JOHNSTON - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney in the Family Law Department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica
Ana Cazeneuve is an Associate Attorney in the Family Law department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Her practice focuses on marital dissolution, child and spousal support, child custody and visitation, property division and domestic violence.
In addition to her practice, Ana is committed to volunteering with the San Francisco Justice and Diversity Center, which offers pro-bono attorney services to individuals that would otherwise not be able to afford representation.
Ana received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and her B.A. in History and French from the University of Pennsylvania.
Ana was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Diego. After graduating law school, she lived in Paris, France for ten years, where she worked as a legal translator and interpreter and a linguistic consultant in the finance sector.
Ana enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and listening to podcasts.
Biography
Andrew Soto is a Practice Assistant supporting the Probate and Trust Administration departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
Prior to Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP, Andrew worked in the civil procedure department of a San Francisco attorney service firm. His dedication and efforts were instrumental in growing local, state, and national accounts.
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys rock climbing with friends. His favorite outdoor destinations include Lake Tahoe, Yosemite Valley, and Red Rock Canyon.
Biography
Arlyne Mata is a Practice Assistant supporting the Trusts and Estates Litigation department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
When she is away from the office, Arlyne enjoys spending time in her garden and loves to see the vibrant beauty of her plants.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney in the Trust Administration, Probate and Trusts
Azita Rahim is an Associate Attorney in the Trust Administration, Probate and Trusts and Estates Litigation departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
Azita has extensive experience in probate and trust administration. Prior to joining JKZ, Azita was a paralegal at Venable LLP. Her experience caters to high-net-worth trust administration, estate planning and business planning.
Azita attended law school while working full time and is a graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law with Certificates of Specialization in Public Interest Law and Litigation. She was awarded the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in both Legal Ethics in Criminal Law and Appellate Advocacy and received the highest grade in her class. Azita also received the CALI Award for Excellence in Contracts, Criminal Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
During law school, Azita was a member of the Moot Court team and competed in the 2018 ABA National Appellate Advocacy competition. She was also a member of the Mock National Trial Advocacy team and placed 1st at the 2018 California Attorneys for Criminal Justice competition.
Azita lives in Manteca with her husband, two children and dog. In her spare time, she loves traveling and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Tax Lawyers, Quick Points Chair
Job Titles:
- Training & Development Manager
Biography
Carlos Rodriguez is the Training & Development Manager at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Carlos is a graduate from San Francisco State University where he earned his B.A. in Political Science. He began his work in the legal field in 2005 as a File Clerk at a boutique law firm in San Francisco where he was promoted to a Paralegal role and gained estate planning, trust administration and litigation experience.
Carlos has nearly two decades of legal experience which has led him to take on a leadership role as the Training & Development Manager. Carlos helps employees develop the skills necessary to succeed not only in the legal field, but also at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. He is responsible for ensuring all employees understand the systems, policies and procedures to succeed in their positions and providing continued education for existing employees. In addition, Carlos is also responsible for researching new programs and systems that will assist the Firm in providing the best service for their clients.
In his spare time, he hosts a podcast with a friend, discussing their twin passions of CrossFit and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Biography
Carolina Ramos is a Paralegal supporting the Trusts and Estates Litigation department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She obtained her Paralegal certificate from California State University, Monterey Bay and has been working in the legal field since 2001. She has experience in family law, probate, litigation, estate planning and personal injury.
In her spare time, Carolina loves spending time with family and her two dogs, kickboxing, participating in mud runs, rafting and participating in various legal professional associations.
Biography
Cinthia Zacarias is the Billing Coordinator at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Cinthia works closely with members of the Finance Department to ensure accurate and efficient billing.
Cinthia earned her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of San Francisco. She is fluent in Spanish and English. In her free time, she can be found urban hiking, dancing, or eating ramen.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal in the Family Law Department
Biography
David Rios is a Paralegal in the Family Law department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. He joined the team in 2014 shortly after graduating from San Francisco State University with B.A. in Criminal Justice and B.A. in Political Science. David completed a Certificate Program in Paralegal Studies through UC Berkeley Extension in 2018 and is currently a J.D. Candidate at Golden Gate University School of Law.
To relax and unwind, David enjoys gardening with his chickens and adventuring with his pug, Hulk.
Dominic J. Campisi ("Dom") is Of Counsel at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. His extensive legal career spans over 50 years with experience including work with the U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to specializing in litigation with emphasis in fiduciary litigation as an associate with Morrison and Forester, to being a Partner and shareholder with the law firm Evans, Latham & Campisi. As a trial lawyer, Dom has completed 46 trials in Federal and State Courts and includes experience as an Arbitrator, Judge Pro Tem, and Settlement Neutral. Dom has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, Probate and Trust, here in San Francisco 2005-2022.
Dominic J. Campisi brings a dimension of understanding legal concepts and angles for those people he works with and for, and all the while, keeping his sense of humor and storytelling to naturally bind elements together.
Biography
Gabriela Takahashi is a Client Intake Specialist supporting the Client Intake department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Originally from the Greater Sacramento-Area, Gabriela earned her B.A. in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
In her free time, Gabriela enjoys true crime podcasts and documentaries, cheering on her favorite Bay Area sports teams, namely the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Golden State Warriors, as well as creating Spotify playlists for all occasions.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney in the Family Law Department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica
Hazel Bradshaw is an Associate Attorney in the Family Law department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She brings her charismatic and compassionate focus to the needs of her clients. She is a zealous advocate for her clients in all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, child and spousal support, domestic violence and property division. Hazel has the rare and unique ability to provide her clients with passionate advocacy combined with a common-sense approach to the law.
Relationship conflicts can be overwhelming. Hazel provides sensitive support to those who are navigating the arduous divorce process. She partners with her clients to provide them with zealous advocacy and common-sense solutions to effectively resolve their family conflicts. She takes the time to learn what is most important to her clients and guides them through the process to achieve the best outcome for their family.
In her mediation practice, Hazel works with both parties to facilitate a creative solution tailored for each family. She works with both parties as a third party neutral to ensure that the needs of the whole are met with a tailored approach to each case. She believes that mediation is a great avenue for many parties and should be utilized often.
Hazel received her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and her B.A. in History from Bard College. While in law school she received the Cali and Witkin award for her academic achievements as well as a diversity award for her commitment to community service. She also served as president of the Jewish Law Students Association and education chair for the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.
Hazel enjoys helping people in their day-to-day lives and ensuring they come through a challenging time in their life with a strong and compassionate advocate. She is a member of the California State Bar Association and its family law section, Alameda County Bar Association, Member of the Family Law Executive Committee, a member of the Alameda County Family Law Association, and a board member for the non-profit All for the Family Legal Clinic. She currently donates her time to the Alameda County Bar Association Family Law Day of Court Clinic.
Hazel was born and raised in the Bay Area and enjoys working with families in the community she grew up in.
Biography
Heather Rawson is a Paralegal supporting the Estate Planning department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Heather received her Paralegal Certificate from California State University, East Bay and a B.A. in Marketing from the University of South Florida.
As of February 2022, Heather obtained her Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach certificate from the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
In her spare time, Heather enjoys learning anything fitness, nutrition, and body mechanics related. She loves food and cooking, the outdoors and quality time with friends and family.
Biography
Jennifer Montane-Falgout is a Legal Secretary supporting the Estate Planning department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She received her Paralegal Certificate and B.S. in Law Studies from Saint Mary's College of California. Jennifer's work experience includes over 20 years in litigation.
Away from the office, Jennifer enjoys attending cardio kickboxing classes, walking her pup, Birdie, and adventuring with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney in the Estate Planning
- Board Member for the Foundation of San Mateo County Libraries
Jessie J. Burgueño is an Associate Attorney in the Estate Planning and Trust Administration departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
Jessie has several years of experience in the legal field as a paralegal and as an attorney. Jessie has worked in the areas of bankruptcy, public interest (benefits), trust and estates, and civil litigation.
Jessie has a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Wealth Management from Texas A&M University; J.D. degree from Golden Gate University, School of Law with Certificates of Specialization in Family Law and Public Interest Law; and a Bachelor of Arts in Management with concentration in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.
During law school, Jessie was a member of his school's moot court team and competed in both state and national competitions. Jessie was awarded the 2019 Academic Excellence Award in Family Law, Witkin Award for Academic Excellence for Remedies and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Jessie has served as a board member for the Foundation of San Mateo County Libraries and the Palo Alto Players.
Jessie grew up in the Bay Area and currently resides in the Peninsula with his cat, Monroe.
Biography
Jocelyn Samson is a Practice Assistant supporting the Probate and Trust Administration department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
Jocelyn enjoys tending to her plants and traveling. She finds they are a great way to recharge for a few days and come back fresh and ready to take on challenges of life head on.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica
John Rueppel is a Partner at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. John has extensive experience with trust and estate litigation in all Bay Area jurisdictions as well as around California. He has represented trustees and trust beneficiaries in contested matters such as trust contests, removal petitions, contested accountings, and other trust matters. He has also represented executors and administrations and estate beneficiaries in will contests, accountings, and Probate Code 850 claims as well as individual parties in cases involving financial elder abuse, fraud, and undue influence.
Before joining Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP, John was a founding partner at O'Neil & Rueppel, LLP, a trust and estates boutique firm located in San Francisco.
John is a member of the State Bar of California, the Bar Association of San Francisco, and is a member of the Litigation and Trusts & Estates Sections of both organizations. He has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2015 to 2019, and in 2020 was recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer. He earned his B.A. from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and his J.D. magna cum laude from University of California College of the Law (formerly UC Hastings). John is a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
John has contributed to the community through his pro-bono work for Bay Area organizations such as the Aids Legal Referral Panel, and the California Lawyers for the Arts. He is also on the Diversity Committee of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association and is President of the Lawyers Club of San Francisco Inn of Court.
John lives in San Francisco with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, John meditates, runs, and plays chess and archery with his boys.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner at Johnson, Kinney & Zulaica
Joseph L. Urbanski is a Partner at Johnson, Kinney & Zulaica LLP where he manages the firm's family law practice group. His practice focuses on marital/domestic partnership dissolution, property division, child custody and visitation, and child and spousal support. Joseph has also worked with clients experiencing domestic violence. He has extensive experience drafting and reviewing relationship agreements including pre-nuptial/pre-registration, marital, and property agreements and has successfully represented clients from preliminary negotiations through trial. He practices with an eye toward resolution, not escalation.
Joseph graduated from Stanford University in 2002 and received his law degree in 2006 from the University of California College of the Law (formerly UC Hastings). While in law school, he was a member of the Communications Law Journal, Hastings Civil Justice Individual Representation Clinic, and General Assistance Advocacy Project (GAAP). He received the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Civil Appellate Advocacy and earned Best Brief Award in Appellate Advocacy.
Since graduating law school, Joseph has served the Board of Directors for the General Assistance Advocacy Project (GAAP), Stanford Pride, and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He regularly volunteers as a member of the Stanford Alumni Mentoring network, the Openhouse, a non-profit organization providing housing, services, and care for LGBTQ seniors, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. He is a member of the State Board of California, SFTLA, and BALIF and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of California.
Joseph is certified as a specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He has been selected as a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2016-2019, and he was selected to Super Lawyers in 2020.
Practice Areas:
Estate Planning
Education
Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, California
J.D.
Golden Gate University School of Law
LL.M. in Taxation and Estate Planning
Biography
Julia Chernova is an Associate Attorney supporting the Estate Planning department at Johnston Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Her practice includes establishing limited liability companies and preparing a full range of estate planning documents.
Julia earned her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation and Estate Planning from Golden Gate University School of Law. While in law school, Julia received the CALI Awards for her academic achievements as well as an Outstanding Achievement in Public Interest Law Award. Julia was also a writer and editor of the Environmental Law Journal and published an article "Taking A Breath: Lessons for the Port of Oakland From The Clean Trucks Program at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach."
Julia is a member of the State Bar of California, Bar Association of San Francisco, and California Lawyers Association. Additionally, Julia is a Quick Points Chair of the Bay Area Young Tax Lawyers and is responsible for the tax-related articles submission to the California Tax Lawyer.
In her leisure time, Julia enjoys camping, kayaking, and spending time with her family.
Biography
Kelsey Glenn is a Legal Assistant supporting the Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Kelsey got a start in her career in the legal field in 2012 under Vanessa J. Sundin, specializing in probate, trust administration, estate planning, and business law.
Kelsey currently resides in Chico, California, where she continues to work almost exclusively for Vanessa J. Sundin. When Kelsey is not sitting at her home office in Chico, she is almost certainly hiking and exploring with her husband, son, and her dog.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney in the Probate, Trust Administration
Kyla J. Hale is an Associate Attorney in the Probate, Trust Administration, and Estate Planning department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Kyla enjoys drafting comprehensive estate plans for individuals and families to suit their specific familial, financial, and business needs, including formation of business entities.
Biography
Marcia Lynch is a Paralegal supporting the Probate department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She has extensive experience in the areas of estate planning, special needs trusts, trust administration, probate, conservatorships, guardianships, and court accountings.
Marcia is a Stanford graduate and former teacher who switched careers after navigating through the probate and trust administration processes for her own family. The support she received from the paralegals was invaluable so she decided she would like to be able to do the same for others.
Job Titles:
- Office Services Coordinator at Johnson
Biography
Maria Garcia-Barth is the Office Services Coordinator at Johnson, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She brings over 20 years of experience in working for a litigation law firm.
Born and raised in San Francisco, California, she made the difficult decision buying a home in San Leandro but was happy to stay in the Bay Area. Maria married her best friend and they will be celebrating their 21-year anniversary in 2021.
Maria enjoys spending time with family, friends, hiking, gardening, a good book, or catching up on the latest Netflix shows. She is an avid dog lover.
Biography
Melanie Bartlett is a Paralegal supporting the Family Law department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. After receiving her Paralegal Certificate, Melanie leapt right into the practice area of Family Law in which she has achieved nearly three decades of experience and knowledge. It is of utmost importance to Melanie that she provides clients with the care and understanding they need while skillfully guiding them through the legal process of their family law matters.
Melanie and her husband are Napa Valley, California natives where they raised their two sons. Her spare time is focused on spending time with her family and their two American Bobtail cats, Hunter and Ranger, and Jack Russell Terrier, Gunner. Her personal interests are reading mystery novels, watching true crime shows, and taking scenic countryside drives in her cherished Mustang.
Biography
Mikayla Oliver is a Practice Assistant supporting the Estate Planning department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Mikayla joined the firm in Spring 2023 after receiving her B.A. in Psychology from Yale University.
Away from the office, Mikayla enjoys spending time with family, cooking, hiking, going on road trips, and exploring the many sights of the Bay Area.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Records Coordinator
Biography
Momodou Ndow is the Records Coordinator at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. He has 20 years of experience working at San Francisco law firms. Born and raised in The Gambia, Momodou moved to the United States in 1989. He attended Laney College and Holy Names University in Oakland.
In his spare time, Momodou enjoys watching and playing soccer, traveling abroad and writing commentary on a range of issues affecting his Gambian community. He is also passionate about community work and was a mentor for at-risk kids in the San Francisco Unified School District for 6 years.
Job Titles:
- Practice Assistant
- the Practice Assistant
Biography
Nina Sirna is the Practice Assistant for the Estate Planning department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica, LLP. She joined the firm in 2022 after graduating from University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Linguistics and a minor in Race & the Law.
In her spare time, Nina can be found hiking around the Bay Area, learning new languages, and volunteering with Oakland's Mam Maya community.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
Biography
Patty DeOcampo is a Legal Secretary supporting the Trusts and Estates Litigation department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Patty's work experience includes 30 years exclusively in litigation. In this practice area, she has worked with passionate and dedicated professionals from whom she has learned and been inspired. Patty believes the best part of the job is meeting and working with our clients.
Away from the office, Patty enjoys motorcycle riding with her husband, spending time with family and friends and watching movies on lazy days.
Biography
Sabrina K. Ikemire is a Senior Paralegal supporting the Trusts and Estates Litigation department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She graduated with a Paralegal Certificate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Sabrina obtained her B.S. in Psychology from San Francisco State University. She has experience in trust and estates litigation, estate planning, probate and trust administration.
In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.
Sue Stratton is the Firm Administrator at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She has more than 30 years of experience at San Francisco law firms including the last 22 years working with M. Jean Johnston, Partner, in various capacities. Sue oversees human resources and personnel management, supervises the firm's administrative and operations functions, leads the training and development of non-lawyer personnel, oversees finance and accounting, and coordinates facilities management, IT, marketing and office services.
Sue is dedicated to providing a congenial, healthy, and productive work environment for the Firm's employees. She received her B.A. in Organizational Communications from California State University, Sacramento. Sue is a board member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, a Certified Legal Manager (CLM) and is a SHRM-CP.
Sue was raised in Concord, California, and currently lives in Fairfield with her husband and her cat. She enjoys cooking and baking, playing pickleball, spa days with her girlfriends and planning her next vacation.
Biography
Susan Long is a Senior Paralegal supporting the Probate and Trust Administration departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP.
In her free time, Susan enjoys reading, baking, trips to Napa and taking long walks with her Jack Russell terrier, Eddie.
Biography
Tatiana Canas is a Practice Assistant supporting the Family Law department at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. She has an A.A. in Paralegal/Legal Studies and an A.A. in Psychology. Tatiana also received a B.A. in Human Communications and a minor in Pre-Law from California State University, Monterey Bay. Her experiences working with minority families in her community inspired her to work in the legal field and help those in difficult situations.
Away from the office, Tatiana enjoys spending time with family and watching movies. She also enjoys watching her favorite bay area sports teams: The 49ers, Giants, Sharks, and Warriors.
Biography
Traci Yanez is a Paralegal supporting the Estate Planning and Tax departments at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP. Traci graduated from California State University, Chico in 2018 with her B.A. in Accounting. She obtained her paralegal certificate while working under Vanessa J. Sundin at Sundin Law Office. Traci has worked in the legal profession since 2012, specializing in business law, probate, trust administration, and estate planning. In addition to her legal knowledge, she also has extensive accounting knowledge and skills, as well as strong management experience from her time in the retail and restaurant industries.
In her free time, Traci loves being outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with her husband, daughter, friends, and extended family.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the State Bar of California
- Partner at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica
Vanessa Sundin is a Partner at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP and is working in the Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration departments. Vanessa has extensive experience in estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, beneficiary representation, and tax. She works with clients to develop thoughtful, tax-sensitive estate plans, wealth transfer strategies, and methods of charitable giving, handles complex trust administrations, supervises trust and probate administrations, and represents beneficiaries in contentious trust administrations and probate matters.
Prior to joining Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP, Vanessa maintained her own practice, Sundin Law Office, a full-service trusts and estates boutique, in Chico, California. She continues to serve clients in the Butte County and North State areas.
Vanessa is a member of the State Bar of California, the Bar Association of San Francisco, and the Butte County Bar Association. She previously served as a board member and secretary for the North Valley Community Foundation. Vanessa also previously served as a board member and co-chair of the Stonewall Alliance Center of Chico and as a board member of the north State Estate Planning Council. Vanessa has frequently spoken on topics related to probate law, including estate planning, trust and probate administration, and elder law issues.
Vanessa received her B.A. in English Literature and German from California State University, Chico. She received both her J.D. and LL.M in Taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law. During her law school career, Vanessa was a member of the Honors Lawyering Program and Dean's List, and received Cali Awards in Writing and Research II, HLP Wills and Trusts Writing Lab, and Real Estate Finance. She also received the Honorable Mention Award for academic excellence in Real Estate Law. Prior to attending law school, Vanessa earned her Series 7 license and worked in finance as a registered sales associate with A.G. Edwards and Sons, Inc.
Vanessa splits her time between San Francisco and Chico. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and playing outdoors with her dog, Seisel.