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Best Lawyers Near You in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
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Helen Cayton received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (summa cum laude), and her Juris Doctor from Chapman University, Fowler School of Law. While at Chapman, Helen was on the executive board of the Federalist Society, on the Nexus Law Journal, and was a staff writer for the campus newspaper, The Courier. Helen is currently on the Chapman Law Alumni Advisory Board. Before joining Minyard Morris, Helen practiced civil litigation primarily in the mortgage...
Vanessa Legbandt is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Economic Development Law. Vanessa practices law in Newport Beach, California Best Lawyers has recognized Vanessa Legbandt since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Vanessa Legbandt is held by other lawyers.
Alexis P. Federico is a civil litigator at Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP representing businesses, insurers, and individuals in complex disputes throughout California, including San Clemente and the surrounding communities. Her practice includes Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar , Insurance Law, and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs. Alexis handles a broad range of litigation matters involving contract and licensing disputes, business tort claims, co...
Education: University of Michigan B.A. with Distinction and Highest Honors in Political Science University of Michigan Law School J.D. Cum Laude; Note Editor, University of Michigan Law Review; Author of the "Haitian Vacation", Volume 77 - Michigan Law Review, Recipient of Howard Coblentz Award for Performance on the Law Review Past Employment: 1987-1994: Layman, Jones & Dye, Irvine, Ca. Litigation Partner from 1/88 -1/94 1983-1987: Assistant United States Attorney Central District of Cal...
PRACTICE AREAS Trials Commercial Litigation Intellectual Property Securities Insurance Recovery/Bad Faith White Collar Criminal Defense Legal Malpractice Entertainment/Sports EXPERIENCE Jennifer Keller is one of America’s most successful trial attorneys. She represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of high-stakes commercial litigation and white collar cases. Chambers USA and Chambers Global rank her among the top commercial litigators in the nation, quoting sources who...
John Polson is a partner in the Irvine office and a member of the firm's Management Committee. He represents employers and staffing industry clients in all aspects of labor and employment law, including transactional matters, litigation, compliance advice and audits, executive and management training, and other employment related legal matters. John handles administrative and civil employment litigation matters, including arbitrations, in California and elsewhere. John has particular expertis...
Janet Dockstader is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Janet practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Janet Dockstader since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Janet Dockstader is held by other lawyers.
Garrett V. Jensen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Garrett V. practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Garrett V. Jensen since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Garrett V. Jensen is held by other lawyers.
Jim McDonald is managing partner of the Irvine office and a partner in the Los Angeles office. He is also the firm's marketing partner and chair of the firm's Development Committee. Jim tries employment cases before juries, judges and arbitrators. His practice especially focuses on executive terminations, workplace harassment and discrimination claims, the Americans with Disabilities Act, mental health issues in the workplace, and trade secrets and unfair competition matters. Jim also advises...
Mr. Gazin graduated from San Jose State University with honors in 1971, earning a BA degree in Political Science. He attended the University of Santa Clara School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1974. Mr. Gazin was admitted to the California State Bar in 1974, when he commenced his practice in Orange County. In Mr. Gazin’s early years of practice, he handled a broad spectrum of cases ranging from criminal defense, personal injury, business litigation and family law. Comme...
Joshua M. Kimura is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Joshua M. practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Joshua M. Kimura since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in w...
Gerard Mooney is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Gerard practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Gerard Mooney since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gerard Mooney is held by other lawyers.
Kathleen Carothers Paone, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been an Orange County resident since 1980. She and her husband, Tim Paone, have 3 adult children. Ms. Paone graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, (cum laude, 1977) and received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University (J.D., 1980). While in law school, she was a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society. She was admitted to the California State Bar in 1980 (and the Northern, Central and Southern Fe...
Richard K. Howell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Richard K. practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Richard K. Howell since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Richard K. Howell is held by other lawyers.
Richard S. Falcone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Richard S. practices law in Irvine, California Best Lawyers has recognized Richard S. Falcone since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Richard S. Falcone is held by other lawyers.