Emilie Johnson
Oceanside,CA
Summary
Passionate and experienced litigator with demonstrated excellence in trial. Skilled expertise in all stages of trial preparation and execution. Proven track record chairing eight jury trials to verdict. Argued 50+ pre-trial hearings and motions. Proficient with legal research and drafting motions. Works well independently and collaboratively as part of team. Possesses a J.D. degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and a member of the California State Bar in good standing.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy District Attorney
Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office
04.2024 - 10.2024
- Successfully prosecuted a challenging domestic violence jury trial involving an uncooperative, recanting victim.
- Leveraged expert testimony, visual and audio evidence, civilian witness testimony, and cross-examination of the defendant to secure a swift conviction.
- Managed a caseload of approximately 250 criminal complaints, ensuring thorough attention to each case.
- Supervised post-bar law clerks, overseeing legal research, motion drafting, chambers conferences, and courtroom presentations.
- Advanced the District Attorney’s mission by maintaining the highest ethical standards throughout all phases of prosecution.
- Managed the weekly trial calendar while preparing numerous cases for trial, negotiating settlements, and addressing the evolving needs of the unit.
- Filed complaints, conducted legal research on complex issues, and drafted persuasive motions.
- Collaborated with various departments, including victim services, DA investigators, and discovery teams, to build comprehensive case strategies.
- Supported victim advocacy programs, fostering positive relationships between victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and court personnel.
Associate Attorney
Greenslade Cronk, LLP
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Represented clients in plaintiff civil litigation, specializing in personal injury and elder abuse cases.
- Drafted legal documents such as demand letters, complaints, meet-and-confer letters, and various motions.
- Assisted senior attorneys with complex cases, contributing to the successful resolution of challenging legal disputes.
- Conducted in-depth legal research to support informed decision-making and the development of effective litigation strategies.
Staff Attorney
California Rural Legal Assistance
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Provided pro bono legal assistance to low-income mobile home park residents.
- Advised clients on their rights as mobile home owners and renters, offering direct counsel.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements to identify potential risks, analyze case facts, and ensure clients are protected from future disputes by making appropriate legal referrals.
- Conducted site visits and client interviews to gather critical information for case development.
- Researched statutory and case law, ensuring legal documents complied with procedural requirements.
- Drafted complaints, demand letters, and meet-and-confer letters.
- Crafted persuasive legal documents, including motions, briefs, and pleadings.
- Built strong client relationships through clear communication and proactive problem-solving, fostering trust in our services.
Associate
Robinson Di Lando
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Took and defended depositions, prepared for trials, reviewed and analyzed medical records, and represented clients at settlement conferences.
- Communicated regularly with clients and adjusters, and drafted discovery responses to support case development.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including pleadings, and motions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.
- Managed a diverse caseload, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
- Provided legal advice to businesses involved in various types of litigation.
- Conducted witness interviews to support case strategies.
- Analyzed legal documents to identify key issues and provide clients with tailored advice.
Deputy District Attorney
Yolo County District Attorney's Office
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Conducted six jury trials to verdict, demonstrating strong courtroom presence and persuasive arguments that led to favorable verdicts for the state.
- Managed a caseload of approximately 120 criminal complaints, ensuring thorough attention to each case.
- As part of the Felony Trial Team, prepared and argued pre-trial motions and preliminary hearings on short notice.
- Collaborated closely with team members, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to actively engaging in each other’s cases.
- Led all stages of litigation, including pre-trial motions, settlement negotiations, plea bargaining, evidence collection and evaluation, witness preparation, jury selection, evidence presentation, and oral arguments.
- Reduced case backlog by efficiently managing a high volume of cases, prioritizing based on severity and complexity.
Volunteer Law Clerk
Hawai'i Attorney General's Office
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Assisted Deputy Attorneys General by providing comprehensive support in motion drafting, legal research, and evidence review.
- Drafted a bail motion for a high-profile attempted murder and sexual assault case
- Prepared key legal documents, including motions to suppress evidence, an appellate brief, and a de minimis motion, demonstrating strong writing skills and attention to detail in complex legal matters.
Legal Advocate
Open Door Legal
05.2020 - 11.2020
- Drafted court filings: Prepared a variety of critical court filings, including special interrogatories, oppositions to motions for judgment on the pleadings, petitions for instructions, final distribution petitions, and letters of administration. Ensured all filings were thorough, legally sound, and aligned with applicable procedural rules, contributing to the smooth progression of cases.
- Legal research and memoranda: Conducted comprehensive legal research on complex issues, preparing detailed memoranda for supervising attorneys. Analyzed statutes, case law, and legal precedents to provide well-supported recommendations and insights, aiding in the development of case strategy and decision-making.
Honors Post Bar Law Clerk
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Conducted a five-day, four-count misdemeanor jury trial, securing three guilty verdicts.
- Prepared 45 misdemeanor cases for jury trial.
- Successfully prepared and argued numerous preliminary hearings, all of which were held to answer.
- Managed various trial duties, including witness organization and interviews, discovery production, plea deal negotiations, drafting motions in limine, and making courtroom appearances.
- Drafted motions for the Narcotics, Human Trafficking, and General Felonies Units, including Proposition 64 motions, sentencing motions, and motions to suppress evidence.
- Presented compelling arguments in restitution hearings, military diversion hearings, and motions to suppress evidence.
Law Clerk
San Francisco District Attorney's Office
05.2017 - 04.2019
- Appeared on the record during arraignments and plea hearings.
- Drafted and argued pre-trial motions for both the Misdemeanor and Felony Units.
- Conducted in-depth legal research and drafted motions for high-profile homicide cases, including opposing a motion to quash in a domestic violence homicide case and challenging a defendant’s motion to set aside the information in a 10-count, co-defendant double homicide case.
- Assisted supervising attorney during key phases of trial preparation, including evidence review at the medical examiner’s office, coordinating with investigators, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
Education
J.D. -
Golden Gate University School of Law
San Francisco, CA05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL05.2012
Timeline
Deputy District Attorney
Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office
04.2024 - 10.2024
Associate Attorney
Greenslade Cronk, LLP
06.2023 - 11.2023
Staff Attorney
California Rural Legal Assistance
01.2023 - 06.2023
Associate
Robinson Di Lando
07.2022 - 12.2022
Deputy District Attorney
Yolo County District Attorney's Office
04.2021 - 04.2022
Volunteer Law Clerk
Hawai'i Attorney General's Office
11.2020 - 04.2021
Legal Advocate
Open Door Legal
05.2020 - 11.2020
Honors Post Bar Law Clerk
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
08.2019 - 11.2019
Law Clerk
San Francisco District Attorney's Office
05.2017 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Arts - International Affairs
Florida State University
J.D. -
Golden Gate University School of Law
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