“I find great meaning in something Michelle Obama once said: 'You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it's important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.' I believe that the adversity I have faced as a person, as a mother, and as an attorney make me a strong advocate and continue to drive my tenacious spirit.”
Amy began her career as a trial attorney in the York County, Pennsylvania, District Attorney’s Office where she honed her trial skills and learned to identify and present evidence that resonates with jurors. Following her move to California in 2012, Amy used her courtroom skills as trial counsel for a national insurance company. Over the course of her career, Amy has tried numerous criminal and civil cases to verdict before judges and juries. She has successfully defended hundreds of civil matters involving general negligence claims, automobile accidents, premises liability claims, and landlord/tenant matters involving habitability and wrongful eviction. Amy has developed a particular expertise in defending matters involving serious personal injuries, and she enjoys working closely with liability and damages experts to formulate and implement a comprehensive defense strategy. With her experience in criminal matters and large exposure personal injury cases, Amy has developed the ability to sift through a complex factual record to unearth those key facts upon which important liability or damages issues may hinge. She also brings a certain tenacity to her cases, whether during the discovery phase, in arbitration, mediation, or presenting her case to a jury.
Experience
Haapala, Thompson & Aber, LLP Associate
2018 - 2023 Oakland, CA
Insurance defense counsel for multiple national insurance carriers and government entities with emphasis on personal injury, wrongful death, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, and landlord/tenant disputes. Prepared dispositive motions, discovery motions, motions in limine and protective orders.
Insurance defense counsel for large insurance carrier litigating automobile accidents, premises liability, landlord/tenant, dog bite, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
York County District Attorney Assistant District Attorney
2010 - 2012 York, PA
Conducted several jury and bench trials including second chair trial counsel in two homicide trials. Presented evidence and argument at multiple preliminary hearings. Prosecuted and managed hundreds of cases as a selected member of the county’s first ever vehicular crimes unit. Represented the Commonwealth in collaborative court programs for juvenile justice and repeat offenders. Wrote and argued evidentiary motions including suppression motions and motions in limine. Conducted juvenile special unit investigations. Drafted and filed appellate briefs in the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
Sussex County Family Court Law Clerk
2009 - 2010 Georgetown, DE
Conducted legal research and drafted judicial opinions pertaining to divorce, custody, alimony, juvenile adjudications, child support, and termination of parental rights.
Governor's Office of General Counsel Legal Intern
2008 Norristown, PA
Researched legal issues and drafted memoranda pertaining to agency law and environmental regulations.
Penn State's Dickinson Family Law Clinic Certified Legal Intern
2007 - 2008 Carlisle, PA
Represented clients in divorce, custody, and contempt proceedings including trial.
Sullivan Yost P.C. Legal Intern
2007 York, PA Prepared criminal defense briefs to the PA Superior Court on 4th Amendment issues and the Post-Conviction Relief Act.
Professional Associations
Alameda County Bar Association
Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
Contra Costa County Bar Association
Women Lawyers of Alameda County (Board member from 2020-2023).
Bar Admissions
State Bar of California – 2013
State Bar of Pennsylvania - 2009 (inactive)
Education
Penn State's Dickinson School of Law Juris Doctor, Honors 2009 Carlisle, PA
Member of Woolsack Honor Society for Academic Achievement; Miller Public Interest Award Recipient; Order of Barristers; Regional Finalist in the National Moot Court Competition; CALI Award Recipient in Advanced Torts, Juvenile Law, and Leadership.
University of Georgia Bachelor of Arts, Art History, Cum Laude 2002 Athens, GA
National Society of Collegiate Scholars Golden Key Honor Society
Personal
Passionate about art and loves museums. Enjoys running, especially participating in 5Ks. Also loves reading, baking, and spending time with family.
Alameda County Bar Association
Education
Penn State Dickinson School of Law Juris Doctor, Honors • 2009
University of Gorgia Bachelor of Arts Art History Cum Laude • 2002
