Emma R. Gunderson
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Litigation attorney with over a decade of experience spanning dependency, guardianship, appellate, and criminal defense practice. Proven ability to manage high-volume caseloads, supervise legal teams, and deliver successful outcomes in trial and appellate courts. Skilled in navigating sensitive and high-conflict matters, including domestic violence, child welfare, and exploitation cases. Brings strong advocacy, case strategy, and leadership skills to complex litigation environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney II
Children’s Law Center of California
04.2021 - Current
- Lead the CSEC Unit, supervising attorneys and investigators in cases involving commercially sexually exploited youth, including those with parenting matters.
- Represent children in dependency proceedings, including trials and contested hearings.
- Protect victim-witnesses in trafficking cases while safeguarding their rights as children and, when applicable, as young parents.
- Manage dual status youth cases at the intersection of dependency and delinquency courts.
- Assist with parenting plans and high-conflict parenting cases, ensuring outcomes that support child safety and family stability.
- Negotiate settlements in custody and dependency cases, balancing parental rights and child welfare.
- Advocate in matters involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and family instability, ensuring safe outcomes for children and families.
Deputy Public Defender I
Shasta County Public Defender – Probate Unit
09.2020 - 03.2021
- Represented children in guardianship cases and adults in conservatorship proceedings.
- Litigated cases involving child custody and termination of parental rights.
- Directed investigations and developed evidentiary records for trial.
Staff Attorney (UC Presidential Fellow)
California Appellate Project
03.2019 - 08.2020
- Served as lead appellate counsel for indigent defendants in felony cases.
- Authored appellate briefs and petitions; obtained sentence reversals for multiple clients.
- Analyzed trial records to identify procedural and constitutional errors.
Certified Post-Bar Fellow
Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Represented parents in dependency proceedings.
- Conducted hearings and negotiations with DCFS attorneys on matters involving domestic violence and family instability.
Case Manager & Investigator
The Legal Aid Society – Exploitation Intervention Project
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Supported litigation strategy for survivors of trafficking and domestic violence in criminal court.
- Drafted motions to vacate convictions and assisted with T Visa and U Visa applications.
- Identified and referred plaintiffs for a high-profile class action lawsuit against the NYPD.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of California, Irvine – School of Law
Bachelor of Arts -
Sarah Lawrence College
Skills
- Child Custody, Guardianship & Parental Rights
- Domestic Violence & Victim Advocacy
- Dependency & Juvenile Law
- Trauma-Informed Representation
- Parenting Plans & High-Conflict Parenting
- Settlement Negotiation
- Courtroom Advocacy & Settlement
- Legal Research & Writing
Affiliations
LGBTQ Resource Attorney - Children's Law Center
Co-Chair of CSEC and Labor Trafficking Steering Committee - Children's Law Center
Bar Admission
State Bar of California, 2019
Timeline
Attorney II
Children’s Law Center of California
04.2021 - Current
Deputy Public Defender I
Shasta County Public Defender – Probate Unit
09.2020 - 03.2021
Staff Attorney (UC Presidential Fellow)
California Appellate Project
03.2019 - 08.2020
Certified Post-Bar Fellow
Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers
08.2018 - 11.2018
Case Manager & Investigator
The Legal Aid Society – Exploitation Intervention Project
07.2013 - 07.2015
Juris Doctor -
University of California, Irvine – School of Law
Bachelor of Arts -
Sarah Lawrence College
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