ALICIA FORMATO
Lyft
Los Angeles,CA
13
years of professional experience
Dynamic Senior Counsel with extensive experience at Lyft, adept in litigation strategy and trial management. Proven track record of overseeing complex cases and collaborating with cross-functional teams to mitigate legal risks. Skilled in document drafting and stakeholder engagement, successfully managing a caseload of over 310 cases while driving effective dispute resolution.
Work History
Senior Counsel, Litigation & Risk
4 Years 3 Months- Oversaw outside counsel at three trials in Los Angeles County and served as the boots on the ground in southern california for Lyft in all litigation.
- Presented oral argument before courts during pre-trial phases or trials.
- Managed outside counsel in litigation matters, developing dispute resolution strategies that aligned with company objectives.
- Helped guide litigation strategy using a review of facts and applicable law.
- Provided legal support on complex litigation issues.
- Coordinated with outside counsel on litigation matters, serving as the primary point of contact to streamline communication.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address legal risks.
- Collaborated with colleagues across departments on projects that involve multiple stakeholders.
- Facilitated handling of a large caseload, enhancing overall efficiency of litigation processes.
Associate
4 Years 10 Months- Manages 200+ cases as national coordinating counsel for a Fortune 50 gig economy technology company.
- Served as lead associate during trial preparations and hearings, in two month-long federal district court bench trials.
- Managed discovery, significant motions, corporate depositions, and trial preparation to support case strategy.
- Collaborates closely with in-house counsel to develop strategic litigation plans and best practices.
- Supervised local counsel to align legal representation with business strategy and ensure consistent handling of day-to-day matters.
- Drafted and submitted briefs for multiple Ninth Circuit appeals to advance case positions.
- Advises on local, state and federal regulatory compliance and business practices across various industries.
Associate
1 Year 9 Months- Led state litigation for international hotel chains, managing case strategy and coordination.
- Conducted depositions of Olympic gymnasts in high-profile litigation related to sexual abuse by Larry Nassar.
- Drafted and argued dispositive motions in state court, achieving favorable rulings.
Law Clerk and Fellow
1 Year 3 Months- Drafted opinions and bench memoranda to support judicial decision-making and prepared the judge for effective oral argument.
Law Clerk
2 Months- Prepared witnesses for direct and cross-examinations and organized exhibit binders for the City of Los Angeles in civil service employee dismissal hearing.
Summer Intern
2 Months- Drafted depublication motion for the California Supreme Court, addressing constitutional due process issues.
Education
J.D.
- Activities: Trial Advocacy Clinic; Moot Court; California Appellate Clinic; LAFLA Skid Row Clinic; Public Counsel CARES Clinic.
- Honors: The Law Student Award from American Board of Trial Advocates, Los Angeles Chapter.
B.A. - history
- Summa cum laude
- Activities: NCAA Division I Cross-Country
- Honors: Richard Mass History Award for highest academic achievement of all graduating history majors.
Skills
Litigation strategy
Trial management
Discovery management
Document drafting
Legal research
Regulatory compliance
Risk assessment
Case management
Cross-functional collaboration
Stakeholder engagement
INTERESTS
Camping (aiming to see every national park); distance running; community service for unsheltered Angelenos.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Strategic Political Communications, Washington, D.C. 2007 2012
- Managed national press corps coverage and coordinated events across the country as part of the advance team for a presidential campaign and U.S. Senate campaign; legislative and public relations strategist at top consulting firms.
BAR ADMISSIONS
California
Timeline
Senior Counsel, Litigation & Risk
Lyft
07.2022 - CurrentRead More
Associate
McGuireWoods, LLC
09.2017 - 07.2022Read More
Associate
Michelman & Robinson, LLC
12.2015 - 09.2017Read More
Law Clerk
Los Angeles City Attorney
01.2015 - 03.2015Read More
Law Clerk and Fellow
The Honorable Victoria G. Chaney, 2nd District Court of Appeal
06.2014 - 09.2015Read More
Summer Intern
LAUSD, Office of the General Counsel
06.2013 - 08.2013Read More
University of California at Los Angeles, School of Law
J.D.
Read More
Purchase College, State University of New York
B.A. from history
Read More