OAKWOOD LEGAL GROUP - Key Persons
Alexandra K. Sagona is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group and a vigorous advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. Dedicating her career to defending oppressed and marginalized groups, she frequently represents matters pertaining to clergy sexual abuse and is passionate about ongoing church reform efforts.
Alexandra's approach to her practice is centered on empowering clients to tell their stories. She understands the global implications impacting survivors of sexual trauma and ensures every client feels genuinely supported on their road to justice. Her patience and understanding build a trustworthy relationship that leads to attainable legal goals from the start. Possessing a background in civil litigation and criminal proceedings, Alexandra is a priceless advocate for her clients with extensive knowledge of the law to yield desired results.
Alexandra's extraordinary efforts have led to several prestigious opportunities and recognitions. During law school, she was on Loyola Law's Scott Moot Court Honors Board-an opportunity permitted only to the best appellate advocates in the school-and participated on two nationally competitive moot court teams: Criminal Procedure Moot Court and Entertainment Law Moot Court. In high school, Alexandra was recognized by the Las Vegas Community for "Making Las Vegas a Better Place to Live" after creating a felony-gang mentorship program for at-risk youth charged with felonies and misdemeanors.
Prior to the firm, Alexandra worked in the federal public defender's capital habeas unit on California death row cases. During law school, Alexandra worked at Loyola's Project for the Innocent, an organization dedicated to those wrongfully convicted of crimes. In addition to sexual clergy abuse, Alexandra has valuable experience in matters pertaining to criminal law, entertainment law, personal injury, premise liability, product liability, and wrongful death.
Outside of the firm, Alexandra is a proud member of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and the L.A. County Bar Association and gives back to her community on several mediums. She volunteers Saturdays at St. Francis Center to provide support for low-income residents and serves as a student mentor through Pepperdine University, helping first-generation students, like herself, transition into college life. Additionally, Alexandra has coached Pepperdine University's undergraduate mock trial team since 2017, and volunteers as an attorney for Team Prime Time-a middle school mock trial program dedicated to helping at-risk youth.
Alexandra received her B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Creative Writing from Pepperdine University, where she was part of Sigma Tau Delta's English Honor Society. She received her J.D. and a concentration in criminal justice from Loyola Law School and is admitted to practice in California state and federal courts. Alexandra officially joined the team in August 2022, sharing the firm's passion for representing individuals severely affected by trauma and the opportunity to be a leader in church reform.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Counsel at
- Member of the Korean American Bar Association and Alumni Groups for the University of California Berkeley
Andrew Chung is Of Counsel at at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a committed advocate for clients affected by trauma. Bringing 15 years of valuable law experience to the firm, he frequently represents clients in cases pertaining to labor and employment law, personal injury, mass tort, and catastrophic injury.
Andrew utilizes a client-centered approach with every case to build a working relationship based on trust and honesty. Most people who come to see Andrew are experiencing one of the lowest points of their lives, especially in cases of catastrophic injuries. Using his empathy and compassion, Andrew empowers his clients to set attainable goals that satisfy their need for justice and closure. His genuine commitment to his clients instills confidence in his abilities throughout the legal process, yielding favorable results that always keep his clients' best interests at heart.
Prior to the firm, Andrew represented plaintiffs in labor and employment litigation for five years before joining the defense bar for nearly a decade, becoming partner. As a defense attorney, Andrew oversaw a book of complex litigation matters involving personal and catastrophic injury, labor and employment, and wrongful death. Andrew has achieved numerous successes at trial and through his legal writing and oral advocacy. His successes include a defense verdict in a jury trial for a Fortune 50 client in February 2016 and a successful appeal and reversal in a dispute involving two youth sports organizations. In 2019, Andrew was the lead attorney for a published appellate decision in Kanovsky v. At Your Door Self Storage (2019) 42 Cal.App.5th 594, impacting the industry standard used for summary judgment.
Outside of his general practice, Andrew has been an active member of the Korean American Bar Association and alumni groups for the University of California Berkeley since 2006. Raised by Korean immigrants, Andrew is dedicated to serving marginalized and underrepresented communities without proper access to the legal system. Andrew has volunteered for pro bono legal clinics for KABA, given his time to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and regularly volunteers for the LA Food Bank and his son's school.
Andrew received his B.A. in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, where he received a Public Interest Scholarship. He is admitted to practice in California state and federal Courts. Andrew officially joined the Oakwood Legal Group team in August 2022 after working in defense law for many years and seeking a passionate firm to help advocate for clients who have been significantly harmed and abused.
Brennan S. Huelse is a Trial Attorney at Oakwood Legal Group, L.L.P. Brennan received his law degree from Southwestern Law School where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. While attending Southwestern, he served as Associate Editor on Southwestern's Law Review and was awarded the Dean's Academic Leadership Award and Southwestern Excellence Award. Before joining Oakwood Legal Group, Brennan worked as a law clerk for two years at a personal injury law firm where he worked on multiple million dollar cases. Brennan has earned millions of dollars for his personal injury clients and has served countless innocent victims of personal injury matters. Brennan has handled a wide variety of personal injury cases, from rear-end motor vehicle collisions to catastrophic, life-altering cases. In 2019 alone, Brennan attained two multi-million dollar settlements, including one involving a drunk driver.
Prior to attending law school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. During his time at VCU, he was a left-handed pitcher for their Division I baseball team, which he helped lead to winning the 2010 CAA Baseball Championship. After an injury ended his baseball career, Brennan decided to attend law school to take his competitive edge and determination to the courtroom to help give clients the justice they deserve.
Cindy K. Suh is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a tireless advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. She litigates matters through the firm's sexual abuse department in matters pertaining to public entities. Cindy's goal in every case is to empower her clients through dedicated and compassionate representation. She understands the rooted trauma suffered by sexual abuse survivors and the residual pain that arises from recounting these horrific events. Through steadfast counsel, Cindy strives to successfully guide her clients over the overwhelming procedural hurdles by clarifying all steps of the legal process along the way. She focuses on the ‘big picture' when setting attainable litigation goals, instilling confidence in her clients that justice will be served.
As a successful advocate, Cindy has been recognized on multiple occasions for her exceptional efforts. In law school, she was the recipient of several notable awards: the Southwestern Law Public Service Award; multiple CALI and Witkin awards for achieving academic excellence; and a publication award for Southwestern's Journal of International Law; and the top 10% Dean's List distinction. Additionally, Cindy was a scholarship recipient of the Women's Lawyers Association of Los Angeles in 2018.
Cindy has always been passionate about contributing her legal skills to the public. She has held several public service clerkships: an internship for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office in the Victims Impact Program focusing on domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual abuse crimes; a judicial externship in family law to the Honorable Marc Gross, Los Angeles Superior Court; and a clerkship at Children's Law Center, assisting minors that were often victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or other trauma. Cindy was also an advocate for Southwestern Law School's Children's Rights Clinic, representing low-income families in negotiations with LAUSD, drafting motions against school districts and supporting students with special education and behavioral challenges. She was also a former volunteer for Southwestern Law School's Tax Law Society helping low-income individuals file tax returns, and the school's Teen Court supporting high school students conduct mock trials and introducing them to law careers. Cindy also volunteered at the Harriet Buhai Center, a non-profit family law firm protecting survivors of domestic violence.
Prior to the firm, Cindy was an Associate Attorney at a family law firm, working on cases related to domestic violence, complex child custody, and high-profile divorces. Cindy received her B.A. in Communications from Boston College and her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. She officially joined the Oakwood Legal Group team in July 2022, matching the firm's dedication to seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse and severe trauma. Cindy is admitted to practice in California state courts.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Senior Trial Attorney
Ivanna Shakh is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group and a committed advocate for sexual abuse survivors.
From intake to resolution, Ivanna makes it clear to her clients that she is an ally prepared to fight for their best interests. Ivanna empowers her clients to share their stories and find their voice by ensuring they are informed and involved in every step of the process. Her patience and caring nature make it easy for clients to establish trust in her abilities- the pillar of success to seeking justice in any case. There is never a moment where her clients feel lost in legal complexities or unsupported on their path to attain their legal goals.
Ivanna first became interested in law as a history student. By studying history, she realized the immense importance and value that the law and legal system played in a society, from family structure to property ownership, to business formation and conflict resolution. Her involvement in history resulted in a passion for studying law and becoming an attorney. Ivanna's long-term goal is to become a trial attorney dedicated to advocating for the rights of clients affected by trauma.
As a law school student, Ivanna received First Honors in Constitutional Law. She had the opportunity to serve as a judicial extern in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, where in addition to performing legal research, Ivanna also visited and observed various court proceedings, including California Supreme Court and California Court of Appeal oral arguments. Ivanna also served as a volunteer in the Young Lawyers Program, where she mentored and prepared high school students in a mock trial competition.
Ivanna graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Art in History from Loyola Marymount University and, subsequently, obtained a J.D. from Loyola Law School with a concentration in Civil Litigation and Advocacy. Prior to the firm, Ivanna worked as an attorney in a plaintiff's firm specializing in personal injury. She is admitted to the State Bar of California and permitted to practice in California courts. Ivanna joined Oakwood Legal Group in September 2021, excited by the opportunity to work with a firm that mirrors her passion and desire to advocate for the rights of others.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- of Counsel
- Member of Both the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
James W. Lewis is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal group, LLP and Partner at Slater, Slater, Schulman, LLP. Jim has over 20 years of legal experience and is highly regarded as a fierce advocate for survivors of trauma. James represents survivors in matters involving sexual assault, sexual abuse, civil rights, and traumatic personal injury.
Understanding the life-long effects of trauma, James treats every client with the respect and dignity they deserve. His tireless efforts have led to multiple multi-million-dollar outcomes on behalf of his clients. One case, believed to be the largest sexual assault settlement paid by LA County at the time, involved a $6.15 million settlement against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on behalf of a woman who was sexually assaulted by a deputy on duty.
As a seasoned attorney, James has been recognized time and again by notable organizations in the industry. James was recently listed in both the Best Lawyers in America publication and as a Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer in 2020. He has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer every year since 2017 and was recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2008 to 2011 and 2013 to 2014.
In addition to advocating for victims of abuse, James has successfully litigated various personal injury matters involving motor vehicle accidents, amputations, brain injuries, burn injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, and product liability.
James obtained his B.A. from San Diego State University and his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law. James was admitted to the State Bar of California in 2000 and is permitted to practice in all California State Courts and the United States District Court, Central District of California.
Outside of the firm, James is a member of both the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Consumer Attorneys of California. He has also served for many years as the vice-chair and pro-bono legal counsel of the Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation-which raises funds for Antelope Valley Hospital in Los Angeles County.
Kyle Gaines is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP, bringing 10 years of exceptional experience to the firm. With an extensive background in defense law, Kyle is a vigorous and successful advocate who frequently represents cases pertaining to sexual abuse and assault. Kyle's practice is centered around honesty and straightforward communication strategies. His forthright approach from intake ensures his clients he has their best interests at heart and instills trust in his abilities to achieve favorable results. By educating his clients on the legal process throughout, survivors feel empowered to confront their abusers with Kyle's support and seek the justice they deserve.
Prior to the firm, Kyle was a Partner at a prominent firm in Los Angeles for five years with a prioritized focus on helping small business owners confront and overcome cases involving environmental, toxic tort, and personal injury matters. He also handled various first-party and third-party claims pertaining to catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, workers' compensation, and contribution and indemnity claims.
Outside his practice, Kyle remains passionate about giving back to others and supporting his community. As an undergraduate, Kyle spent time in China volunteering to teach English to underprivileged children. He's also an avid supporter for City of Hope, regularly donating funds to assist in the development of new cancer treatments and research.
Kyle received a B.A. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara prior to obtaining his J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. As a law student, Kyle was the recipient of the Jefferson Fellow Academic Scholarship, a quarterfinalist in the TYLA regional mock trial competition, and was frequently named on the honor roll. Before passing the Bar, he worked as a clerk for two leading California law firms and earned a coveted internship in the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. He is admitted to practice in California along with the Federal Southern and Central Districts in California.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- of Counsel
- Member of the American Association for Justice
Lauren Welling is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, representing survivors of sexual abuse. With nearly a decade of experience as a Plaintiff's attorney, Lauren has represented thousands of individuals in both state and federal courts, primarily focusing on mass tort and complex litigation.
Lauren uses a client-focused approach and extensive procedural knowledge of the law to seek the best possible outcomes for her clients. She's honest about the litigation process, reviewing all potential outcomes and requirements with her clients, to instill confidence in their cases. Her fierce advocacy and skill have led her to be appointed to the Plaintiffs' leadership in previous litigations.
Lauren began her career advocating for children and youth in the juvenile dependency court system in California. She transitioned to a large Plaintiff's firm and began advocating for individuals harmed by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. Prior to representing survivors of sexual abuse, Lauren spent 9 years litigating complex cases and has extensive experience in multi-district litigation (MDL) and in Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP). She has represented thousands of clients in state and federal suits involving mass torts and complex litigation, primarily focused on medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, product liability, and personal injury.
Lauren is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Mexican American Bar Association. She is an avid volunteer with the YMCA and We The Action-an organization that connects volunteer lawyers with non-profit organizations. Lauren also frequently volunteers for local youth events through her children's school, supporting teachers and faculty whenever possible.
Lauren graduated with honors from California State University Fullerton with a B.A. in Communications and American Studies prior to graduating cum laude with her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Lauren joined Oakwood Legal Group in June 2023 and is permitted to practice in California State Courts, the United States District Courts of the Central, Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts, and the United States Courts of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- of Counsel
- Member of the Orange County Bar Association
Mackenzie Johnson is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group and a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. Mackenzie is an integral part of the firm's sexual abuse department, frequently representing children, adults victimized as children, and adult survivors in institutional abuse.a
Mackenzie serves as a uniquely qualified advocate for survivors, prioritizing connection and honesty above all else. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself and a bilingual attorney, Mackenzie genuinely empathizes and supports her clients in ways most attorneys cannot. She focuses on forging a holistic, client-centered relationship that empowers survivors to both have a voice and be heard. Her wealth of experience and passion for justice gives her the drive necessary to accomplish her client's litigation goals, allowing her to fight ceaselessly on their behalf.
Since beginning her law career, Mackenzie has exclusively focused on the representation of survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and molestation against school districts, public entities and private entities. Prior to Oakwood Legal Group, she gained significant experience as an Associate Attorney with a firm specializing in high-stakes childhood sexual abuse cases-such as the sexual abuse cases against USC and UCLA. Mackenzie has secured several six-figure and multi-million-dollar settlements on behalf of her clients.
Mackenzie is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division, the Orange County Women Lawyers Association, and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. She is passionate about giving back, often volunteering at her local animal shelter-OC Animal Care-and giving back by attending women's marches, advocating for uterus-bearing reproductive rights, and donating to charitable organizations. Additionally, as a law student, Mackenzie took part in the Bette and Wylie Aitken Family Protection Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to low-income, homeless, and undocumented survivors of intimate partner violence.
Mackenzie received her B.A. in International Relations, a B.A. in French, and a minor in Ethics, Justice, and Policy from California State University, Chico. There, she frequented the Dean's list each semester and was a member of the International Foreign Language Honor Society, Phi Sigma Iota. Mackenzie graduated cum laude with her J.D. from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law with an emphasis in International Law. During law school, Mackenzie served as President of the Chapman Women's Lawyers Association, President of the International Law Society, and as the Public Relations Director for the Student Bar Association. She also spent a summer abroad in Tel Aviv, Israel as an intern for the Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women.
Magnus Forsythe is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a dynamic advocate for survivors of sexual trauma. As a key part of the firm's sexual abuse advocacy team, Magnus frequently litigates adult victim cases as well as cases filed under the Child Victims Act. From the moment he meets a new client, Magnus leads his practice with kindness and support. He understands how overwhelming the legal process can become for survivors, especially when recounting acts of sexual trauma. Magnus ensures his clients are educated about their case and what to expect as the litigation unfolds. Through dedicated work and an empathetic approach, Magnus shows his clients he's an advocate they can trust, who always has their best interests at heart.
Magnus has been recognized on several occasions for his commitment to the law. He was the Second-Place winner of the Homer Albers Prize Moot Court Competition and a participant in the New York City Bar Association's National Moot Court Competition. While in law school at BU Law, Magnus was elected the Class Representative for the Student Government Association and editor for the Public Interest Law Journal. He was recognized for his performance in the Journal Writing Competition and his commitment to achieving equal justice for low income and disabled people while interning for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.
Outside of the firm, Magnus combines his passion for justice and love for animals as an avid supporter of animal rights. Since 2015, he has been involved in philanthropic work with several local Humane Societies to raise thousands in funds for animals in need. In the future, Magnus hopes to be involved with international volunteer projects focusing on wildlife conservation, global public health, and preserving indigenous communities.
Michael A. Amaro is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a committed advocate in the firm's sexual abuse litigation department. Knowing every survivor has a unique story, Michael implements a person-centered approach in every case explicitly tailored to each client. His meticulous representation ensures his clients are on a successful path and instills trust in his abilities to obtain favorable results. By remaining attentive and open throughout the legal process, Michael empowers survivors to secure the justice they deserve and find their voice to stand up against their abuser.
Michael has continued his passion for the law outside of the firm through several initiatives. He is an active mentor for L.E.A.P. (Legal Education Access Pipeline, Inc.), where he mentors law students from historically underrepresented and diverse backgrounds, in preparing law school applications and throughout their legal career. Prior to this, Michael volunteered as an attorney-coach for three years in the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County's mock trial program for a local high school. He was also the co-founder of the Loyola Law School First-Generation Scholarship, which provides a scholarship to law students who are the first in their families to attend law school.
Michael graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside. He received his J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles with a concentration in Intellectual Property. He is admitted to practice in California State Courts and the United States District Court, Central District of California.
In his personal life, Michael is an avid lover of dogs, music, and running. To date, he's run eight marathons and is preparing for his ninth in Patagonia by the end of 2022. As an active volunteer, Michael also spends time with the St. Francis Center in Los Angeles, serving food to homeless residents and low-income families.
Michael D. Terani is partner at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP. Michael received his law degree from Loyola Law School. Prior to attending Loyola, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UCLA. He has been named "Top Lawyers in California" by the Legal Network and has successfully served thousands of clients since 2006. Early in his career, Michael gained invaluable experience working for the Santa Monica City Attorney's office. There he helped handle injury matters including slip and falls, bus accidents, police misconduct, road design matters and other personal injury cases. In 2007, Michael established his own practice which slowly grew to become a multi-jurisdictional law firm that worked with over 100 attorneys across the country. It was his passion to help those who have been injured that led him to form Oakwood Legal Group and devote 100% of his practice to California personal injury matters.
Michael is extremely passionate about serving his community. For more than two decades, Michael has consistently volunteered his time to serve as a coach and mentor to the youth in the community.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group LLP
Michael W. Carney is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group LLP and Partner at Slater, Slater, Schulman, LLP. Michael received his law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Michael was designated as a Senior Deputy District Attorney for the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, assigned to the Homicide Unit, prior to joining Oakwood Legal Group. Michael has 15 years of experience as a trial attorney and has dedicated his career to relentlessly pursuing justice for individuals who have endured traumatic instances of sexual abuse and assault. As a former criminal prosecutor, Michael has litigated first-hand some of the most horrific cases of sexual abuse and violence; he understands the importance of giving survivors a voice.
Michael has conducted over 80 jury trials throughout his career. Several of his cases have received both local and national attention in a variety of mass media sources including 48 Hours on CBS, Dateline NBC's "To Catch a Predator" series, and a documentary to be featured on Netflix. These extraordinary efforts have earned Michael a running list of impressive recognitions over the years including: the Community Service Award of the Richard T. Fields Bar Association of the Inland Empire, the California State Senate Certificate of Recognition, and the Felony Trial Attorney of the Year Award.
Additionally, Michael has served as board member for the Asian American Prosecutors Association since 2013 and has been a guest speaker at several events for the Asian American Task Force committee of the RUHS mental health department. Michael is a warrior on all accounts, both in the courtroom and in his personal life. A lifelong practitioner of various forms of martial arts, Michael competed as an amateur in kickboxing while he was attending college and more recently has trained in submission-wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Outside of the courtroom, Michael continues his commitment to the community by operating as co-founder of a mentorship program aimed at steering at-risk youth away from negative influences.
Neda Saghafi is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. As a bilingual attorney fluent in both English and Farsi, Neda successfully represents a range of clients through the firm's Sexual Abuse Department.
Neda empowers survivors to tell their stories using a client-centered philosophy that places the individual at the heart of every matter. Effective and empathetic communication is the pillar of Neda's practice. She always remains responsive to her clients and helps them seamlessly navigate the complex legal system.
Neda served as a Policy Intern at UN Women in the Ending Violence Against Women Section, where she provided feedback for regional and country work plans, concept notes, and e-learning modules; participated in policy, general assembly, and section meetings; and facilitated a conversation regarding #metoo with movement founder Tarana Burke. She has worked alongside agencies advocating for survivors of trafficking and intimate partner violence and is also a Teach for America Alumna and former advisory committee member for LifeBridge Health's Center for Hope.
Neda has engaged in pro bono legal work with various organizations, including Catholic Charities and the Children's Law Center of Washington, D.C. She was also pro-bono co-counsel with the ACLU of Louisiana in a federal civil rights action.
Neda served as a former law clerk to one of seven judges on Maryland's highest court and was a legal extern for the SAFE Center for Human Trafficking. She was published in the Northeast University Law Review (The American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man: Using a Human Rights Framework to Deconstruct Systemic Police Misconduct Against Low-Income Women of Color, 10 NE.U.L.Rev. 502 (2018)). Prior to joining the firm and dedicating her practice to advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, Neda worked in product liability matters related to pharmaceutical and biologics products, including mass torts.
Neda graduated with her B.S. in Business Administration, B.A. in Psychology, and a minor in Global Poverty and Practice from the University of California, Berkeley. She received her Master's in Education from Johns Hopkins University before graduating with her J.D. from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law. She joined Oakwood Legal Group in October 2022 and is barred in California, Washington DC, New York, and Maryland.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- of Counsel
- Member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
Paulina Hassan Jaafar is an Associate Attorney at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP, representing survivors of sexual abuse. Paulina frequently litigates cases involving the Child Victims Act throughout California.
Paulina is a passionate advocate focused on creating achievable goals for her clients. Her approachable nature empowers survivors to share their stories and helps build a successful relationship premised on trust.
Prior to joining the firm, Paulina represented plaintiffs in mass tort and catastrophic loss matters. Paulina also has experience litigating cases involving motor vehicle and truck accidents, product liability, premises liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
Paulina is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA). She enjoys giving back to her community, frequently donating to and volunteering for events through the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood.
Paulina graduated with a B.A. in North African and Middle Eastern Studies from UCLA and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School, where she received the CALI award for excellent achievement in the study of the International Protection of Human Rights Seminar. Paulina joined Oakwood Legal Group in July 2023 and is licensed to practice in California state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
In her personal life, Paulina enjoys traveling, cooking, attending concerts, spending time with her family, and exploring the various cuisines that Los Angeles offers.
Raymond J. Zolekhian is partner at Oakwood Legal Group. Raymond received his law degree from Harvard Law School. Prior to attending Harvard, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Businesss-Economics, magna cum laude, from UCLA. He has been awarded countless honors including being named as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and The Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers. He was also named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine. In 2014 alone, he obtained a $4.1 Million verdict for a client who suffered a trip and fall, a $2 Million settlement for a client who was in a truck accident and a $1.1 Million settlement for a client who was in a car accident. These verdicts earned him a place in both The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Ryan A. Camastra is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP. He focuses exclusively on litigating civil sexual abuse and assault matters on behalf of children and vulnerable adults. Understanding the life-long effects of trauma, Ryan represents his clients to ensure that they feel comfortable and heard. His empathetic approach with clients establishes trust from their first meeting and creates a safe environment for survivors to tell their stories. Ryan demystifies the civil legal process by using clear language and active communication. By eliminating these barriers, his clients are confident in his abilities to obtain the justice that they deserve.
Prior to joining the firm, Ryan worked as a law clerk for Children's Law Center of California. There, he assisted minors' counsel in dependency court relating to child abuse and neglect proceedings. He subsequently worked as an associate attorney at a plaintiffs' side personal injury firm in Southern California, frequently handling complex civil products liability and toxic tort matters. There, his work was instrumental in securing various six and seven figure settlements on behalf of his clients, including a $1,125,000.00 settlement in a contested products liability matter on behalf of an individual injured while utilizing industrial machinery.
In addition to representing survivors of sexual abuse, Ryan has significant experience working with and advocating for students. Prior to law school, Ryan worked as a clinician and provided one-on-one specialized instruction for children with special needs. During law school, Ryan volunteered as a project leader for the Inclusive Education Project, where he attended IEP meetings with families and school district officials to advocate on behalf of students. Ryan also there conducted "Know-Your-Rights" meetings with parents and professionals to provide guidance on matters relating to special education law.
Ryan's dedication has earned him several honors and accolades throughout his legal career. During law school, Ryan received the UCI Law Dean's Award in Negotiations and Mediation and the UCI Law Faculty Award in both his Research Fellowship and Wills and Trusts courses. Ryan was further awarded the 2017-2018 UCI Law Pro Bono Achievement Award for his work in the community.Ryan graduated with a B.M. from the University of Southern California and obtained his J.D. from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. He is licensed to practice in California and the United States District Courts for the Central and Northern Districts of California. Ryan joined the Slater Slater Schulman team in October 2021 at the chance to seek justice and healing on behalf of sexual abuse survivors.
Sandra Farzam is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, specializing in advocacy for sexual abuse survivors-including minors attending public schools in California.
Sandra values empathy in her practice and strives to develop a relationship of trust and support with her clients. Knowing survivors of sexual abuse consistently relive their trauma when deciding to bring a legal claim, Sandra assess each client's unique needs and goals in light of their particular circumstances.
Prior to joining Oakwood Legal Group, Sandra was a former volunteer for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, where she interviewed, counseled, and prepared domestic violence victims to obtain temporary restraining orders. Sandra was also honored with the grand prize in the 2018 Beverly Hills Bar Association's Rule of Law Writing Competition.
Sandra received her B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley and her J.D. from the USC Gould School of Law. She is licensed to practice in California State courts. She joined our team team in February 2023, dedicated to fighting for individuals who have suffered traumatic abuse.
Sarah Kissel Meier is Of Counsel for Oakwood Legal Group, LLP advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. Sarah's previous experience representing clients affected by trauma allows her to zealously fight for survivors of both child and sexual abuse alike.
Sarah adopts an empathetic, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach with her clients. She strives to understand each survivor's unique circumstances and concerns to create a supportive environment.
Prior to joining Oakwood Legal Group, Sarah served as a Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office-where she was selected to be a member of the Victim Impact Unit. She conducted jury trials in this role and managed a caseload of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and violent felony matters, with a specialized focus on gang violence targeting homosexual men. Additionally, Sarah served as an attorney at the Children's Law Center of California, representing minors who were survivors of child abuse, child neglect, and sexual abuse in the context of commercial sexual exploitation.
Sarah was a former volunteer facilitator with Project LEAD from 2019 to 2023, helping to educate inner-city students on the legal and social consequences of juvenile crimes. As a facilitator, Sarah taught a 20-week curriculum to fifth-grade classes centered on techniques for resisting peer pressure, gang violence, and illicit drug use. She remains a mentor to many of her former students today.
Sarah received her B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine before obtaining her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. She joined the firm in August 2023 and is licensed to practice in California.
Outside of the firm, Sarah is a fitness enthusiast and avid sports fan who enjoys meditation, hiking and spending time on the beach.
Simona Danesh is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP. Simona received her Juris Doctor from the California Western School of Law and is licensed to practice in California State, the Federal Southern, Eastern, and the Central District Courts of California. While obtaining her B.A. in International Studies from California University, Long Beach, Simona earned a University Diploma (diplôme universitaire) in French and European Studies from L'université Aix-Marseille III, Aix-en-Provence in France during a year-long study abroad program. Simona joined the team at Oakwood Legal Group after connecting with the firm's drive for vindicating the rights of their clients.
Simona's drive to help victims of unlawful and negligent conduct stems from her genuine compassion for others. Her person-centered approach begins with honesty and respect. She strives to create an empowering environment where her clients feel safe to share their stories. This successful technique arms Simona with the pertinent information she needs to set achievable legal goals for her clients, goals that not only give victims a voice but propel them towards securing the justice they deserve.
Simona has represented employees throughout California in single-plaintiff cases, class actions, and PAGA representative actions involving matters such as wrongful termination, unpaid wages, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment. Prior to this experience, Simona frequently handled complex and catastrophic cases, including birth injuries, brain injuries, and wrongful death. Her aggressive litigation practices have secured several multi-million-dollar settlements throughout her career: $5 million on behalf of a child who sustained permanent lifelong neurological injury and cognitive impairment; $5 million on behalf of a child in a birth injury case resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy; and $3 million on behalf of an individual catastrophically injured in a multi-vehicle car crash.
Simona was inspired to become an attorney after spending a significant amount of time studying and working abroad in France, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Dubai, Iran, and Malta on issues ranging from systemic discrimination, socio-economic and political disenfranchisement, and human rights violations. After attending sentencing hearings in Tanzania at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Simona was determined to pursue a career in law to advocate on behalf of individuals who have been wronged.
Outside of the firm, Simona is active in the legal community and holds memberships in several bar associations dedicated to the vindication of employees and injured individuals, including the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), and the California Employment Lawyers Association. In 2018, Simona was appointed to the Delegation and Diversity in the Profession Committees of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA). Simona was also recognized as a bar leader by LACBA in honor of Women's History Month. In addition, Simona has done pro bono and volunteer work for organizations such as the Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project and Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law in an effort to give more back to her community.
Uriel Ari Gdolian is an associate at Oakwood Legal Group, L.L.P. Ari received his law degree from Southwestern Law School where he was awarded the Institutional Advancement Scholarship. While attending law school, Ari worked as a clerk at a real estate and business litigation firm where he fought for the rights of victims of unlawful foreclosures and against bad faith insurance defense tactics. Before joining Oakwood Legal Group, Ari gained experience in complex real estate and business litigation. Prior to attending law school, Ari graduated magna cum laude from UCLA where he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors. Ari is an active member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) and the Southwestern Law School Alumni Association. During his free time, Ari enjoys traveling, hiking, water sports, and spending time with his great dane.
Vache Muradian is Of Counsel at Oakwood Legal Group, LLP and a driven advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. With a retribution-minded perspective and approach to achieving justice for his clients, Vache frequently represents cases pertaining to child and adult sexual assault. Establishing trust is imperative to Vache when forging relationships with survivors. First and foremost, Vache ensures his clients feel their voices are heard and valued. Vache provides transparent representation through detail-focused questions by establishing clear and attainable legal goals. He maintains responsive and respectful communication with his clients throughout the entire process to ensure they stay informed every step towards attaining justice.
In addition to his practice, Vache is a proud and active member of the American Inns of Court. Invited as a law student, Vache frequently hosts and attends monthly meetings with panel presentations on various topics related to the law and provides mentorship opportunities to students and newer attorneys from more experienced attorneys and judges. Valuing his experience with the Americans Inns of Court, Vache continued his membership as a licensed attorney after graduation to give back to others who had generously given to him.