Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi

Had a blast at the SLVHS Career Fair today!

Hello, everyone! My name is Gina and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in Santa Cruz County. I run my own law practice and I work for the County of Santa Cruz as a risk management analyst. I am incredibly grateful for my husband, two daughters, three cats, and dog. I love baking, Pilates, swimming, reading, and being in nature. Please reach out if you have questions regarding an accident or if you need information regarding legal resources in the area.

It's been a while! Some things have changed for me the past year. I started working for the County of Santa Cruz. I am working in the personnel department in the risk management division. I love all the benefits the County offers and the people I am working with are wonderful! I am still available to answer your questions about personal injury matters, especially motor vehicle accidents. However, I am taking on less clients than in the past. As always, I am here to help you with referrals!

Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo

Speaking to our local youth about a career in law is one of my favorite things to do! The 8th graders at SLV middle were so much and I look forward to the SLV High Career Fair in April and the annual trip to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court with SLV Elementary School, also in April. I love to emphasize to students that no matter what your strengths, there is a place for you in the legal field! Thank you for this opportunity ⚖️

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

My goal this month was to raise awareness on domestic violence among attorneys in Santa Cruz County. Since I am the Chair of MCLE Committee for the Santa Cruz County Bar Association (SCCBA) and I am the President of Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County (WLSCC), I was able to plan two events this month to recognize victims and educate attorneys on restraining orders.

The first event I planned was held in early October for SCCBA members. I was able to secure a speaker from Justice at Last, a Bay Area nonprofit law firm that serves human trafficking survivors. The topic was victims’ rights and trauma informed legal representation.

Next, with the help of another board member, WLSCC will have the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office speak to our members on criminal orders. Additionally, the supervising attorney for the Santa Cruz County Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator will discuss civil restraining orders. She will also inform us about all the services the Self-Help Center provides. If you are interested in attending this presentation, scheduled for 10/25, please send me a message!

Thank you to the educators, advocates, counselors, attorneys, and paralegals who are serving victims and survivors in our community.

If you, a loved one, or a friend is in need of assistance, Monarch Services offers immediate crisis response to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Additionally, Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center mission is to end cycles of trauma, support lifelong learning, and promote healthy relationships with oneself and others. Both are Santa Cruz County nonprofits.

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Please check out this feature in Lookout Santa Cruz! ⬇️ I mentor students and I always emphasize that no matter your strengths, there is a place for you in the legal profession. If you have questions about the study of law, internships, or the Santa Cruz legal community, please reach out!

How I Got My Job: Gina Occhipinti Borasi on redefining what it means to be a lawyer Gina Occhipinti Borasi almost quit her pursuit of a career in law after feeling unable to be the shark lawyer she thought it was necessary to be to succeed as an attorney. After finding inspiration…

Did you know that all attorneys who are actively practicing law must complete 25 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) every three years? We must educate ourselves on legal ethics, competency, elimination of bias, and more.

Did you know that I plan continuing legal education events for attorneys? I've been doing this for over 10 years for Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County. I am also the head of the Santa Cruz County Bar Association MCLE Committee. I spend a lot of time researching important topics, finding speakers, and planning the events. Here are examples of MCLEs that I've recently planned:

⚖️ Victims' Rights and Trauma-Informed Legal Representation

⚖️ Human Trafficking - Awareness & Prevention

⚖️ Motherhood & Caregiver Bias in the Legal Profession

⚖️ Women's Guide to Cultivating Sponsors

⚖️ Special Issues Facing Women, Children, and Families in the Criminal Justice System

⚖️ Alternative Approaches to Hate Crimes

⚖️ Storytelling in Final Argument

⚖️ Social Media & Ethics

⚖️ Effective Vior Dire

⚖️ Bans and Restrictions on Abortion in the United States

⚖️ Taking and Defending Depositions

⚖️ Female Farmworkers and Sexual Harrassment

⚖️ Motions to Advance & Resolve Your Case

These are just a few of the many MCLEs I've planned. If you're a local attorney, what topics are you interested in? Let me know in the comments!

I'm Gina, a personal injury attorney practicing in Santa Cruz, California.

My educational journey started at UCSC, where I majored in Intensive Legal Studies. During my college years, I interned at California Rural Legal Assistance, Women's Crisis Support, and Victim Witness Services in the DA's Office. My internships allowed me to build connections and trust in the Santa Cruz community. I assisted individuals struggling with housing issues, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. During this time, I was also a paralegal for a personal injury attorney which gave me extensive experience with law practice management, legal research, legal writing, and client communications. I subsequently studied Women's Studies at SFSU, then law school at Monterey College of Law. I worked as a server at Shadowbrook Restaurant during these years.

After graduating law school and passing the California Bar Exam, I opened my own law practice. I have been practicing personal injury law for 15 years. I primarily handle motor vehicle collisions.

I am the President of Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County, Treasurer of the Santa Cruz County Bar Association, and I volunteer for Your Future Is Our Business and SLVUD because I love supporting the youth in our community.

I have a sincere interest in community service and I interact effectively with many types of personalities. I'm skilled in negotiation practices, research, and writing.

On a personal level, I love being with my family, reading, baking, swimming, hiking, and spending time with my pets.

If you are looking for a personal injury attorney, please do not hesitate to reach out. I also provide referrals to local attorneys and other legal resources.



Viewing of this post does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi. This post is not intended as legal advice and is for informational purposes only. The Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi actively practices in the State of California.

These two cuties made me a mom ❤️❤️❤️I love them so much and strive to be a better person for them. Happy Mother’s Day to all those who celebrate this day ❤️❤️❤️

You do not want to miss this event! Santa Cruz County’s Public Defender, Heather Rogers, will discuss issues facing women, caregivers and families in the criminal justice system. This event will be held on Wednesday, May 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. In-person space is very limited, but Zoom availability is open. This event is FREE and only $10 if you want MCLE credit. DM me if you have questions. Go to www.WLSCC.org/events for more information and to register.

👼 Yesterday, 4/28, was the hardest day I’ve experienced in years. I lost my girl Roxy. She was truly an angel, a gem. The sweetest dog in so many ways. I loved her so much. She was my pandemic hiking bud. Her and I would hike 8 miles and she would do it with ease. She was kind, good with children, gentle, and happy.

Thank you for sending her our way 9 years ago. Friends, this organization does incredible work for herding dogs. When Anthony & I got married we didn’t have a wedding registry, we just requested that people donate to this group. They are amazing. Roxy was in the Sonoma County Animal Shelter and was written-off as unadoptable because she was so frightened. Many herding dogs react this way in a shelter setting. But Herd It Through The Grapevine rescued her and we adopted her. She ended being the BEST dog. She will be forever missed by our family. 👼

New ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Google Review!

This was a wonderful client. Her case was smaller than I would normally take, but she was so kind and from Santa Cruz so I decided to take it. I’m happy I took her case on because she as a joy to work for.



Viewing of this post does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi. This post is not intended as legal advice. The Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi actively practices in the State of California.

Two weeks ago I spoke to 8th grade students at SLV Middle about the career of law. I discussed what is required to become an attorney, the challenges, the rewards, and all the opportunities available in Santa Cruz County. Next week I will attend the Watsonville High Career Fair. All a young person needs is someone to plant a seed, provide positive feedback, and give encouragement… Who know what greatness they will accomplish!? Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Two weeks ago Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County hosted a Meet & Greet where we introduced our members, who are attorneys and paraprofessionals, to Santa Cruz County officials. Often, women in the legal profession look to serve in public office. Our intention was to provide our members with resources and, hopefully, mentors.

The event was fantastic! We had in attendance a CA State Assemblymember, Capitola City Council, Santa Cruz City Council, Cabrillo College Board of Trustees, elected and appointed Santa Cruz Superior Court Judges, and the Santa Cruz County Clerk. Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County members in attendance were from the Santa Cruz City Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, County Counsel, private firms, and many solo practitioners.

We also invited the local nonprofit Salud y Cariño to join us as we wanted to provide support for the future leaders of our community. Many connections were made and I’m still feeling all the feels! Thank you to Inversion Wines for the beautiful venue.

Hello, Santa Cruz County! I've been living and working in this county for close to 30 years. Prior to practicing law, I interned for California Rural Legal Assistance, Monarch Services, and Victim/Witness in the District Attorney's Office. I also worked as a personal injury paralegal for 7 years. I've been practicing personal injury law for 15 years now. I love sharing my knowledge with people in crisis. When someone calls me, my priorities are to listen, inform them of their rights, and hopefully reduce their stress. I handle accidents involving vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals.

I am presently the President of Women Lawyers of Santa Cruz County and Treasurer for the Santa Cruz County Bar Association. I teach art lessons in my children's classrooms, I love to bake cookies, and swimming is my favorite sport.

Please call me if you have been in an accident or need a referral for another legal matter.

Happy holidays from the Borasi Family ❤️ Thank you for all your support in 2022. I hope I’ve also supported you in some way, too ❤️

I had the greatest time with Shemeika Fox of Fox Realty Group! Thank you, Shemeika!

Borasi Law; Santa Cruz Personal Injury Attorney! I am super excited to introduce you to Gina Occhipinti Borasi; personal injury attorney here in Santa Cruz County! Gina has been advocating for residents of ...

I feel grounded and confident in my decisions and choices in my life.

This has been my mantra the past six months. It has been a challenging past two years. My personal injury practice changed once the pandemic hit. I realized that I was working too many hours. I made the choice to reduce my case load and make an effort to be more involved in my community. At times I felt like less of an attorney because I wasn’t working every minute of every day. However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that I felt happy serving on various non-profit boards, volunteering at local schools, and dropping off food for my neighbors.

I often remind myself, just because I have the ability to do something doesn’t mean I need to do it. Sometimes knowing that I’m capable is enough. I don’t have to say yes to every case. I can take on less and make a greater impact along the way. I continue to take new clients, but I’m making sure I’m not taking on too much and reserving time for community and connections. Here’s to 2023!

New Google review! I am incredibly grateful for this heartfelt review. My client concluded the review by writing, "Thank you, Gina! You are a wonderful lawyer, a wonderful mother, and a wonderful person. I am very grateful to have found you."

Head over to my Google business page and read the full review! ➡️ https://g.co/kgs/NDwdn6

I am here to listen to your concerns, explain the claims and litigation process in simple terms, and handle all legal matters so you can focus solely on your health and recovery. My practice areas include accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals. Want to learn more? Visit my website at www.BorasiLaw.com.

Am I allowed to say this!? This was one of my favorite clients. He was in a terrible motorcycle accident and there were major insurance issues. I am very happy that he was satisfied with my work.



Viewing of this post does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi. This post is not intended as legal advice. The Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi actively practices in the State of California.

55 River Street! I've been working in this building located in downtown Santa Cruz since I was 22 years old. I started working here as a personal injury paralegal when I graduated from UCSC. I stayed in this building when I opened my personal injury law practice. It's been 22 years! I love being downtown Santa Cruz. I am so grateful for the incredible people and wonderful businesses here.

Can your past medical history impact your personal injury case? 🤕

Yes, a claimant's past medical history may impact their case. If there is a similar past medical issue, causation will likely become an issue. The defendant will argue that the injury was not caused by the accident and/or it was pre-existing.

California law provides that if the accident itself was a substantial factor in contributing to the harm, the injured party is entitled to compensation.

The defendant cannot avoid responsibility because some other person, condition, or event was also a substantial factor.

Additionally, the injured party is entitled to damages even if they were more susceptible to injury than a normally healthy person.

A lot information here! Please send me a message if you have any questions. 📝



Viewing of this post does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi. This post is not intended as legal advice. The Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi actively practices in the state of California.

Thanks, Off The Lip Radio!

She has been called, compassionate, trustworthy, knowledgeable, positive and thorough, thank you to personal injury for being a part of the

My clients describe me as compassionate, trustworthy, positive, knowledgeable, and thorough. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision or other personal injury matter, please send me a message or call my office. Additionally, please reach out if you need a referral for a local attorney or other legal resource. I have been working in the Santa Cruz legal community for over 23 years and this year marks my 14th year as an attorney.

There are several types of fee arrangements between lawyers and clients; but in a personal injury case, a contingency fee agreement is most common. A contingency fee means you will pay the lawyer a certain percentage of money you receive IF you win or settle your case. The typical attorney's fee percentage is 33% to 40%. The percentage often increases if the case is litigated (versus settled at the claims level) and the percentage is not set by statute or law - it is negotiable.

If you lose the case, you may still have to pay for costs advanced, such as court costs and other expenses.



Viewing of this post does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi. This post is not intended as legal advice. The Law Office of Gina Occhipinti Borasi actively practices in the State of California.