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Class Notes

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We love to hear from our alumni and hope you keep in touch. Use our online submission form to submit any news about professional or personal accomplishments and highlights.

Class Notes

Chris Flower
Class of 1991

The Los Angeles Business Journal selected Chris Flower as one of the 2011 Corporate Counsel Award Finalists in the Private Company award category with over $1 Billion in 2010 gross revenue. Chris is General Counsel for Belkin International. … Read More »

Robert Adams
Class of 1998

Robert Adams and his firm of Mainor Eglet won a $162.5 million dollar verdict for their plaintiffs in a 2nd Hepatitis C trial in Clark County, Nevada. Plaintiff Anne Arnold was exposed to the virus hepatitis… Read More »

Laura Callahan
Class of 2004

Laura Callahan was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in the field of family law in 2011. She also received this honor in 2010. Callahan practices with the Law Office of Elizabeth R. Ondriezek. Read More »

John Tran
Class of 2002

John Tran, managing partner at Rhema Law Group, was recognized in OC Metro Magazine’s Top Lawyers 2011 Publication. John Tran is one of the few attorneys in the nation with experience in both patent prosecution… Read More »

Rob Cohen
Class of 1995

Arent Fox LLP announced that Rob Cohen has joined the firm as senior automotive counsel. Mr. Cohen will work with the automotive practice group in the Los Angeles office of Arent Fox. His practice focuses… Read More »

Jordon Steinberg
Class of 2000

Jordon Steinberg is being honored by the American Jewish Committee on December 8, 2011 with the Learned Hand Emerging Community Leader Award. The American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award was established in memory of legendary… Read More »

Lyo Figueroa
Class of 2006

Mr. and Mrs. Garcia (not their real name) moved into a Santa Ana apartment in August 2010. The unit had many habitability problems, most notably rat infestation, mold, backed up sewage, and problems with the wiring. … Read More »

Maureen Van Stone
Class of 2005

Maryland Volunteer Legal Services Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) at Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) Attorney, Maureen van Stone, recently won a great victory for her two-year-old client, Migel Sanchez, in a Supplemental Security… Read More »

Edmund Acoba
Class of 1987

Justice Mark E. Recktenwald has appointed Edmund D. Acoba as District Court Judge in the Fifth Circuit (Kauai). Acoba fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Calvin Murashige. Acoba is currently the supervising… Read More »

Jessica Brookhart-Knost
Class of 2006

Fulwider Patton LLP is pleased to announce that Jessica L. Brookhart-Knost has rejoined the Los Angeles firm as an associate specializing in the prosecution of trademarks and copyrights, as well as the litigation of trademarks,… Read More »

Candace Cunningham
Class of 1987

Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce that Candace M. Cunningham was named as the President of CREW CT–The Real Estate Exchange for 2011. CREW CT–The Real Estate Exchange is the Connecticut Chapter… Read More »

Jill Shachter
Class of 2011

Jill Shachter, a December 2010 graduate, is not only studying for the bar but just welcomed a healthy baby boy, Rayce, on January 6, 2011. Rayce was 7lbs 14 oz & 19.5 inches. Jill is so dedicated to attending all… Read More »

Hon. James Waltz
Class of 1979

The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Southern California Chapter will honor Judge James L. Waltz as Family Law Jurists of the Year at the Black-Tie Awards Dinner Dance on Saturday, January 15, 2011, 6 PM, at Casa Del… Read More »

Arezou Bakhtjou
Class of 2007

Currently at the Fresno Public Defender’s Office, Arezou Bakhtjou has just accepted a job at the Riverside Public Defender’s Office. She will begin on January 27, 2011. Congratulations! Read More »

Blair Westlake
Class of 1979

Blair Westlake, a seasoned media and entertainment industry veteran, with more than 25 years of diverse experience was featured in the Fall 2010 issue of M/E, a publication of the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel.… Read More »

Joanna Mamey
Class of 2007

The latest edition of M/E Insights, a publication of the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel, has published Joanna Mamey’s article, “Any Given CBA: A Look at Football Player Negotiations.” Click on “Fall 2010” … Read More »

Sondra Sutherland
Class of 1996

After a grueling 7‐week jury trial and a 3‐plus year appeal, the Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, issued its Opinion on June 14, 2010, affirming a $6.6 million Judgment obtained by North County attorney Sondra Sutherland and co�… Read More »

Ryan Ellis
Class of 2010

Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC is pleased to announce that Ryan A. Ellis has joined the firm. He will practice out of the firm’s Las Vegas Office. Mr. Ellis concentrates his practice in the… Read More »

Kelly Nguyen
Class of 2009

Kelly Nguyen, Class of 2009, has just accepted an 8th Circuit Court of Appeal Clerkship with the Honorable Myron Bright. Kelly is currently completing a two year clerkship for Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in the United… Read More »

Vickie Sheridan Benson
Class of 1987

Vickie worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Daytona Beach, Florida for seven years. She has been a solo practitioner for criminal defense in Orlando, FL, for over 10 years and plans to stay there. www… Read More »

Joanna Mamey
Class of 2007

The Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel has awarded Joanna Mamey, Class of 2007, the Rising Star Award. Joanna is a Business Representative, Theatrical & Interactive Game Contracts, Screen Actors Guild. The Award Ceremony will be… Read More »

Jameika Mangum
Class of 2003

Jameika resigned from her position as McHenry County Assistance State Attorney to form Mangum Law Firm, LLC. This new law firm will be a general practice with a focus on Traffic, Family, and Criminal Law.… Read More »

Steven Chen
Class of 2007

In April 2010, Steve won the European Patent Office’s Inventor of the Year Award for his invention on powerful chipsets designed to enhance the availability, accuracy and effectiveness of GPS technology. Congratulations Steven, job well… Read More »

Patrick Foley
Class of 1995

Patrick is the new associate attorney at Steptoe & Johnson in Los Angeles. Previously Patrick was a partner at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith. He now joins Steptoe & Johnson’s environmental law and toxic… Read More »

Michael Talassazan
Class of 2007

Michael Talassazan joined Gentile & Associates in August, 2010 with concentrations in Personal Injury, Product Liability, Medical Malpractice, and Police Misconduct. Read More »

Dennis LaRochelle
Class of 1976

At its recent annual conference, members of the California statewide chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, CAL-ABOTA, installed Oxnard-based attorney Dennis LaRochelle as treasurer, making him the first attorney from Ventura County to… Read More »

Ronald Sittler
Class of 1996

Ronald K. Sittler Joins Blank Rome LLP Partner Enhances Entertainment and Media Litigation Experience of the Firm’s Los Angeles Office January 24, 2012 – Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Ronald K. Sittler has joined… Read More »

Dennis LaRochelle
Class of 1976

Dennis LaRochelle, a partner with Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel LLP (A to Z Law), has been named to the Southern California Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in Southern California… Read More »

David Berstein
Class of 1999

David Berstein has partnered with fellow WLS alum Eric Goodman (2000) in forming GOODMAN MOONEY & BERSTEIN, LLP. They’ve practiced together since 2005, but in 2011 Berstein became Goodman’s litigation partner. They practice intellectual property and… Read More »

Eric Goodman
Class of 2000

Eric Goodman, managing partner at GOODMAN MOONEY & BERSTEIN, LLP, has been named a Super Lawyer for 2012. He practices intellectual property and business law with partners David Berstein (1999) and Amanda Mooney (former WLS adjunct professor… Read More »

Peter Alvarado
Class of 1995

Peter S. Alvarado Named New FinCEN Deputy Director VIENNA, Va. – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director James H. Freis, Jr. this week named Peter S. Alvarado as FinCEN’s new Deputy Director. Alvarado comes… Read More »

Pamela Mullis
Class of 1997

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is pleased to announce that attorney Pamela R. Mullis of Columbia, South Carolina has been certified as a life member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million… Read More »

Jordon Steinberg
Class of 2000

Martindale Hubbell recently awarded Jordon Steinberg with an AV Peer rating which is the highest rating by peers and Judges for ethical and legal standards. Super Lawyers awarded Jordon with the 2012 Rising Star award in… Read More »

Justin Balser
Class of 2000

In addition to his role as office managing shareholder for Akerman Senterfitt’s Denver office, Justin was appointed office managing shareholder for the firm’s growing Los Angeles office. Akerman Senterfitt LLP is a national 500+… Read More »

William Freeman
Class of 1979

William Freeman and his wife Deborah have retired and relocated to the Altavista area of beautiful central Virginia residing near their son and grandaughter. Read More »

Lynne Boisineau
Class of 2001

Congratulations to Lynne Boisineau who earlier this year made partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Lynne is based in the Firm’s Orange County office and focuses her practice on trademark prosecution and trademark… Read More »

April Frisby
Class of 1999

April is the new Editor-in-Chief of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California. She is looking for anyone that has been practicing for over 5 years to submit articles for publication on business… Read More »

Christina Delgado
Class of 2006

In memory of Christina Delgado, Class of 2006 Whittier Law School expresses our sincerest condolences to her family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa at 11:30 am on… Read More »

Todd Lander
Class of 1994

Todd Lander has accepted a position as partner in the Los Angeles office of Freeman, Freeman & Smiley LLP. This is a return to the Freeman firm, where Todd previously spent six years. Todd’s… Read More »

Kenneth Martin
Class of 1999

Kenneth Ray Martin attended Whittier Law School in 1995/6 before transferring to Florida. He would be delighted to hear from his fellow classmates. Read More »

Jennifer Friend
Class of 1998

Jennifer, who is passionate about Project Hope Alliance (http://www.projecthopealliance.org) and the work it does to end homelessness in Orange County through education and family stability, is the Foundation’s President. The Foundation’… Read More »

Stephen Compan
Class of 1987

Stephen Compan, Class of 1987, has been serving as a Juvenile Court Hearing Master for the Eighth Judicial District Court, Nevada, Family Division for eleven years. Recently to reduce minority contact in the court he has… Read More »

Roland Perez
Class of 1999

Roland Perez is still working with his brother at Perez & Perez has moved their office from Santa Ana to Fullerton. Would love to hear from classmates (714)961-1966. Read More »