8.15.24
We are thrilled to announce that our founding partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America© (2025 Edition) in the field of Litigation - Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, as well as Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. The recognition highlights the top 6% of private practicing attorneys in the United States, and this is the 16th consecutive year that Dick has been selected as a Best Lawyer. Congratulations, Dick!
4.1.24
We are thrilled to announce three of our partners have been selected as top outstanding lawyers in San Diego County by Super Lawyers!
- Partner Dick Semerdjian has been named a 2024 “Top 50” San Diego Attorney in Business Litigation for the fifth straight year and has been a recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2007
- Partner John Schena is named a 2024 San Diego Super Lawyer in Business Litigation for the sixth straight year
- Partner Kristen Bush is named a Super Lawyer 2024 San Diego Rising Star in Business Litigation for the third year
The San Diego Super Lawyers selection process involves a multi-phase selection process which includes nominations, independent third-party research, peer evaluations and final selection.
Congratulations, Dick, John and Kristen!
2.1.24
We are delighted to announce the elevation of John Schena and Kristen Bush to named partners, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Effective February 1, 2024, the firm proudly embraces its new identity as Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush (SSCSB). Additionally, we are pleased to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of attorney Mark Bale, who is being elevated to partner.
These advancements underscore our commitment to nurturing and promoting exceptional talent within our ranks. Managing Partner Ross Schwartz expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “John, Kristen and Mark have grown with our firm over the years and we are thrilled to see them assuming new leadership roles to help take the firm to a new generation in the San Diego community.”
John Schena is a seasoned trial attorney with an emphasis on commercial litigation, including fiduciary duty, trade secret, and employment matters. John has significant arbitration and trial experience, including first-chairing three jury trials over the last year. He is dedicated the communities in San Diego and Baja and provides expertise to local non-profits.
Kristen Bush is an accomplished business litigator, dedicated to representing individuals and businesses in a diverse spectrum of legal challenges, including contract disputes, professional liability matters, construction-related issues, and various other facets of business torts. Her expertise has garnered recognition at a national level, exemplified by her exclusive selection for the American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Leadership Academy, an honor that only 25 attorneys nationwide receive.
Mark Bale has over twenty-five years of experience litigating civil matters with an emphasis on business, commercial, real estate, construction, liability defense, and lender/creditor issues. He regularly represents clients in complex disputes in state, federal and bankruptcy courts throughout California.
Founding Partner Dick Semerdjian expressed his confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, “John, Kristen and Mark have built tremendous rapport with our clients and the San Diego community over the years, and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their new leadership roles.”
Congratulations, John, Kristen and Mark!
11.2.23
We are thrilled to have been named a top-tier law firm in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers and “Best Law Firms” rankings, the leading survey of lawyers worldwide! Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans LLP was selected as an “exceptional firm” in San Diego for two practice areas - tort as well as labor and employment litigation. This is the fourteenth consecutive year the firm has been selected for this honor. We are so proud of our whole team for this honor bestowed by our peers!
10.16.23
We are proud to announce that Daniela Lagunas has been selected among the Top 100 Leaders in Law by the San Diego Business Journal. Daniela has been practicing law since 2019, representing businesses and individuals in personal injury, employment and business litigation matters. She is an at-large director for the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association and a frequent contributor to the San Diego County Bar’s “For the Record” publication. Congrats on a well deserved honor!
8.30.23
We are proud to announce that Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America© (2024 Edition) in the field of Litigation - Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, as well as Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. The recognition highlights the top 6% of private practicing attorneys in the US, and this is the 15th year Dick has been selected as a Best Lawyer. Congratulations, Dick!
5.30.23
Congratulations to firm partner John Schena for recently completing a five-week jury trial resulting in a zero damages award! John defended clients who were accused of fraud in a real estate deal that occurred over a decade ago. The firm took on the case after almost seven years of litigation on the eve of trial and with unforgiving rulings from a prior trial between the parties that were read to the jury. The jury trial was John’s third in the last year. If you have any questions about trial practice, please feel free to reach out to Dick Semerdjian or John Schena.
3.30.23
We are proud to announce three of our attorneys have been selected as top outstanding lawyers in San Diego County by Super Lawyers!
- Partner Dick Semerdjian named a 2023 San Diego Super Lawyer in the area of Business Litigation for the sixteenth straight year.
- Partner Sarah Evans named a 2023 San Diego Super Lawyer in the area of Employment & Labor.
- Partner John Schena named a 2023 San Diego Super Lawyer in the area of Business Litigation for the fifth straight year.
The San Diego Super Lawyers selection process involves a multi-phase selection process which includes nominations, independent third-party research, peer evaluations and final selection.
Congratulations, Dick, Sarah and John!
11.3.22
We have been named a top-tier law firm in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers and “Best Law Firms” rankings, the leading survey of lawyers worldwide! Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans LLP was selected as an “exceptional firm” in San Diego for two practice areas - tort as well as labor and employment litigation. We are so proud of our whole team for this honor bestowed by our peers!
11.1.22
SSCE associate Daniela Lagunas has been appointed Director-at-Large for the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association (SDLRLA) for the 2022-2023 term. SDLRLA is a non-profit established in 1977 to support Chicano and Latino lawyers in California with a mission to advance the cause of equality, empowerment, and justice for Latino attorneys and the Latino community in San Diego County through service and advocacy. Congrats, Daniela!
10.27.22
We are proud to announce that Sarah Evans has been selected among the Top 100 Leaders in Law by the San Diego Business Journal! Sarah has been practicing law since 2000, primarily focusing on employment law. She is also a litigation attorney, defending lawsuits and claims filed by individual employees. She is also very active in the community, handling leadership and operational roles during the recent merger of two Balboa Park organizations creating Forever Balboa Park and serving as the organization's first co-chair. Congrats on a well deserved honor!
10.4.22
Congratulations to firm partner John Schena for prevailing after a five-week jury trial in Orange County Superior Court - Complex Division. The jury awarded John’s client $700,000 for breach of fiduciary duty related to usurpation of corporate opportunities. In doing so, the jury rejected the former director’s defenses including good faith, ratification, consent and his request for indemnification. This jury trial was the first in the department since COVID-19, and the firm client is extremely happy to have this victory in its column.
If you have questions regarding fiduciary matters, please contact firm partners John Schena or Dick Semerdjian.
9.22.22
John Schena recently achieved an extremely favorable confidential settlement in favor of a plaintiff alleging pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination by her former employer. The SSCE client settled for a confidential sum in the high six figures (representing nearly nine years of salary) on the eve of trial after not being offered anything during the prior two years of litigation.
John’s work over the past two years has resulted in over $6 million in awards and settlements to former employees who have been discriminated against as a result of a legally protected characteristic, blown the whistle on their employer’s illegal activity, or had their equity interest improperly revoked. If you would like to discuss employment litigation, please contact firm partners Sarah Evans or John Schena.
8.24.22
Congratulations to Dick Semerdjian on being recognized as a "Lawyer of theYear" award recipient in the 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. The recognition highlights the top 6% of private practicing attorneys in the US, and this is the 14th year Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
8.8.22
After four years of hard-fought litigation, a Schwartz Semerdjian client recently prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in the Complex Division of Orange County Superior Court. Firm partner John Schena represented a tech company CEO accused of breaching his fiduciary duties by the company's founder. Along the way, SSCE prevailed on an anti-SLAPP motion and numerous discovery motions resulting in tens of thousands of dollars of interim awards of attorneys’ fees and rarely awarded issue sanctions. John’s work ultimately led the Court to issue a ruling that there were no material factual disputes that could permit a jury to hear the allegations and dismissed our client from the case. If you would like to discuss breach of fiduciary duty matters, anti-SLAPP motions, or discovery sanctions please contact firm partners Dick Semerdjian or John Schena.
7.29.22
We are extremely proud of firm partner Kevin Cauley for being honored with the Associated Subcontractors Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award! The recognition was bestowed for Kevin’s many years of dedicated work in construction law at the ASA annual Installation & Awards Banquet, “A Night Under the Stars." Congratulations on a well deserved honor, Kevin!
6.20.22
Congratulations to partner Sarah Evans on being selected a Woman of Influence in Law Top 50 by the San Diego Business Journal! Sarah’s practices primarily employment law, defending lawsuits and claims filed by individual employees. She is also very active in the community, handling leadership and operational roles during the recent merger of two Balboa Park organizations creating Forever Balboa Park and serving as the organization's first co-chair. Kudos, Sarah, on this well-deserved honor!
4.4.22
During the American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Business Litigation Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Dick Semerdjian moderated the CLE program: Getting Down to Business! Examining Emerging Trends in Business Litigation. What is the Damage? The Evolution of Business Litigation Damages in a Post-Pandemic World. The panel discussed the evlolution of business litigation damages in a post-pandemic world.
3.31.22
We are proud to announce three of our attorneys have been selected as top outstanding lawyers in San Diego County by Super Lawyers!
- Partner Dick Semerdjian has been named a 2022 “Top 50” San Diego Attorney in Business Litigation for the third straight year and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2007.
- Partner John Schena is named a 2022 San Diego Super Lawyer in Business Litigation for the fourth straight year.
- Partner Kristen Bush is named a Super Lawyer 2022 San Diego Rising Star in Business Litigation for the second straight year.
The San Diego Super Lawyers selection process involves a multi-phase selection process which includes nominations, independent third-party research, peer evaluations and final selection.
Congratulations, Dick, John and Kristen!
3.25.22
Kristen Bush recently prevailed following a week-long bench trial involving competing breach of contract claims. Kristen successfully defended her general contractor client against claims of nonpayment by one of its subcontractors on multiple public works projects. In addition, the client was awarded damages on its breach of contract claim for having to repair faulty work.
11.29.21
We are delighted to announce the addition of Chad Thurston as an associate on the firm’s litigation team. Chad began his legal career with us as an intern prior to attending law school. He clerked for the firm through law school and was hired as an associate upon passing the bar exam in 2021.
Born and raised in San Diego, Chad received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University and his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. In his free time, he enjoys cheering on the Padres, playing softball, and playing golf. Welcome aboard, Chad!
11.17.21
Schwartz Semerdjian partners Sarah Evans and Kristen Bush wrote the employment law chapter of the American Bar Association’s “Practitioner's Guide to Class Actions," Third Edition, now available at Shop ABA (click here). Sarah and Kristen co-wrote the same chapter in the Second Edition published in 2017. If you have questions on how to navigate employment law in 2022, connect with one of our knowledgeable attorneys today.
11.4.21
Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans is honored to be named a top tier law firm in two practice areas for the 12th annual U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. Well-known for its work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, Schwartz Semerdjian was chosen as an exceptional firm in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation.
8.26.21
Congratulations to John Schena who recently prevailed at arbitration representing a corporate client that was accused of breach of contract by a Fortune 500 company. John was able to show the claimant had not established that it had performed its contractual obligations such that it could pursue damages. Additionally, John was able to prove that the liquidated damage clause in the contract was an unenforceable penalty under California law. The win is a huge victory for our client who avoided multiple years of penalties and damages that were being sought and can now return its focus on work instead of litigation.
8.19.21
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2022 Edition) in the fields of Labor & Employment and Personal Injury. This is the 13th straight year that Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
8.2.21
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Hannah Theophil as an associate on the firm's litigation team. Hannah will be representing individuals and businesses in corporate disputes, personal injury, and construction matters.
Prior to joining Schwartz Semerdjian, Hannah practiced at an insurance defense firm focusing on construction defect and personal injury matters. She attended Northeastern University School of Law in Boston where she received her Juris Doctor with a concentration in Business and Commercial Law. In her free time, Hannah loves painting, practicing yoga, and she's learning to surf. Welcome to the team, Hannah!
7.1.21
Our firm is honored to be working as outside counsel with the office of San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott. This week, Elliott along with attorneys Dick Semerdjian and John Schena, took legal action to void the city’s lease-to-own agreements for the 101 Ash Street and Civic Center Plaza buildings and recoup more than $44 million from the sellers. The lawsuit also seeks monetary and punitive damages from a local commercial real estate broker, as well as a judicial declaration that the contracts are void and the city is entitled to reimbursement of $24 million paid in rent for 101 Ash Street and $20 million paid in rent for Civic Center Plaza. Click here for City Attorney Mara Elliott's recent press release regarding this case.
6.23.21
Kristen Bush was granted summary judgment on behalf of a client-facing race discrimination and retaliation claims. Kristen submitted evidence to the court that no unlawful discrimination or retaliation occurred and prevailed without the need for a full-blown trial. Well done on a complete defense, Kristen!
6.8.21
John Schena recently prevailed at arbitration in a matter where a minority shareholder demanded millions of dollars and involuntary dissolution of a company with nearly $50 million in annual revenue. John represented the company and was able to prove the majority shareholder did not breach his fiduciary obligations, distributions of retained earnings to the shareholders were not necessary, and that the minority shareholder had unclean hands that prevented him from properly seeking relief. Thanks to John’s efforts in litigation and Ross Schwartz’s efforts in advising the company, our client is able to keep more than 40 people employed. Kudos to John and Ross!
6.1.21
Dick Semerdjian has been selected the 2021-2022 Chairman of the San Diego Sports Association. The organization is composed of San Diego’s leading sports influencers, champions and supporters who celebrate and support local athletic achievement and youth development through sports. Dick has been involved with various San Diego based sports organizations for the better of 35 years, starting back from the Greater San Diego Sports Association, the San Diego International Sports Council, the San Diego Sports Alliance and the UCSD Triton Athletic Board. The San Diego Sports Association reaches more than 75,000 people a year through awards programs and community outreach initiatives in San Diego. It also supports the Hall of Champions at Petco Park, high school, club and all professional sports in San Diego County.
5.24.21
We are proud to announce the promotion of attorney Kristen Bush to partner. As the firm’s newest partner, Kristen will continue to handle business and commercial litigation, construction litigation and employment litigation.
“Kristen is a longtime attorney with a tremendous track record of client victories, and we are thrilled to be part of this important leadership step in her career,” said SSCE Managing Partner Ross Schwartz. “Kristen’s unique background has flourished over the years and we look forward to continuing to offer her expertise to our clients.”
Kristen Bush specializes in commercial litigation representing individuals and businesses in contract disputes, professional liability, insurance coverage, construction defect, and other business torts. As an experienced litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Kristen focuses on efficient and effective resolution of legal disputes to achieve clients’ goals.
Kristen is dedicated to promoting ethics and professionalism in the field while honing her litigation and leadership skills. She was selected to join the American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Leadership Academy - an honor that only 25 attorneys nationwide receive. In 2021, she was selected as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star in Business Litigation - a peer-reviewed recognition granted to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.
Prior to joining Schwartz Semerdjian, Kristen gained experience as a Judicial Extern for a United States District Judge of the Southern District of California. During law school, Kristen was an Executive Editor of the San Diego Law Review and a Law School Councilor on the Graduate Student Council. Kristen is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law and the University of California, Merced.
Kristen and her husband enjoy taking their two young children on camping adventures and cheering on the San Diego Gulls Hockey team.
5.18.21
Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans seeks litigation associate attorney with 5-7 years of solid civil litigation experience. Exceptional academic credentials and writing skills required. Compensation commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and 401k. Please submit cover letter and resume to Administrator, info@sscelaw.com.
4.16.21
Congratulations to John Schena and Kristen Bush who recently prevailed at arbitration defending a claim brought by a business broker against a local business who refused to succumb to pressure and sell its assets at a reduced price. John and Kristen were able to prove that the brokerage firm breached its fiduciary obligations and as such no damages were awarded. Instead, the broker was ordered to pay the client's attorney's fees expended in having to defend the litigation. We are thrilled to have complete defense on the books. Well done, John and Kristen!
3.25.21
Partner Sarah Evans is chair of nonprofit Friends of Balboa Park, and has been at the helm of merger discussions with the Balboa Park Conservancy for many months. The two organizations are slated to merge effective July 1 to leverage each organization’s strengths, combine resources and expertise, as well as enhance support for Balboa Park through fundraising, advocacy, projects and programs. Sarah was quoted in today's UT discussing the topic, read more.
1.20.21
We are thrilled to count another victory for our client - an individual terminated from his position and accused of breaching his fiduciary duties and misappropriation trade secrets. SSCE maintained he was wrongfully terminated to avoid paying contractual severance, and attorneys Ross Schwartz and John Schena aggressively litigated the client's claims. They successfully transferred the action from Nevada to California and pursued novel legal theories until the matter resolved in our client's favor for more than $4.5 million in a non-confidential settlement. Congratulations to our team for another job well done advocating for a client!
1.19.21
Partner Sarah Evans will be a panelist on Strafford Webinars, "Discovery Requests in Employment Litigation" on January 21st. This CLE webinar will guide employment litigators in drafting discovery requests that are likely to survive heightened judicial scrutiny under Rule 26(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The panel will also discuss strategies for objecting to discovery requests that are overly burdensome in a specific manner and producing documents and electronically stored information (ESI) in a timely manner as required by amended Rule 34(b).
1.12.21
Attorneys Kevin Cauley and Kristen Bush are presenting the Associated Subcontractors Alliance annual legal update on January 13th. They will highlight recent cases and 2021 laws likely to impact the construction industry, new licensing requirements related to remodeling contrators and renewals, new laws related to public works projects, employer responsibilities relating to COVID-19, changes to family leave and pay data report requirements.
1.8.21
Schwartz Semerdjian Wins Defamation Ruling Favors Former City Council Members, Client Developer
In what is expected to be a landmark decision, a state appeals court agreed with a local judge who handed victories to two former city council members and a Schwartz Semerdjian developer client in their defamation cases against a former Solana Beach City Council candidate and his campaign manager.
The 4th District Court of Appeal and San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan M. Lewis each now have ruled that former Solana Beach City Council members Lesa Heebner and Mike Nichols and developer/client Joseph Balla were maliciously defamed by former Solana Beach City Council candidate Edward Siegel and his campaign manager, Brian Hall.
Hall wrote malicious emails and letters under fake names and sent them to numerous local news outlets, some of whom published the letters online and in print, and also sent them to elected officials throughout the county, public agencies and others.
"Defendant Edward Siegel was an unsuccessful candidate for the Solana Beach City Council in 2016," the Court of Appeal wrote in its January 6 ruling. "During and after the City Council campaign, Siegel's campaign manager, defendant Brian Hall, sent a letter to the editor, distributed emails to local government and media, and posted Facebook messages about City Council members Lesa Heebner and Mike Nichols, and their relationship with local developer Joseph Balla. Primarily using a fictional person he created, 'Andrew Jones,' Hall asserted or implied that Heebner and Nichols lobbied for the North County Transit District (NCTD) to select Balla for a Solana Beach train station project in exchange for Balla giving them design work on the project and directing a charitable donation to a nature conservancy they supported."
The court continued: "Hall appealed, contending the trial court erred by denying his motions...In essence, his position is that his publications were political opinions about a conflict of interest and not actionable. We disagree. Although political speech is appropriately accorded wide latitude, especially in election campaigns, calculated or reckless falsehoods can still amount to defamation even in that context. The record reflects that at the time of the publications, Hall knew or at least consciously disregarded the fact that Heebner and Nichols had no role in the NCTD selection process and the NCTD had no agreement with Balla." As the court indicated, the case stems from letters to the editor and a series of emails and social media posts that circulated publicly during and after Siegel's failed city coucil bid. The communications were drafted by Hall but published under fake names.
Partner Dick Semerdjian, attorney for Balla, said: "Judge Lewis saw those letters for what they were - blatant and malicious attempts to smear my client. Defamation cases are not easily won but in this case the evidence was overwhelming. I expect this case will be cited for years to come in courtrooms across the state in cases which involve reckless and untrue statements guised as 'polital speech' in election campaigns."
Click here to continue reading the Court of Appeal ruling.
1.4.21
We are excited to announce the newest member of our team, Kayla Kuhn. She is an associate on the firm's litigaton team, representing individuals and businesses in personal injury, employment, and business matters.
Prior to joining Schwartz Semerdjian, Kayla worked on both the plaintiff and defense side of cases. She previously praticed at a civil litigation firm where she represented businesses and individuals in a wide array of cases from premises liability to insurance bad faith.
Kayla attended the University of San Diego School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate with a concentration in Civil Litigation. Welcome, Kayla!
11.5.20
We are proud to announce that U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings have named Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans LLP a top-tier law firm in two practice areas for the 11th year in a row. As the leading survey of lawyers worldwide, the rankings honor Schwartz Semerdjian for our well-known work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, and rated Schwartz Semerdjian as an exceptional in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation. We congratulate our entire team for this well-deserved accolade!
10.2.20
Schwartz Semerdjian congratulates associate Kristen Bush on her recent appointments to several committees of the American Bar Association (ABA). Kristen will serve as the 2020-2021 Chair-Elect to the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's (TIPS) Ethics and Professionalism Standing Committee and as the TIPS Liaison to the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Kristen will also serve as the 2020-2021 Vice-Chair to the ABA TIPS Women Trial Lawyers General Committee, as well as the 2020-2021 Chair to the ABA TIPS Business Litigation General Committee. Congratulations, Kristen!
9.28.20
Schwartz Semerdjian congratulates partner Sarah Evans for being named to the San Diego Business Journal's inaugural "Women in Law." We are proud of Sarah's dedication to the legal profession and her exemplary leadership in the community at large. Congratulations, Sarah!
9.17.20
Schwartz Semerdjian associate Alison Adelman and her article, "The Civil Cure to COVID-19," are featured in the September 2020 issue of the San Diego County Bar Association's Publication for New Lawyers, For The Record. The piece highlights how COVID-19 has changed the practice of law, and left so many lawyers to shift strategies on a daily basis. It's a great piece to showcase how so many industries have been impacted. Nice job, Ali!
8.20.20
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2021 Edition) in the fields of Labor & Employment and Personal Injury. This is the 12th straight year that Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
6.24.20
Schwartz Semerdjian's own, Sarah Evans, and her article, "Finding My Voice as a Female Litigator," are featured in the May/June 2020 issue of the San Diego County Bar Association's Journal, San Diego Lawyer, highlighting Women in Law. Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your story, sharing your voice. Schwartz Semerdjian is delighted to share in the journey and successes of our female litigators.
6.1.20
We are pleased to announce the addition of Sarah Evans as a named partner of the firm and our name change to Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Evans (SSCE) effective June 1, 2020.
“The firm’s name change recognizes Sarah’s significant contributions to the firm, our clients, the legal community and community at large,” said SSCE Managing Partner Ross Schwartz. “Sarah is dynamic, engaging and approachable to all who work with her, and we are fortunate to have her in a new leadership role at the firm.”
Sarah has been practicing law in San Diego since 2000, primarily working on employment law matters. She regularly works to ensure employer compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, as well as provides insightful guidance to employers on critical issues, including preventing harassment and hostile work environment claims, wage and hourly compliance, and disciplinary actions.
Sarah is also a litigation attorney, defending lawsuits and claims filed by individual employees and defending clients in class action cases involving employment and wage issues. She is co-author of the employment law chapter in the first two and the upcoming third edition of “A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions,” published by the American Bar Association.
“Sarah is a highly regarded attorney, and we are thrilled to see her role evolve as the firm continues to grow,” said SSCE Founding Partner Dick Semerdjian. “We pride ourselves on diligence not only in law and serving our clients, but in the communities where we live and work, and no one exemplifies that more than Sarah.”
In addition to her work at the firm, Sarah has served in leadership roles in the Lawyers Club of San Diego, Border View Family YMCA, and Friends of Balboa Park, among others. She has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named California’s 40th Senate District's Woman of the Year in 2019, San Diego Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar” multiple times, San Diego Daily Transcript list of “Top Young Attorneys,” and a San Diego Metropolitan Magazine “Top 40 Under 40” honoree.
Sarah obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern California, and her Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School. She resides in Bonita, CA, with her husband and their two school age sons.
Congratulations, Sarah!
3.17.20
During the unprecedented threat brought on by the recent coronavirus pandemic, Schwartz Semerdjian stands ready to support you. We understand that the current situation will lead to unique circumstances which may lead you to need or want legal advice, and we remain available to assist.
In order to continue to provide seamless and efficient legal services and communication, we have made several accommodations to limit the impact on the firm’s clients and visitors. We are operating with a more limited in-person staff, encouraging those who can and want to telecommute to do so. Schwartz Semerdjian attorneys have secure remote access to the firm’s computer system and will continue to be available by phone and via email.
We are confident that we will all get through these times and hope that all in the extended Schwartz Semerdjian family and in the community remain healthy. Thank you for your continued trust in Schwartz Semerdjian and our ability to serve your legal needs.
2.3.20
On February 12, 2020, the Associated Subcontractors Alliance will host their Annual Legal Update and Member Showcase, an information packed review of new and noteworthy employment and labor laws and regulations that affect those in the construction industry. Schwartz Semerdjian attorneys Kevin Cauley, Kristen Bush, and Mark Bale will present on various topics, including the use of independent contractors, lactation rooms, amendments to the California Pay Act, harassment training requirements, paid family leave, and compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act. Click here for the event flyer. Registration can be completed online at the ASA website.
11.1.19
We are proud to announce that U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings have named Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot LLP a top-tier law firm in two practice areas for the 10th year in a row. As the leading survey of lawyers worldwide, the rankings honor Schwartz Semerdjian for our well-known work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, and rated Schwartz Semerdjian as an exceptional in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation. We applaud our whole team for this well-deserved accolade!
8.15.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2020 Edition) in the fields of Labor & Employment and Personal Injury. This is the 11th straight year that Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
7.10.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot has been elected Vice Chair of the South County Economic Development Council. South County EDC, the nonprofit organization responsible for economic development in South Bay, promotes education and encourages economic development in the South San Diego and Baja regions. Board members will be tasked with helping to see the successful planning, promotion and implementation of South County EDC events and initiatives, including the annual South County Economic Development Council Summit. Congratulations, John!
6.20.19
During the Utility Consumer Action Network’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot was honored as a distinguished alumni of USD School of Law and USD’s Center for Public Interest Law for both his community involvement and legal work in the public interest. Along with John, UCAN also honored USD School of Law Professor Bob Fellmeth and California State Senator Ben Hueso, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee. SSCM was the Public Interest Law Champion sponsor for the 35th annual awards event. Congratulations, John!
6.13.19
On June 20, 2019, Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans will present "Is Your Employee Handbook Ironclad?" to the Associated Subcontractors Alliance. Sarah will speak to mandatory, recommended, and optional policies to include in your handbook; common mistakes employers make in their handbooks and how to avoid them; and how to be certain your policies and procedures comply with California's new harassment-prevention laws that require all employers with five or more employees to train all workers. Click here for the seminar flyer.
4.16.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partners Ross Schwartz and Dick Semerdjian are co- guest lecturers at the University of San Diego School of Law Negotiations Class. Ross will address the topic of business and transactional negotiations from the perspective of a practicing business attorney while Dick will focus on the topic of the techniques required to effectively and ethically negotiate the settlement of lawsuits from the perspective of a trial attorney.
3.22.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partners Dick Semerdjian and John Schena have been named 2019 San Diego Super Lawyers, both in the practice area of Business Litigation. John was previously named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 2016-2018. This is the 13th straight year that Dick has been recognized by Super Lawyers.
Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in San Diego via a patented multi-phase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. The San Diego lawyers who receive the highest point totals during this selection process are further recognized in San Diego Super Lawyers Top Lists.
SSCM is proud to have two partners named to the 2019 Super Lawyers list. Congratulations, John and Dick!
2.28.19
On February 28th, the California Supreme Court published its opinion in the case argued by Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot late last year. In a unanimous 7-0 opinion the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the firm’s client and in the process set forth new precedent for the admissibility of evidence in civil pre-trial motions. Effectively overruling two, 30 year old cases, the Supreme Court held that the analysis presented and argued by Mr. Moot in reliance on authority from conflicting case law “is sound." The case settled with a multimillion-dollar verdict in favor of the firm’s client.
2.20.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has co-authored, "Jury Selection: The Often-Overlooked Make-It-or-Break-It Phase of a Trial," with fellow California attorney, Janice Mulligan, of Mulligan Banham & Findley. Their combined trial experiences provide for an insightful look into the importance of jury selection. The article was publiished in the Winter 2019 issue of The Brief, the quarterly publication of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association. Click here to view the full article.
2.13.19
On February 13, 2019, the Associated Subcontractors Alliance will host their Annual Legal Update and Member Showcase, an information packed review of new and noteworthy employment and labor laws and regulations that affect those in the construction industry. Schwartz Semerdjian attorneys Kevin Cauley, Kristen Bush, and Sierra Palmer will present on various topics, including new requirements for competitive bidding on public projects, CSLB reporting requirements, employer communications about prospective employers, requirements for mandatory sexual harassment training and OSHA reporting.
1.31.19
SSCM is pleased to announce another client win by partner Kevin Cauley. Client McCullough Plumbing was recently on a federal project, and sued the prime contractor and payment bond surety, alleging it had not been paid in full.
In United States ex rel. McCullough Plumbing, Inc. v. Halbert Construction Company, Inc., 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 212121 (S.D. Cal. December 17, 2018), a subcontractor on a federal project sued the prime contractor and payment bond surety, alleging that it had not been paid in full. The defendants moved for partial summary judgment with respect to the damages the subcontractor was seeking. In particular, the defendants argued that the “no damages for delay” clause in the subcontract precluded recovery of delay damages. The court analyzed whether the “no damages for delay” clause complied with the Miller Act. The court rejected the defendants’ argument that such a clause concerned only the measure of recovery and was not a waiver of the subcontractor’s right of recovery. The defendants asserted that the measure of recovery was limited to an extension of time. The court stated, “The No Damage for Delay clause plainly affects McCullough’s right of recovery of increased out-of-pocket costs caused by construction delays under the Miller Act.” The court held that the clause was an unenforceable waiver of the subcontractor’s rights under the Miller Act. The court denied the motion for partial summary judgment.
Congratulations, Kevin!
1.23.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot recently won a long-standing property right dispute, overturning a City of Chula Vista Planning Commission decision to put in a car wash that would have negatively impacted the neighbors and nearby business owners with the traffic and noise of the proposed project. The Chula Vista City Council voted 4-1 to accept the appeal and deny the Conditional Use Permit much to the relief of the 82-year-old neighbor who first opposed the project. Congratulations, John! To view KUSI News recent coverage of the story click here.
1.22.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans begins her two-year term as vice chair of the Friends of Balboa Park’s board of directors. The nonprofit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the park for future generations, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, during which Sarah will also serve as chair of its governance committee. For more information about the Friends and their latest projects, visit www.FriendsofBalboaPark.org.
1.10.19
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot, after a three week land use trial, won a convincing verdict against the Metropolitan Transit Authority after a long battle over public access to an intercity bus terminal at the world’s busiest land port of entry in San Ysidro. The story has been followed by several news outlets including the San Diego Union Tribune which reported on the verdict. Congratulations, John! To view the San Diego Union Tribune article click here.
12.10.18
Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot is pleased to announce that it has acquired Small & Schena LLP, and that attorneys William F. Small and John A. Schena will be joining the firm as partners effective January 2, 2019. With a focus on business litigation, employment law, intellectual property and related practice areas, Small and Schena will add nearly two decades of combined litigation experience in state and federal courts throughout California to Schwartz Semerdjian’s extensive roster of expertise.
“We couldn’t be more excited about Will and John joining our firm,” said Managing Partner Ross Schwartz. “John actually started his career with our firm in 2009 as a law clerk. When he left to join Will in 2014, we continued to work with both of them and are thrilled that things have come full circle and they are joining Schwartz Semerdjian. They are both exceptional attorneys and great people, and will make a welcome addition to our team.”
Schwartz Semerdjian will continue its extensive practice in civil trial and appellate practice in state and federal courts, with an emphasis in business and commercial litigation, employment litigation and labor counseling, construction litigation, personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, officers and directors liability, professional liability, insurance defense, intellectual property, including trademark and copyright, and unfair competition litigation.
William F. Small - Prior to joining Schwartz Semerdjian, William Small was a partner in his own law practice, Small & Schena LLP, and before that served as senior counsel at the San Diego office of Gordon & Rees. His practice focuses on business and employment litigation as well as professional liability and defamation litigation. William also advises clients on legal issues ranging from contracts to compliance with employment laws - with the goal of avoiding litigation.
William is active in the San Diego legal community, serving as Chair of the San Diego County Bar Association's Civil Litigation Executive Committee in 2016 and 2017. Some of his recent accolades include being named a San Diego County Top Attorney in Corporate Litigation in 2015 by the San Diego Daily Transcript, Best of the Bar in 2015 and 2016 by the San Diego Business Journaland a Rising Star in 2017 by Super Lawyers.
William obtained his Bachelors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He and his family reside in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego.
John A. Schena - John Schena founded Small & Schena LLP with William Small in 2014. John is a litigator focusing on the resolution of business disputes, with an emphasis on fiduciary duty, contract, privacy law, commercial torts, trade secret, trademark, and copyright matters. He has successfully prosecuted and defended actions to final judgment on behalf of both public and private entities, as well as individuals, throughout California. He has extensive experience with bench and jury trials, as well as arbitration and administrative law proceedings.
John has dedicated pro bono hours to the formation and assistance of many local nonprofits, including sitting on the board of directors of CompassionIt and Bosh Bosh. A frequent contributor to Trial Bar News, the monthly periodical of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, John has written articles regarding identification of misappropriated trade secrets in litigation, managing the costs of discovery, the scope of the attorney-client privilege, and effective summary judgment practice. Some of his recent accolades include being named a Rising Star in 2016, 2017, and 2018 by Super Lawyers, being recognized as a Super Lawyer in 2019, and being named to the Best of the Bar 2015 and 2017 by the San Diego Business Journal.
John obtained his Bachelors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law. He, his fiancé, and sonlive in the San Diego neighborhood of South Park.
Schwartz Semerdjian specializes in business counseling and transactional services in corporate and entity formation, real estate, business sales and acquisitions, employment, landlord/tenant, commercial, licensor/licensee, and probate, trusts and estate planning.
12.5.18
Partner John Moot argues before the California Supreme Court. The case involves a civil anti-corruption suit he filed on behalf of a school district against contractors who obtained a lucrative contract to manage school construction bonds by wining and dining and giving elaborate gifts to board members. After the Supreme Court accepted the case for review and briefs were filed, Mr. Moot obtained a $7.5 million-dollar settlement for the school district. Even though the money has been paid and the settlement is final, the Supreme Court felt one of the legal issues in the case was so important it will still hear and decide if criminal grand jury testimony and the factual basis for criminal guilty pleas are admissible in a civil proceeding.
11.1.18
Honored with recognition from the leading survey of lawyers worldwide, Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot LLP has been named a top tier law firm in two practice areas for the ninth annual U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. Well-known for its work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, Schwartz Semerdjian was chosen as an exceptional firm in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation.
10.29.18
Schwartz Semerdjian is proud to announce that firm partner Sierra Spitzer has been elected as the 2019 Vice Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Section of the San Diego County Bar Association. Congratulations, Sierra!
10.4.18
Partner Dick Semerdjian will present to members of the Associated Subcontractors Alliance a workshop on "Sexual Harassment in the Workplace." Remember, California companies with 50 employees or more are required by law to provide 2 hours of sexual harassment training to supervisors, and all attendees tomorrow will receive a written proof of completion. Regardless of a company's size, it is more important than ever for employers to educate personnel about work place conduct and sexual harassment.
9.18.18
Partner Sierra Spitzer was a guest attorney speaker at the SDHR Forum Meeting providing a presentation on the upswing in PAGA litigation. Click here for the presentation handout re California Labor Code's Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 ("PAGA").
9.5.18
Schwartz Semerdjian is proud to announce a recent victory in the appellate court for client Ace Parking Management, Inc. in Los Angeles. Ace Parking was sued by a former model after she was injured walking under a parking gate arm. Schwartz Semerdjian partners Dick Semerdjian and Sierra Spitzer worked diligently on the case, and hope the ruling discourages future frivolous law suits against long-time client Ace Parking. The decision was featured in Law360, click here for the full article. Congratulations to our team for their expert counsel!
8.15.18
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2019 Edition) in the fields of Labor & Employment and Personal Injury. This is the 10th straight year that Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
7.17.18
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot was presented with a City of Chula Vista proclamation from Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. The proclamation, on the 20th anniversary of the Sleep Train Amphitheater, honors John for his vision because he was on the Chula Vista City Council when the project was approved in 1998. It was the first project of its kind in San Diego County. Congratulations, John!
6.1.18
Schwartz Semerdjian attorney Mark Bale was recently selected as the Athletic Committee Chair for the Foundation of La Jolla High School. Mark serves on the board of directors of the Foundation of LJHS which was established to enhance the overall educational experience of LJHS students by raising, managing and disbursing funds to support academic, athletic and other needs of the school for which funding is not available. Congratulations, Mark!
5.31.18
Schwartz Semerdjian attorney Kristen Bush has been admitted into the TIPS Leadership Academy for 2018-2019. Kristen will be part of the 25-member class selected by the Leadership Academy Task Force of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (“TIPS”) of the American Bar Association. The Leadership Academy begins with the TIPS Fall Meeting in October 2018. Congratulations, Kristen!
5.10.18
Schwartz Semerdjian will host the 2018 Spring Planning Meeting of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on the American Judicial System. Welcome to San Diego! Partner Dick Semerdjian is Co-Chair of the State Courts subsection of the ABA Standing Committee on the American Judicial System.
4.14.18
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian will participate as an instructor at the 2018 Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section/American Board of Trial Advocates (TIPS/ABOTA) National Trial Academy at The National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, hosted by the American Bar Association.
3.24.18
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans will participate as a judge for the McLennon Honors Moot Court Competition hosted by the USD School of Law and the Appellate Moot Court Board. The McLennon Tournament provides USD law students the opportunity to hone their oral argument skills and master new areas of the law. This type of competition provides future lawyers with the practice and experience needed to develop effective oral advocacy skills.
3.12.18
Senator Ben Hueso honored Sarah Brite Evans as the 40th Senate District's Woman of the Year at a luncheon and Senate floor ceremony at the State Capitol today. According to Senator Hueso, “Sarah is a true asset to our district. She moves seamlessly between her professional role as one of San Diego Business Journal's ‘Best of the Bar’, to her civic responsibilities, where she serves as Chair of the Board of Management for the Border View YMCA. Please join me in thanking Sarah for all that she has done, and continues to do, to strengthen our community.” Congratulations, Sarah!
2.15.18
Partners Ross Schwartz and Dick Semerdjian will be co-guest lecturers at the University of San Diego School of Law Negotiations Class on February 15. Ross will be addressing the topic of business and transactional negotiations from the perspective of a practicing business attorney while Dick will be focusing on the topic of the techniques required to effectively and ethically negotiate the settlement of lawsuits from the perspective of a trial attorney.
2.1.18
Honored with recognition from the leading survey of lawyers worldwide, Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot LLP has been named a top tier law firm in two practice areas for the eighth annual U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. Well-known for its work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, Schwartz Semerdjian was chosen as an exceptional firm in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation.
A firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top four percent of practicing attorneys in the U.S., to be eligible for a ranking. Founding Partner Dick Semerdjian was named in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
1.12.18
On February 7, 2018, the Associated Subcontractors Alliance will host their Annual Construction Law Update, an information packed review of new and noteworthy employment and labor laws and regulations that affect those in the construction industry. Schwartz Semerdjian attorneys Kevin Cauley, Sierra Spitzer and Kristen Bush will present on various topics, including prevailing wage, AB 1701, worksite immigration, enforcement and protections, paid family leave benefits, public work procurement methods, public and private work contracts, attorney's fee recovery, licensing, indemnification, as well as recent court decisions including the prevailing party's entitlement to attorney's fees, promissory estoppel in public and private contracts, indemnification, and public contract bidding issues. Click here for the event flyer. Registration can be completed online at the ASA website.
1.3.18
Schwartz Semerdjian partner and former Chula Vista Councilman, John Moot, was recently quoted on Chula Vista’s bid to be a potential site for Amazon’s new corporate headquarters. Even if Chula Vista is not selected, as Mr. Moot points, the site is an incredible certainty for a high tech hub in the San Diego region. Click here to view the Voice of San Diego article.
11.30.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot won an important land use ruling protecting the rights of a private property owner and the traveling public for client Grand Central West at the world’s busiest port of entry, the San Ysidro Border Crossing. For more information about this ruling, click here to view the Voice of San Diego article.
11.29.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner and trial attorney Dick Semerdjian will join Richard D. Huffman Associate Justice, Fourth District, Division One of the California Court of Appeal, San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Lewis and Certified Appellate Specialist David Niddrie of Niddrie Addams Fuller LLP on a panel of speakers sponsored by the Civil Litigation and Appellate Practices Sections of the San Diego County Bar Association in CLE program entitled: “Trial Practice that Impacts Appellate Review”. The program will take place at the San Diego County Bar Association Conference Center (located at 401 West Street Suite 120 San Diego CA) on November 29, 2017 from 5-7pm. Click here for event info and registration.
In this program, the panel will help identify common mistakes and learn how to avoid them during trial, and share information on what needs to be included in trial proceedings in order to properly preserve the record. The emphasis of the panel will be to have attorneys learn trial practices that maintain the record and protect your client when it comes to appellate review.
11.28.17
“A Practitioner’s Guide to Class Actions," second edition, is now available from the American Bar Association. Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans and associate Kristen Bush authored the “Employment Cases” chapter about class and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, and statutes prohibiting employment discrimination. You can order your copy of the two-volume set online at the American Bar Association book store. A Kindle edition will also be available soon.
11.21.17
Schwartz Semerdjian recently added an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) win to its portfolio with a client in Hillcrest. Residents in the area for more than 40 years, were sued by a developer when they reported disregard of appropriate permitting practices for a neighboring property. The developer sued them for losses after the property failed to sell, and they retained SSCM attorneys Dick Semerdjian, Mark Bale and Alison Adelman because the clients believed the lawsuit was a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation,” an impermissible attempt to chill their free speech and petition.
After extensive briefing and oral argument, the Court granted the anti-SLAPP motion, and the victory will result in the dismissal of five causes of action against firm’s clients, to their great relief and the reimbursement of the attorney’s fees and costs they spent relative to hiring the firm to defend them. For more information concerning the California anti-SLAPP statute, contact us at (619) 236-8821.
11.1.17
Honored with recognition from the leading survey of lawyers worldwide, Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot LLP has been named a top tier law firm in two practice areas for the eighth annual U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" rankings. Well-known for its work on large, complex matters where an entire business may be at risk, Schwartz Semerdjian was chosen as an exceptional firm in San Diego for tort and labor and employment litigation.
10.23.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner John Moot, who has a land use practice, represents the property owner, Grand Central West, in a dispute with the Metropolitan Transit District at the San Ysidro Border Crossing. Click here to read the Voice of San Diego article regarding the case.
10.16.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Kevin Cauley to present an ASA workshop, “Protect Your Right To Payment...What you need to know about Mechanic’s Lien and Stop Notice Remedies.” The workshop is hosted by the Associated Subcontractors Alliance and will take place at Division 23 Brewing. Click here for event information and registration.
10.3.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans was unanimously elected to Friends of Balboa Park Board of Directors. Congratulations, Sarah! We are so proud.
The Friends of Balboa Park was born out of the same commitment to civic-minded philanthropy that motivated San Diego’s leaders in the early part of the last century. Founded in 1999 by a group of longtime park volunteers, the Friends of Balboa Park is dedicated to Balboa Park as a whole, initiating park-wide projects that transcend individual institutions and address human-scale needs.
Friends of Balboa Park's vision is measured in acres and decades, manifested in activities that honor Balboa Park’s celebrated past, enhance its current place in the life of San Diego, improve access and lay the groundwork for a secure future. Friends of Balboa Park's greatest successes are not always the most conspicuous: quietly identifying and meeting a need, seamlessly integrating a new feature into a historic setting, partnering with other organizations and public agencies to raise the park’s profile and give its interests a voice in city government.
9.13.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sarah Evans is presenting today The Ins & Outs of an Employee Handbook, along with presenter Andrea Morgan, Human Resources Consultant with BBSI. The program is hosted by the Associated Subcontractors Alliance (ASA). Click here for event information and registration.
8.15.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2018 Edition) in the fields of Labor & Employment and Personal Injury. This is the 9th straight year that Dick has been selected for this honor. Congratulations, Dick!
8.14.17
Schwartz Semerdjian partner Sierra Spitzer has been appointed Vice-Chair for the Business Litigation General Committee and the Employment and Labor Law General Committee. In addition, Sierra has been appointed to the TortSource Editorial Board Standing Committee, Law in Public Service Standing Committee, Women Trial Lawyers Task Force & Outreach to Young Lawyers Committee. All of these committees are within the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association (ABA). Congratulations, Sierra!
8.14.17
Schwartz Semerdjian associate Kristen Bush has been appointed Vice-Chair for the Business Litigation General Committee. In addition, Kristen will serve on the Ethics and Professionalism Standing Committee. Both of these committees are within the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association (ABA). Congratulations, Kristen!
The Ethics and Professionalism Standing Committee examines issues of ethics and professionalism for attorneys. The committee identifies potential changes to the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and provides comments to the ABA’s governing body with respect to ethics related issues.
5.8.17
Founding partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected to the National Judicial College’s Board of Visitors. For more than 50 years, The National Judicial College (NJC) located on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno has remained the national leader in judicial education. The first to offer programs to judges nationwide, the NJC continues to work with the judiciary to improve productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice and inspire judges to achieve judicial excellence. The College serves as the one place where judges from across the nation and around the world can meet to improve the delivery of justice and advance the rule of law through a disciplined process of professional study and collegial dialogue. By offering an average of 100 courses/programs annually with more than 8,000 judges attending from all 50 states, U.S. territories and more than 150 countries, the NJC seeks to further its mission of education, innovation and advancing justice.
The NJC’s Board of Visitors is a nationally recognized and select group of individuals charged with furthering the quality of education offered by the NJC. They are renowned professionals who bring a cross-section of perspectives to improve the administration of justice through education. Members also serve as goodwill ambassadors of the NJC by enhancing awareness of the College and assisting with fundraising efforts.
In addition to his involvement with the National Judicial College, Dick is the current Chair of the State Court sub-Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on the American Justice System, and past-Chair of the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) and ABA Commission on the American Jury. He is on the board and faculty of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)/TIPS National Trial Academy which is named the country’s top “boot camp for lawyers” and takes place annually at the NJC. Some of the country’s top trial attorneys serve as faculty for the academy, mentoring attorneys new to the profession and trial work. In addition to other learning exercises, the academy features a mock trial in the NJC’s Model Courtroom.
For more information about the NJC – visit www.judges.org
4.4.17
Partner Sarah Evans has been recognized by her peers and named to the San Diego Business Journal Best of the Bar 2017. On April 10, 2017, the publication will showcase the top San Diego attorneys in private practice as nominated by their peers. Sarah specializes in employment law and business & commercial litigation. Congratulations, Sarah!
3.1.17
We are pleased to announce that the Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley & Moot Community Service Scholarship has been awarded to Ainslie Tarr, a third year law student at the University of San Diego School of Law. Ainslie’s goal is to practice non-profit immigration law. While studying at USD School of Law, Ainslie has worked with public and non-profit organizations providing immigration services to refugees, primarily women and children. Congratulations, Ainslie!
Schwartz Semerdjian joined the University of San Diego School of Law Named Scholarship Program in 2016. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a law student who has demonstrated commitment to community service in San Diego County. The scholarship supports the firm’s efforts to encourage and promote voluntary community service by its attorneys and by future members of the legal profession.
2.27.17
Partners Dick Semerdjian, Kevin Cauley & John Moot have been selected as Top Lawyers in San Diego by Martindale Hubbell. The 2017 Top Lawyers List will be published in the March 2017 issue of San Diego Magazine. Lawyers featured in the Top Lawyers List have been selected by their peers as providing the highest level of professional excellence. Congratulations, Dick, Kevin & John!
2.21.17
This week, Schwartz Semerdjian associates Owen Praskievicz and Alison Adelman are participating in the San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition. This year, participation is expected to include over 500 students in San Diego County and over 8,000 students statewide. The trial is a simulation of a criminal case, in which students portray each of the principals in the array of courtroom participants. Students participate as lawyers, witnesses, court clerks, and bailiffs, thus acquiring a working knowledge of our judicial system.
2.17.17
Target and playground equipment manufacturer KaBOOM! recently granted Border View Family YMCA an “Imagination Playground in a Cart”. Schwartz Semerdjian partner/Border View board chair Sarah Evans attended the February 17th playground unveiling with her children. Imagination Playground in a Cart is an innovative design in play equipment that encourages creativity, communication and collaboration in play, and children in the surrounding neighborhood are sure to have lots of fun times with this new equipment.
2.13.17
Partner John Moot recently settled a civil anti-corruption case obtaining $8,250,000 for the Sweetwater Union High School District. The case was pending a decision in the California Supreme Court at the time of the settlement. Click here for the full Union Tribune article.