AKK-LAW - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• American Inns of Court - Master of the Bench

Job Titles:

• Team Lead, Law Enforcement and Police Representation, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Mr. Kilday specializes in representing public entities and public employees across various case types, encompassing ADA litigation, issues related to dangerous conditions, and matters affecting school districts and educators. A significant portion of his legal practice is dedicated to advocating for law enforcement personnel, ranging from street-level officers to elected officials, in cases involving allegations such as false arrest, excessive force, shootings, pursuits, and a wide spectrum of related matters. Mr. Kilday adopts a creative approach to explore early case resolution, achieving success in securing dismissals while minimizing expenses for his clients. His affable demeanor and penchant for humor contribute to effective communication and the establishment of strong relationships with clients, judges, and juries. Colleagues and associates hold Mr. Kilday in high esteem for his ability to simplify complex legal issues, rendering them accessible to others. He excels in addressing challenging situations with a combination of humor and empathy. Before transitioning to civil practice, Mr. Kilday served as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office for five years, where he handled criminal cases, including those involving robbery, rape, arson, and the first consumer fraud trial. Over the course of 25 years, he has taught CEB courses, including Depositions and Effective Direct & Cross-Examination. Additionally, he has served as the instructor for the Officer Involved Shootings course for Northern California's Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for over 15 years. Furthermore, he has held a faculty position at the Hastings College of Advocacy, serving as a guest lecturer within the trial advocacy program and offering insights into civil rights classes at various local law schools. Additionally, he is frequently invited to share his expertise as a speaker at seminars and conferences, with a particular focus on topics related to police liability. Mr. Kilday was also elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2010. In addition to Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff surviving years with Bruce as Managing Partner, he is most proud of his children, Elisabeth (who he says runs the Smithsonian) and Patrick (who is in a surgical practice in Sacramento), and his wife, Sue (a retired teacher with boundless patience). Mr. Mr. Kilday experienced a sense of accomplishment upon completing a 4-day hike along the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu in June 2011, accompanied by his family. Practice Areas Civil Rights Litigation

Job Titles:

• Team Lead, Employment, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Ms. Kilduff specializes in all types of employment litigation. She has represented defendants ranging from rank-and-file maintenance people, to mid-level management people, professors, superior court judges, board of supervisor members, and district attorneys. She was also privileged to represent the Chancellor of the CSU and other high-level administrators in a sensitive case involving a controversial professor in Chico. In 2007, Arthur Scotland, who was serving as the presiding justice of the Third District Court of Appeal at the time, recognized her as one of the distinguished female trial attorneys in Sacramento. She acknowledged her contributions in a letter addressed to the editor of the Daily Journal. Ms. Kilduff demonstrates a collaborative approach when working with her clients, crafting innovative litigation strategies and problem-solving solutions within the realm of employment law. Colleagues and associates hold her in high regard for her professionalism and admire her comprehensive and insightful approach to handling her cases. Furthermore, Ms. Kilduff's esteemed reputation in the legal profession is evident through her election to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2012. Ms. Kilduff pursued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by her enrollment at McGeorge School of Law. She received her J.D. and was admitted to practice in California in 1982. In addition to being the Managing Partner of Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff, Ms. Kilduff is also the proud grandmother of fourteen. Practice Areas Employment Litigation

Job Titles:

• Team Lead, Law Enforcement and Police Representation, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Mr. Konz dedicates his legal practice to federal civil rights litigation and takes pride in representing individuals who serve the public good. He has built a strong track record of successfully defending various public employees, including police officers, sheriff's deputies, correctional officers, administrative staff, superior court judges, judicial commissioners, and judicial clerks. His primary area of expertise lies in handling cases related to claims under the United States Constitution. The majority of his cases revolve around allegations concerning excessive force, unlawful detention, unlawful search, unlawful conditions of confinement, and matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also has experience defending religious organizations, state-regulated care facilities, and private businesses in cases involving discrimination, elder abuse, and dangerous conditions.

Job Titles:

• Associate, 1983 to 1985

Education McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California

Biography Jacob handles a diverse range of matters related to police liability, dangerous conditions of public property, employment discrimination, as well as other civil rights and constitutional torts. He assists clients in navigating tough legal issues and does so with warmth, humor, intelligence, and persistence. Before joining AKK, Jacob gained experience with various local and state agencies, including the Alameda County Counsel's Office, California Department of Water Resources, California Attorney General Office's Correctional Law Section, and California State Water Resources Control Board's Office of Enforcement. Jacob also served as a research assistant for his water law professor in law school, collecting data on human water use preferences across each State. Jacob received his J.D., with distinction from McGeorge School of Law in 2021, and his B.A., magna cum laude, from San Francisco State University in 2018. Practice Areas Police Liability; Civil Rights

Job Titles:

• Principal
• Team Lead, Writ and Appellate Practice, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Mr. Whitesides, a principal attorney of the firm, manages the firm's appellate practice and tackles a number of civil rights cases. Mr. Whitesides possesses a wealth of experience across various lines of insurance, encompassing auto/truckers, general liability, property, credit, disability, health, life, and inland marine. His expertise extends to insurance policy drafting and providing representation to insurers concerning insureds' bankruptcy matters. In his legal practice, Mr. Whitesides collaborates closely with his clients to gain a comprehensive grasp of the fundamental legal issues inherent in each case. He then endeavors to formulate the most efficient and effective strategies for addressing these issues. His colleagues note his matter-of-fact approach to dealing with cases that often results in early resolution and low discovery costs as well as his passion for detailed legal analysis and seemingly intuitive understanding of case law. Mr. Whitesides graduated from U.C. Irvine, magna cum laude and phi beta kappa, with a B.A. in Philosophy. He obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Duke Law School in 1986 and subsequently gained admission to practice law in California in the same year. Before joining Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff in 2007, he had a substantial legal career as an associate and partner in another prominent defense firm based in Sacramento. For 21 years, he dedicated himself to the litigation of cases across the entire spectrum of insurance-related matters. His litigation experience encompassed all phases, from pre-litigation stages through trial proceedings. Notably, he handled cases in various jurisdictions, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Alabama, Georgia, and Delaware. Primarily responsible for pretrial, trial and appeal of largest civil case in Sacramento County Superior Court's history which spanned 17 years at the trial level. He has conducted ADC and CEB courses on insurance law, and has conducted an annual California Insurance regulation claim-handling training for claims adjusters. Mr. Whitesides has also served for many years on the Voluntary Dispute Resolution Panel for the United States District Court for the Eastern District in Sacramento. Mr. Whitesides also finds joy in quality time spent with his daughter, Jenna, as well as his two Greyhounds, Hoss and Stacy. Practice Areas Appeals

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Attorney

Biography Kathryn Hulse is an associate attorney of the firm, primarily practicing employment law and personal injury. Kathryn joined the firm after a lifelong career in public service and previously worked for the Department of Social Services and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). During her time with the California Department of Public Health, Kathryn was at the center of the legal response the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, working on novel legal issues across departments and with the Governor's Office. For her work on these issues, Kathryn was a recipient of CDPH's FAME award. Kathryn left public service to pursue a career in civil litigation. Ms. Hulse attended the University of California Davis where she received she Bachelor of Arts. While attending McGeorge School of Law, Ms. Hulse worked full time, participated in Trial Advocacy, was Vice Chair of Moot Court and a finalist in oral advocacy competitions. Ms. Hulse was a recipient of the Poile Prize for her work advancing LGBTQ marriage equality. Ms. Hulse also externed for the Third District Court of Appeal and the Irish Refugee Council in Dublin, Ireland. Ms. Hulse enjoys spending her free time with her husband and family, acting in theatre, attending a live music show, or hanging out with her four perfect dogs. Practice Areas Employment law 50%

Job Titles:

• Team Lead, Dangerous Conditions and General Tort, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Mr. Dehoff became a part of Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff in 2011. Prior to joining the firm, he gained substantial experience in insurance litigation, with a specialization in personal injury cases. Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Dehoff was actively involved in the science industry. His professional journey included working in scientific research laboratories, crime laboratories, and conducting field research into disease outbreaks. His extensive background and expertise in forensic science and genetics play a crucial role in his ability to analyze complex legal scenarios on behalf of his clients. One of Mr. Dehoff's distinguishing traits is his dedication to maintaining responsive and attentive communication with his clients. His colleagues also hold him in high regard for his keen litigation instincts and unwavering work ethic. Mr. Dehoff has been recognized as a Rising Star by California Super Lawyers in the area of Civil Rights. He also has been recognized by the Sacramento Magazine as a Top Lawyer in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 for his work in personal injury. Mr. Dehoff has a strong passion for trial advocacy and has successfully conducted numerous first-chair civil jury trials to verdict. These cases have covered a range of topics, including those involving alleged dangerous conditions of public property and police practices defense. Furthermore, in 2019, Mr. Dehoff achieved a milestone by graduating from the ABOTA National Trial Academy. This prestigious event, held annually at the National Judicial College, provides practicing attorneys with the opportunity to refine their trial skills through competition with peers from across the nation.

Job Titles:

• Associate Attorney, 2013 to 2017

Job Titles:

• Paralegal & Litigation Secretary

Biography Ms. Kelly has been working in the legal field for 10 years as a Clerk in the Superior Court and Legal Assistant/Paralegal in the practice areas of Labor and Employment and Civil Rights litigation. When outside the office, Sarah enjoys being outdoors camping, fishing, and hiking with her family.

Job Titles:

• Team Lead, Employment, Constitutional Litigation

Biography Since joining Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff, LLP in early 2010, Ms. Warner has developed an emphasis on employment defense from pre-litigation through trial. Her recent victories include a 2023 four-week jury trial in Sacramento County on claims of retaliation and race and sex discrimination and a 2021 14-day jury trial in Solano County involving allegations of sexual harassment and disability discrimination. Additionally, Ms. Warner has litigated employment cases encompassing age discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, employer assessment of non-conviction criminal charges, and defamation. Although her focus is on employment litigation, Ms. Warner's practice includes defense of constitutional claims under the First Amendment for alleged free speech and familial association violations, Second Amendment gun control litigation, SLAPP suits, charges of negligent or unconstitutional child removal, excessive force actions, and personal injury cases. Ms. Warner has argued appeals before the Ninth Circuit and California Third District Court of Appeal. In 2023, she was recognized as a Super Lawyer among Northern California attorneys by Super Lawyers.com and as a Rising Star prior to that from 2016-2022. She was named as a 2023 Wonderful Woman Honoree by the Lawyers of Color organization and has been identified as a Top Lawyer in Sacramento Magazine from 2017-2022. In 2019, Ms. Warner graduated from the TIPS/ABOTA National Trial Academy, an annual event held at the National Judicial College, where practicing attorneys refine their trial skills through competitions with peers from across the United States. A native of California, Ms. Warner was raised in Elk Grove, CA. She earned her bachelor of arts degree with high honors from the University of California Santa Barbara and graduated cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She is the Immediate Past President of the Sacramento Filipino American Lawyers Association (Sac-FALA), Regional Governor of the National Filipino Lawyers Association, Vice-Chair of the Labor and Employment Committee for the Sacramento County Bar Association, and a member of the Federal Bar Association, National Filipino American Lawyers Association and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. Ms. Warner generously donates her time as a judge for the yearly Sacramento County Gordon D. Schaber Moot Court Competition, where she served as a coach for the program from 2013 to 2020. Ms. Warner is also the proud mom of a strong-willed, sweet-spirited seven-year-old and a hard-charging three-year-old. Although mom life has monopolized the majority of her time outside of work in the past few years, she finds time to read or take an occasional yoga class. She also hopes to be able to resume her hobby of beer-brewing in the near future. Practice Areas Public Entity Defense

Job Titles:

• Paralegal

Biography Ms. Redding has worked as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for over 10 years, assisting in the defense of Public Entities and specializing in Labor and Employment litigation. Ms. Redding prides herself on her ability to communicate with clients and witnesses, passing on her enthusiasm for their case, making the stress of litigation actually seem "fun." When outside of the office, Tami enjoys playing with her family and touring local wineries and breweries with her friends.

Biography Mr. Bittner joined Angelo, Kilday & Kilduff in 2021. He focuses his practice on federal civil rights litigation, labor and employment issues, and premises liability. Mr. Bittner derives satisfaction from advocating for public entities and the dedicated public servants who contribute to our state and local communities. His clientele includes professionals like police officers, sheriff's deputies, correctional officers, and social workers. Mr. Bittner earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 2008. He received his J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2013. During school, he focused on business law and consumer protection matters. Prior to joining the firm, he spent several years working at the nation's largest publicly operated health plan on both contractual and regulatory compliance matters. Mr. Bittner enjoys playing soccer and volunteering as a judge for the Gordon D. Schaber Mock Trial and Moot Court Competition. Practice Areas Public Entity Defense