SENIOR COUNSEL

Any accident can grow into a challenging legal dispute. Plaintiff attorneys promise millions of dollars for every injury. But outrageous verdicts can destroy a defendant, even an innocent one. My passion is ensuring that each case is resolved fairly, paying no more than what is right, deserved and justified under the law.

I have defended commercial clients such as Macy’s, UPS, and J. C. Penney, and many smaller businesses and individuals insured by Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Mercury, Progressive, State Farm and others. My cases have involved homeowner, home seller, and landlord liability; car, truck, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, construction accidents and disputes, products liability, and employment. My experience includes over 30 jury trials throughout California, and multiple appeals.

One dramatic UPS case was turned around when our appeal succeeded; eventually we recouped over $1 million for the company. On the plaintiff’s side, after a three-week jury trial, I recovered a verdict of $973,000–at the height of the banking crisis in 2008– for the family of an elderly man who was victimized by his bank.

A Los Angeles native, I graduated from UCLA in 1975 with a degree in economics and political science, and from UC Hastings, the law school now known as UC Law San Francisco, in 1978. My first employer, the San Francisco law office of Liberty Mutual, allowed me to try a jury trial in municipal court, first-chair, in 1979. Winning is fun, and I was hooked. My career continued with Liberty Mutual, and other firms, and led me to Cholakian & Associates in 2024. Kevin’s enthusiasm for cases and trials is contagious, and I am excited to be a part of his firm.

In my spare time, I love the Giants, hate the Dodgers, and spend as much time as I can with my five grandchildren. I currently serve as President of Marin County Women Lawyers, participate in California Women Lawyers, Marin Bar Association, and Susan G. Komen Foundation, and volunteer for the Marin County Superior Court.

Education

UCLA with a degree in Economics and Political Science

UC Hastings College of Law, now known as UC Law San Francisco