ATTORNEYS

MATTHEW E. PODMENIK:
Matthew Podmenik is the Civil Litigation Managing Attorney for McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton and an MBA and JD from the University of Toledo. Mr. Podmenik was a research assistant to Professor Roger Anderson and his work can be seen in the update to the textbook Fundamentals of Trusts and Estates. Mr. Podmenik has authored articles involving foreclosure issues for the United Trustee Association and the California Real Property Law Reporter. Mr. Podmenik is admitted to practice in the State of California.

JAVONNE M. PHILLIPS:
JaVonne M. Phillips joined McCarthy & Holthus in 2003 and is its Bankruptcy Managing Attorney. She has extensive legal experience with a business background. Ms. Phillips obtained a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Finance from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. She graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1995. Her legal work ultimately led her to accepting a position at the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office in Modesto, California, where she rapidly became a Senior Prosecutor. She possesses extensive courtroom experience, which includes conducting over 40 jury and bench trials. Ms. Phillips is admitted to practice law in the State of California.

PAUL M. LEVINE:
Paul M. Levine is the managing partner in the Phoenix, AZ. office. Mr. Levine has been in practice since 1983. He has tried numerous jury and non-jury trials. In 2006, he was the lead attorney for a company that obtained the third largest jury verdict in the sate of Arizona. Mr. Levine is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Arizona and California. Mr. Levine is a member of the real property section of the Arizona state bar.

MATTHEW A. SILVERMAN:
Matthew A. Silverman is an associate in the Phoenix, AZ office located in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Mr. Silverman obtained his law degree from California Western School of Law in August 1997. Mr. Silverman began working for McCarthy Holthus in August 1997 and has continued to work for them for the past ten years. Mr. Silverman specializes in Bankruptcy and Foreclosure and is licensed to practice in the State of Arizona and the State of New Mexico.

ANGELA MICHAEL:
Angela Michael is an associate for the firm’s Northwest office located in the Seattle area. After graduating form Gonzaga University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and Spanish, she earned her Juris Doctorate from the School of Law at Gonzaga University in 2002. Ms. Michael has been a guest lecturer for the National Business Institute and Pennsylvania Bar Institute on the subject of bankruptcy. She is admitted to practice in the Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as the State of Washington. She is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington. Ms. Michael is also admitted to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

KRISTIN SCHULER-HINTZ:
Kristin Schuler-Hintz is the Managing Attorney for the Las Vegas NV office. After graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, she obtained her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1999. While at USD, she received the CALI Award for Excellence in Conflict of Laws and was recognized as one of the best Oral Advocates during her first year of Law School. In addition, she contributed to the Children’s Regulatory Law Reporter and was published in the Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues – Issues in California Family Law. Ms. Schuler-Hintz is admitted to bar in the states of California and Nevada and practices primarily in the areas of Bankruptcy and Nevada Mortgage related litigation.

GAYLE JAMESON:
Gayle Jameson is an associate in the Eviction Department. After graduating from college with an English degree and a teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University, Ms. Jameson obtained her law degree from California Western School of Law in December 1999. She gained experience in real estate law and unlawful detainer actions and created her own private practice specializing in estate planning including trusts, wills and health care directives. Before joining McCarthy & Holthus, LLP, she was the General Manager for a finance company and most recently consulted for a real estate development company in the acquisitions and dispositions department. Ms. Jameson is admitted to practice law in the State of California.

SETH HARRIS:
Seth Harris is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department. Prior to receiving his law degree, Mr. Harris graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University San Marcos in 2004. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School in 2007; graduating Cum Laude. Admitted to the California bar in 2007, Mr. Harris was then admitted in the Southern, Central and Northern Districts of California of the U.S. District Court. While attending Whittier Law School, Mr. Harris was a member of the Whittier Law Review and was awarded the CALI Award of Excellence in Contracts. Mr. Harris’ has worked in a professional law office since 2001.

DAVID C. SCOTT:
David Scott is a member in the Civil Litigation Department. He received a Bachelor of Arts from University of California at San Diego in 1996. He then obtained his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2002 and was admitted to the California Bar in 2003. He has since been admitted in the Southern, Central and Northern Districts of California of the U.S. District Court. He was awarded by the Advocacy Honors Board most valuable Trial Team Member, and Citibank Trial Attorney of the Year in 2005. Mr. Scott is admitted to practice law in the State of California.

JENNIFER WONG:
Jennifer Wong is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics, she received her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2006. While attending California Western, Ms. Wong clerked for the Employee Rights Center where she assisted employees with wage disputes and unemployment insurance matters. She was inducted to California Western’s Pro Bono Honors Program in 2004. Ms. Wong is admitted to practice law in the State of California.

CHARLES BELL:
Charles Bell is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department. After graduating from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, he received his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2007. While attending California Western School of Law, Mr. Bell served as President of the Black Law Students Association, worked as a legal intern with the San Diego County Public Defenders Office Felony Division and was a Judicial Extern for the Honorable John Houston in the United States District Court for the Southern District. Mr. Bell’s love for sports led him to work in sports marketing and contract negotiations before becoming an associate in the Civil Litigation Department of McCarthy & Holthus, LLP.” Mr. Bell is admitted to practice law in the state of California.

JAMES HESTER:
James Hester is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department. After serving as an army officer, Mr. Hester obtained his law degree from the University of San Diego along with a master’s degree in International Relations and a Masters of Law degree in International Business. He has tried, arbitrated and mediated dozens of cases, has written numerous published articles for various legal publications, along with two books, and has served as a judge pro tem. Mr. Hester is admitted to practice law in the state of California.

KELLY M. RAFTERY:
Kelly Raftery is an associate attorney in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. After graduating from The American University’s School of Public Affairs in 2003 with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Ms. Raftery received her Juris Doctorate in 2006 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During law school, Ms. Raftery studied Comparative Constitutional Law under Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who provided an in-depth analysis on the rights of individuals held as enemy combatants by the United States. Ms. Raftery is admitted to practice law in the State of California, as well as the in the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern districts of the United States District Court.

MATTHEW B. LEARNED:
Matthew Learned is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy Holthus, LLP. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2002. He subsequently received his MBA from San Diego State University and his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. While at California Western, Mr. Learned became a member of the Pro Bono Honors Society for his volunteer work with the California Innocence Project. Prior to becoming an associate at McCarthy & Holthus, his strong business sense led him to intern with REEF and work as in house counsel for an independent record label. Mr. Learned is admitted to practice law in the state of California.

ANDREW E. HALL:
Andrew Hall is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. Mr. Hall received his B.A. from University of San Diego and J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Mr. Hall’s education at Thomas Jefferson culminated with recognition on the Distinguished Honor Roll in his final semester. Mr. Hall earned Admitted to the California Bar in October, 2008 and was subsequently admitted to the Southern, Eastern and Central District Courts.

SETH J. ADAMS:
Seth Adams is an associate in the Las Vegas, Nevada office practicing in the areas of Bankruptcy and Mortgage related civil litigation. After graduating from Northern Arizona University, he worked for several large financial institutions before attending Gonzaga University where he acquired his J.D. and M.B.A. While enrolled at Gonzaga, Mr. Adams was a member of Moot Court Honors Council, a clerk for University Legal Assistance, and a semi-finalist in the ABA Client Counseling Competition. Mr. Adams is admitted to practice law in the state of Nevada.

RACHEL S. OPATIK:
Rachel Opatik is an associate in the civil litigation department. Ms. Opatik graduated from the University of Michigan in 2001, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2006. While in law school, she clerked for an administrative law judge of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She also received the State Bar of California Wiley M. Manual Award for her pro bono legal work with the California Innocence Project and San Diego Legal Aid Society. Ms. Opatik was admitted to practice law in the State of California in June 2006.

MELISSA COUTTS:
Melissa Coutts is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. She attended Northern Arizona University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Ms. Coutts graduated Cum Laude from California Western School of Law in 2006. While at California Western, she was a member of Law Review and was published in the California Western International Law Journal. Before joining the firm, she clerked for the Hon. Ruben B. Brooks, Hon. Anthony J. Battaglia, and Hon. Larry A. Burns of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Ms. Coutts is admitted to practice law in the state of California.

JESSICA PARTRIDGE:
Jessica Partridge is an associate in the Civil Litigation and Unlawful Detainer departments at McCarthy & Holthus LLP. Ms. Partridge earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, cum laude, Honors Collegium. While earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Partridge won three gold medals at the National Championships in Speech and Debate, eight medals at the State Championships, in addition to forty other regional awards. While in law school, Ms. Partridge was one of the winners of the Thorsnes Closing Arguments Competition and made the National Mock Trial Team. Ms. Partridge participated with the University of San Diego Entrepreneurship Clinic, the Center for Public Interest Law, the IRS-Sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and was a research assistant for the director of the University of San Diego Legal Clinics. Ms. Partridge was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December 2008.

KRISTIN A. ZILBERSTEIN:
Kristin A. Zilberstein is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. Ms. Zilberstein obtained a Bachelor Degree from the University of California, San Diego in Economics with an Emphasis in Business and an Emphasis in the Environment in 1995. She graduated from California Western School of Law in 1998 and passed the bar that same year. Originally, her career began in general liability insurance defense where she gained extensive experience handling all aspects of Civil Litigation including jury trials. Ms. Zilberstein is admitted to practice law in the State of California including the Southern, Central, Eastern, and Northern districts of California of the United States District Court.

GREGORY J. BABCOCK:
Gregory J. Babcock is an associate in McCarthy and Holthus’s Bankruptcy department. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Babcock was an associate with a Delaware law firm where his practice concentrated on bankruptcy and corporate restructuring. Mr. Babcock earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2005, and his A.B., cum laude, from Rollins College in 2002. While in law school, Mr. Babcock served as a summer law clerk to Judge Karen S. Jennemann of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. Mr. Babcock is admitted to practice in California, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.

MERDAUD JAFARNIA:
Merdaud Jafarnia is a member in the Bankruptcy department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. After graduating from University of California, Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science, he earned his Jurist Doctorate from Southwestern School of Law in 2001. In Law School Merdaud externed for Chief judge of the Central District Court the Honorable Judge Hatter and for the Honorable Judge Goldberg in the US Bankruptcy Court. After law school, Merdaud practiced Intellectual property and civil litigation. Prior to joining McCarthy & Holthus, Merdaud worked as a staff attorney for the 9th Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel in Pasadena and the Los Angeles Office of hearing Appeals for the Social Security Administration. Merdaud is admitted to practice law in state of California.

ANNA MARIE FARRALES:
Anna Marie Farrales is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Public Policy. Ms. Farrales graduated from California Western School of Law in 2008. While attending California Western School of Law, she was an active member of the Student Bar Association and worked as a legal intern with a business/civil litigation firm in Downtown San Diego. Ms. Farrales is admitted to practice law in the state of California in.

THOMAS J. RUHRUP:
Thomas J. Ruhrup is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in 1970. After serving in the U.S. Navy he earned his law degree from Western State University College of Law in 1983. He has been involved in the real estate industry since 1974 and in the title insurance industry since 1976. Mr. Ruhrup has also represented several public agencies during his career. He is a member of the Real Property Section of State Bar of California. He is also a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and has served as chairman of its Real Property Law Section. Mr. Ruhrup was underwriting counsel for a nationwide title insurer for 20 years before joining McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. He has served on many committees of the California Land Title Association. Mr. Ruhrup has been a frequent public speaker and lecturer on the foreclosure process and all aspects of title insurance. Mr. Ruhrup was admitted to practice law in California and in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on December 12, 1983. He was admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Central and Northern Districts of California in November of 2009.

RENEE DE GOLIER:
Renee De Golier is an associate attorney in the Civil Litigation department at McCarthy Holthus, LLP. Ms. De Golier graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2005, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in the concentrations of Political Science and Sociology. While an undergraduate, Ms. De Golier was involved in campus organizations such as the UC Irvine Law Forum and the Advocacy Association, of which she is presently an alumnus in good standing. She also interned with the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office. Following her graduation, the University published an article Ms. De Golier authored in the 2007 Edition of the University Law Forum Journal entitled UNITED STATES V. BARAJAS-AVALOS: The Fourth Amendment and its Limitations. Ms. De Golier obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2008. While in law school, Ms. De Golier maintained several legal clerking positions in fields such as civil litigation and entertainment law. She was also involved in student associations such as the San Diego Student Bar Association, Business Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and the Entertainment Law Society. Ms. De Golier was admitted to practice law in the State of California in 2009.

ROSHNI V. PATEL:
Roshni V. Patel is an associate in the Civil Litigation department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. Ms. Patel has previous experience in construction defect, employment, and labor law matters. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego School of Business. While attending law school, Ms. Patel participated in several Moot Court competitions and was a recipient of the Best Oral Advocate award during her first year at the University of San Diego School of Law. Ms. Patel also received the opportunity to participate in a wage and hour class action jury trial as a Certified Law Student. Following trial, the case was highlighted as a San Diego Daily Transcript Trial Digest Case of the Week. Ms. Patel was admitted to the California Bar in August 2006 and is subsequently admitted to practice in the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Central District Courts.

JESSICA R. KENNEY:
Jessica R. Kenney is an associate attorney in the Eviction, Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation Departments in the Phoenix, Arizona office. In 2005, Ms. Kenney graduated with honors from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 2008. During law school, Ms. Kenney was a legal extern in the Maricopa County Superior Court and the United States District Court, District of Arizona, volunteered with pro Bono Groups, such as, the Advocacy Program for Battered Woman, sat on the board of directors for the International Law Student Association, was named a Pedrick Scholar and was nominated for a Fulbright Fellowship. Prior to joining the firm Ms. Kenney practiced family law and consumer bankruptcy. Ms. Kenney is admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona.

REBECCA LANG:
Rebecca Lang is an associate in the Civil Litigation and Unlawful Detainer departments. Ms. Lang graduated from California State University Long Beach, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Ms. Lang then attended California Western School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate in December of 2006. Prior to working at McCarthy & Holthus, Ms. Lang practiced in the areas of General Civil Litigation, Evictions, and Bankruptcy. Ms. Lang was admitted to practice law in the State of California June 1, 2007.

CHRISTOPHER K. LEZAK:
Christopher K. Lezak is an associate in the Las Vegas, Nevada office, practicing primarily in the area of Bankruptcy. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Oregon and J.D. from U.C. Hastings, he practiced for several years in California, representing Chapter 7 Trustees in the Northern and Eastern Districts. Prior to joining McCarthy & Holthus, he worked in a general practice in Las Vegas, which included civil litigation, family law, and criminal law. Mr. Lezak was admitted to the California bar in 2003 and the Nevada bar in 2008.

MISHAELA J. GRAVES:
Mishaela J. Graves is an associate in the Bankruptcy department at McCarthy & Holthus LLP. Ms. Graves earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Law and Public Policy from the University of Maryland, University College, summa cum laude, in 2004. She subsequently attended law school at the University of San Diego on a full scholarship, where she participated in the Center for Public Interest Law, the IRS-Sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, the Children’s Advocacy Institute Policy Clinic and Juvenile Delinquency Clinic, and attended the Paris Institute on International and Comparative Law. Ms. Graves was the recipient of the 2008 James D’Angelo Outstanding Child Advocate Award. Ms. Graves was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December 2008.

BRIELYN SESKO:
Brielyn Sesko is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. After graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies with Honors, she received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 2005. While attending Loyola Law School, Ms. Sesko clerked for the Honorable Richard Cline and the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. In addition, Ms. Sesko served on the Los Angeles Superior Court mediation panel as a certified mediator and was actively involved with the Loyola Law School Center for Conflict Resolution. Ms. Sesko is admitted to practice law in the State of California, as well as in the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern districts of the United States District Courts.

RAMI HADDAD:
Rami Haddad is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. After graduating from California State University, Fresno, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, he received his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 2007. Before joining the firm, Mr. Haddad, served as a Deputy District Attorney for the County of Riverside. Mr. Haddad is admitted to practice in the State of California since December 7, 2007.

JESSICA KLICKNA:
Jessica Klickna is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department at McCarthy & Holthus, LLP. Ms. Klickna graduated from the University of Maryland in 2004, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in American Literature. She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2009. While in law school, Ms. Klickna was President of California Western’s International Law Society and spent a summer in Santiago, Chile working for the Public Defender. She was admitted to practice law in the state of California in December 2009

ASHLEY B. HENNESSEE:
Ashley B. Hennessee is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department. Prior to receiving her law degree, Ms. Hennessee graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego in 2008, along with a certificate in Global Legal Studies. While attending Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Ms. Hennessee served two terms as Treasurer of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International and received two study abroad scholarships for her work as Treasurer of the International Law Society. Ms. Hennessee was admitted to practice law in the State of California in 2008 and is admitted to the Southern District Court of California.

MICHELLE ANN HOSKINSON:
Michelle Ann Hoskinson is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department. Prior to receiving her law degree, Ms. Hoskinson graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Minors in Music and Sociology from San Diego State University in 2005. She graduated cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, earning her Juris Doctorate in 2009. While attending Thomas Jefferson, Ms. Hoskinson was awarded the CALI Award of Excellence for Environmental Law and Music Law. She also received the State Bar of California Wiley M. Manual Award and a Distinguished Service award for her pro bono legal work for the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program. Ms. Hoskinson was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December 2009.

CHRISTELLE RAMSEYER:
Christelle Ramseyer is an associate in the Bankruptcy department at McCarthy Holthus, LLP. Ms. Ramseyer attended the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science. She received her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law in 2007. While attending California Western, Ms. Ramseyer was a member of the Family, Child, & Elder Law Society and worked as a legal intern with the YWCA Women’s Legal Advocacy Center. She became a member of California Western’s Pro Bono Honors Society in 2005. Prior to becoming an associate at McCarthy Holthus, LLP, Ms. Ramseyer clerked at a law firm specializing in Class Action Employment Litigation. Ms. Ramseyer is admitted to practice law in the State of California, as well as the Southern, Central, Eastern, and Northern districts of the United States District Court.

HOLGER UHL:
Holger Uhl Graduated from the College of Idaho, with honors, in 1989 and Willamette University College of Law in 1992. In addition to his J.D., he holds a Certificate of Dispute Resolution from Willamette and a Certificate of Completion from the East China Institute of Politics and Law, Shanghai, China. After law school, he initially clerked for the Honorable G. F. Schroeder, Fourth District Court of Idaho. Mr. Uhl has been licensed to practice in Idaho since 1993 and Oregon since 1995. Prior to joining McCarthy and Holthus, he was a member of Neal & Uhl, PLLC in Boise, Idaho. He is a frequent lecturer on Continuing Legal Education and for private sector audiences in the US, as well as Germany. Mr. Uhl has extensive experience in Unlawful Detainers, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Foreclosure and Bankruptcy matters.

CHRISTOPHER M. HUNTER:
Christopher M. Hunter is an associate in the Las Vegas office practicing in the areas of Bankruptcy and mortgage related Civil Litigation. Mr. Hunter graduated cum laude from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1982. He is licensed to practice in Nevada and Florida. Mr. Hunter’s entire legal career has revolved around financial institutions. He practiced in several different firms, was general counsel for three financial institutions, including Republic Bank in St. Petersburg, Florida and was a section chief with FDIC. Mr. Hunter has been practicing in Las Vegas since 2002.

TERRY LOFTUS:
Terry Loftus is a member of the Civil Litigation department in the San Diego office. Mr. Loftus attended the University of California at San Diego before joining the United States Air Force where he was an intelligence analyst. He obtained his B.S. and J.D. at Western State University and was admitted to the California bar in 1979. He is admitted to practice in the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern Districts of California and has 30 years’ experience in Bankruptcy, Real Estate and Civil Litigation. Mr. Loftus has lectured in areas such as fiduciary duties of real estate brokers and conflicts of interest arising in not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Loftus has served pro bono for various non-profits and youth charities in the San Diego community and is currently president of the Boys & Girls Foundation and volunteer for The San Diego Foundation.

LASZLO LADI:
Laszlo Ladi is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California Berkeley in 2005. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor and L.L.M. in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2009. While in law school, he was an Executive Editor for the San Diego International Law Journal and was awarded the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Advanced Business Planning. His student comment on the international regulation of hedge funds was published in the winter 2008 edition of the BYU International Law and Management Review. Mr. Ladi was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December 2009.

SHERRY A. MOORE:
Sherry A. Moore is an associate in the Las Vegas, Nevada office practicing primarily in the area of Bankruptcy. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she worked for a local firm as a paralegal before attending the William S. Boyd School of Law, where she earned her J.D. in May 2008. During her tenure at Boyd, she contributed to Nevada Law Journal, earned a CALI Award for Excellence in Criminal Law, and worked as both a law clerk and paralegal. Her note entitled “Nevada’s Comprehensive Theft Statute: Consolidation or Confusion?” was published by Nevada Law Journal in the spring of 2008. Prior to joining McCarthy & Holthus, she practiced for a local firm whose practice areas included bankruptcy (debtors’ side), family law, criminal law, business law, and civil litigation. Ms. Moore was admitted to practice law in the State of Nevada in October 2008, and was subsequently admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada in May 2009.

ALBERT H. LIN:
Albert H. Lin is a member of the civil litigation department and the firm’s Northwest office. Mr. Lin received his B.A. from the University of Washington’s Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies in 1991, with an emphasis on national security issues. He subsequently earned his J.D. in 1997 from the Syracuse University College of Law and was a member of the Jessup International Law Moot Court Team and a member of the Moot Court Board. After graduation from law school, Mr. Lin worked as a deputy prosecutor with extensive trial experience, where he actively prosecuted and convicted violent felons. Mr. Lin has been admitted to practice law in Washington State since 1998.

JOSEPH S. CHUN:
Joseph S. Chun is an associate in the Bankruptcy Department. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from UC Davis School of Law, where he served as editor for Law Review and also earned numerous distinctions, including the Top Oral Advocate Award in moot court and the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in contracts. Mr. Chun also served as president for the Davis chapter of Phi Delta Phi, the international legal fraternity. After being admitted to the California Bar in 2005, Mr. Chun worked at a San Francisco law firm, where he focused on complex civil litigation. Mr. Chun also has experience in criminal law and administrative law. Mr. Chun is a part of the faculty at the California School of Law, where he has taught courses in civil procedure, evidence, and contracts.

JANICE JACOVINO:
Janice Jacovino is an associate in the Las Vegas, Nevada office practicing primarily in the area of Unlawful Detainer. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a B.S. in Psychology, she attended the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she acquired her J.D. As a law student Ms. Jacovino participated in a Judicial Externship, a Government and Public Interest Externship, and was a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Ms. Jacovino was admitted to practice law in the state of Nevada in October 2009.

MARY STEARNS:
Mary Stearns is an associate in the civil litigation department for the firm’s Northwest office in the Seattle area. After graduating from the Cal State University of Long Beach, Ms. Stearns earned her Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. She is admitted to practice in the Courts of the State of California, as well as the State of Washington. She is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts of the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining McCarthy & Holthus, Ms. Stearns worked as a senior litigation associate for a Century City family law firm for approximately four years. Prior to that, she was a partner in her own firm in Los Angeles where her practice focused on bankruptcy, real estate and business civil litigation, and family law. She had served as Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Municipal Courts and has tried, arbitrated, and mediated numerous cases.

ANNE OGLE-KNEE:
Anne Ogle-Knee is an associate attorney in the evictions department. Ms. Ogle-Knee received her Master of Science and her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University then went on to receive her Juris Doctorate after graduating Cum Laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Ms. Ogle-Knee is a member of the California Bar, the Illinois Bar, and is a licensed USPTO Patent Attorney. Before joining the firm, Ms. Ogle-Knee practiced general civil litigation.

ANN M. EBERTS:
Ann M. Eberts is an associate in the Civil Litigation department. After graduating from Northeastern State University in 2003 and earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy, Ms. Eberts attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law on an LSAT Scholarship and received her Juris Doctorate in 2006. While attending Thomas Jefferson, Ms. Eberts earned a position on the school’s competitive mock trial team and won first place in the 2005 Western Division ABA Labor and Employment Law Trial Advocacy Competition, second place in the invitational 2006 John Marshall 16th Annual National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition, and second place in the 2006 Texas Young Lawyers Association West Coast Regional Competition. Prior to joining McCarthy & Holthus, Ms. Eberts was part of the business and employment litigation practice groups for a large multistate law firm. Ms. Eberts was admitted to practice law in the State of California in 2006 and in the State of Ohio in 2007.

M. BENJAMIN SUSMAN:
M. Benjamin Susman is an associate in the Civil Litigation Department in San Diego. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Biology, Ben moved to California where he was employed aboard commercial fishing vessels as a biologist in NOAA’s WestCoast Groundfish Observer Program. Ben earned his Juris Doctorate in 2009 from Roger Williams University School of Law, Rhode Island. In 2009, Ben and his teammate were crowned National Champions of the annual Judge John R. Brown National Admiralty Moot Court Competition, while also winning the prestigious Maritime Law Society of the United States award for Best Brief of the Competition. During his time at RWU, Ben was an Assistant Coach for the Men’s Lacrosse Team, and continues coaching at the youth level here in San Diego. Ben is admitted to practice in New York (2009) and California (2010).

STEPHANIE RICHTER:
Stephanie Richter is an associate Civil Litigation Department in the Las Vegas, Nevada office. After graduating from the George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs and History, she attended Wake Forest University where she acquired her J.D. and M.B.A. She received a Law Faculty Scholarship and CALI award in Civil Procedure, was active in the Chief Justice Joseph Branch Inn of Court, and a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Ms. Richter was admitted to practice law in the State of Nevada in October 2010, and was subsequently admitted to the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada in March 2011.