Based in California and Nevada, Jonathan represents clients in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and catastrophic injury cases. With a strong focus on employment law, Jonathan has successfully represented employees at all stages of litigation—from pre-litigation negotiation through trial and arbitration. He is known for aggressively pursuing justice for clients who’ve been wronged at work, including those targeted for whistleblowing, standing up to unlawful treatment, or...

I completed my law degree at the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, where I served as a Senior Editor for the Southern California Law Review. I graduated with Dean's Honors, and was one of the four students whose Law Review Article was selected for Publication in the Journal. EDUCATION: USC Good School of Law, Dean's Honors UC Santa Barbara, Summa Cum Laude In my professional journey, I have had the privilege of working for 7 years between the global law firms of DLA Piper (US) LLC, which ranks third overall in the AMLAW listings, and K&L Gates LLP, which holds...