Yoka & Smith, LLP

Happy freedom day, from Yoka | Smith.

Congratulations to our Rising Star attorney Kimberly Byrge!

Another win this week! Congratulations to Mary Childs and Meri Nacharyan on winning a motion to dismiss their client today in Orange County Superior Court!

Plaintiff brought forth her initial Complaint against the client amongst other defendants, alleging numerous causes of action for Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Conspiracy, violation of California’ Unfair Competition Law, and Violation of the CA DMV Code section 22568 , all arising from the towing of her motor vehicle from a parking lot in Anaheim, California.

After allowing Plaintiff numerous chances to amend her complaint, the Court sustained Plaintiff’s Third (and subsequently and improperly filed Fourth) Amended Complaint against Yoka Smith’s client without leave to amend on the grounds that Plaintiff failed to plead essential elements, failed to state facts sufficient to constitute causes of actions, and Plaintiff’s claims were barred by the statute of limitations. A motion to dismiss was subsequently filed and granted today.

Verdict alert ‼️

Our trial team of Alice Chen Smith and Vivian Rivera, supported by Ri Bunn, obtained a verdict today in San Bernardino Superior Court on an admitted liability case in which plaintiff asked for over $40 million, the jury awarded a total of $37,000 and found plaintiff 49% comparatively negligent, for a net verdict of just under $19,000. Plaintiff rejected a statutory offer of $500,000 and will owe defendant’s costs from trial. Great job on a fabulous result on a liability case!

Congratulations to senior associate Kimberly Byrge for her recognition as a Rising Star!

Our Managing Partner, Alice Chen Smith, is highlighted today by the Los Angeles County Bar Association in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, for her career achievements, leadership in bar organizations, and involvement in LACBA for promoting women in the legal profession.

Credit:

Yoka | Smith team of Mary Childs, Michael Sabongui and Meri Nacharyan just obtained summary judgment based on the going-and-coming rule defense, which was hotly contested by the plaintiff! Congratulations team on another great result for the client!

Wishing all a Happy Memorial Day.

YS attorneys Alice Chen Smith and Arpine Esmailian obtained summary judgment for their client today in LA Superior Court! Congratulations team on another great result!

Firm celebration of cinco de mayo.

Congratulations to all the honorees, and our Managing Partner Alice Chen Smith, for their recognition by LACBA in honor of AAPI Heritage month.

It’s a team effort, and we could not do it without all the heros behind the scenes. Thank you to our Yoka | Smith team members for all your support.

Today, we remember.

Yoka | Smith wishes a happy Passover to all who celebrate.

Special thanks to the Daily Journal for featuring another defense verdict by partner Alice Chen Smith, Michelle An, with Bradley Gmelich Wellerstein partner Lindy Bradley earlier this year.

Team YS brings back some nostalgia at Moonlight Skate.

Congratulations to Mary Childs and Patrick Ball on a Summary Judgment/Adjudication win for our clients, granted in its entirety for the municipality and granted in part for the general contractor!

Yoka | Smith is honored to be recognized as a Tier 1 defense Best Law Firm in Los Angeles.

Come join our trial practice in LA or Irvine. https://www.yokasmith.com/careers-job-openings

The YS team remains on a roll with another MSJ win today in Los Angeles Superior Court on a survivor and wrongful death asbestos case. Congratulations to the team of Aaron Case, Jeffrey Gordon, Christine DeMetruis and Mouna Kezbar on their victory!

Want to join the Y | S trial team? We are currently hiring for LA and Irvine. Apply at https://www.yokasmith.com/careers-job-openings.

Dismissed at trial! Congratulations to the YS team of Chris Faenza, Mary Childs and Christine DeMetruis for another great trial result!

This matter involved a construction personal injury case in which YS represented the general contractor. At opening, Mr. Faenza admitted liability for our client while the owner, property manager, and subcontractors all denied fault. After a week in trial, the co-defendants settled with plaintiff, who then dismissed YS’ client, the only party to admit responsibility, without seeking any settlement contribution.

Two appellate wins in one week! Congrats Christine for writing and arguing the respondent’s brief, getting the Court of Appeal to affirm summary judgment for an App based client.

Yoka | Smith partner Christine DeMetruis wrote and argued a winning appeal before the Second District, which affirmed summary judgment on behalf of our client. Congratulations Chris!

Yoka | Smith partners Christopher Faenza and R. Bryan Martin presented at the 63rd ASCDC Annual Seminar this week on video depositions and product liability panels, along with distinguished colleagues from the plaintiffs’ bar and bench. Great presentations by all!

Yoka | Smith fantasy football league owners’ dinner. It’s an event to look forward to every year.

ASCDC Past Presidents Dinner. With Y|S past presidents Wally Yoka and Chris Faenza.

We are proud to celebrate the recognition of our Managing Partner Alice Chen Smith by the Los Angeles Business Journal for her inclusion in the 2024 Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys publication. Her inclusion in this list highlights her impact and leadership in the legal community.

Our own Chris Faenza will be speaking on the use and defense of video depositions panel at the upcoming 2024 ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DEFENSE COUNSEL Annual Seminar, Friday February 9, 2024, moderated by Lisa Collison, along with distinguished panelists Deborah Chang, Cindy Tobisman, and the Hon. Michelle Williams Court. Registration is still open!

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Come catch R. Bryan Martin present on the products liability panel at the upcoming 2024 ASCDC Annual Seminar, Friday February 9, 2024, moderated by Hannah Mohrman, along with distinguished panelists Boris Treyzon, Christopher Aumais, and the Honorable David Cunningham III. Registration is still open!

Congratulations to partner Chris Faenza on his outstanding service as 2023 President to , and to Alice Chen Smith for continuing to serve on the executive board for the coming year.

📷: by .kraemer