Klinedinst PC

---

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC Shareholder and CEO, John D. Klinedinst, has been named a 2025 SD500 “Icon” by the San Diego Business Journal.

For more than four decades, John has guided the firm through continued growth, successfully handling dozens of jury trials in state and federal courts and hundreds of arbitrations. Under his leadership, Klinedinst PC has expanded to over 90 lawyers across seven offices in five states, strengthening its presence throughout the Western United States.

Today, John continues to be a respected leader in the legal and business communities, and remains committed to supporting the next generation of professionals at the firm.

See John’s full feature in the San Diego Business Journal here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC Shareholder Dan Lawton was featured in The Journal of the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association for his article “The Impact of Emotions on Judging.”

In the article, Dan explains how emotion and intuition can influence judicial reasoning even when judges believe they are being purely logical. He draws on Nobel Prize-winning research and real courtroom examples to show how awareness of these factors can improve fairness and decision-making.

Click here to read the full article and see how emotions shape judgment in the courtroom.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC Counsel Joshua B. Heiman was featured in the Fall 2025 issue of USLAW Magazine, where he explores the evolving legal challenges surrounding artificial intelligence in his article, “When AI Backfires: How to Protect Clients from Invisible Legal Risks.”

In the piece, Joshua explains how AI tools can create hidden vulnerabilities, ranging from privacy violations to regulatory exposure, when used without proper oversight. He also outlines practical steps attorneys can take to help clients anticipate and mitigate these risks.

Read the full article here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

Klinedinst PC is honored to highlight counsel Suzanne L. Schmidt on her recent publication in The Journal of the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association. Her article, “Working: Conversations with Essential Workers Behind the Scenes in the Court System,” shines a light on the essential workers whose dedication keeps the judicial system moving.

---

SAN DIEGO, CA – Inspired by Studs Terkel’s 1972 classic Working, Suzanne’s article is part of an occasional series that spotlights the contributions of non-judge and non-lawyer professionals in the courts. These individuals play an indispensable role behind the scenes, yet their stories are rarely told.

This latest feature introduces readers to Karleen Jones Fowlkes, judicial assistant to Senior U.S. Circuit Judge J. Clifford Wallace of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. For more than two decades, Karleen has ensured Judge Wallace’s chambers were prepared meticulously with sharpened pencils placed in their exact spot, along with neatly stacked mail and a ready schedule each morning. Her attention to detail and consistency have quietly supported the efficiency of one of the nation’s most respected jurists.

“Working” elevates the stories of people like Karleen, whose efforts are vital to the functioning of our courts but often remain unseen. Suzanne’s work underscores the humanity, professionalism, and dedication that sustain the legal system day after day.

Klinedinst PC is proud to recognize Suzanne’s contribution to the profession and invites readers to explore her full article.

Read the full article here: Working: Conversations with Essential Workers

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

At the CLA Annual Meeting, Klinedinst PC Shareholder Dan Lawton outlined how defamation claims affect free speech, workplace disputes, and reputational risk.

SAN DIEGO, CA – The 2025 California Lawyers Association (CLA) Annual Meeting brought together more than 300 attorneys, judges, professors, students, and legal professionals for three days of advanced learning, keynote presentations, and networking. Klinedinst PC Shareholder and Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, Dan Lawton, delivered a standout session on defamation law that set the stage for broader discussions on the rule of law, immigration, free speech, and legal ethics.

Joined by attorneys Beth Mora and Tamara Freeze, he explored how defamation claims can serve as both proactive remedies to address reputational harm and reactive measures that may suppress speech. The panel clarified distinctions between public and private figures, examined workplace defamation scenarios, and reviewed key privileges. Attendees left with practical strategies to assess reputational damage and manage litigation risk in today’s rapidly evolving environment.

Mr. Lawton’s presentation reflects his decades of experience in appellate and trial practice. After earning his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and clerking for Ninth Circuit Judge Thomas Tang, he practiced at Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps LLP before founding his own San Diego firm. For more than 20 years, he trained young attorneys and represented a diverse range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and civil rights plaintiffs.

Since joining Klinedinst PC in 2019, Mr. Lawton has continued to handle complex appeals and professional liability cases while sharing his expertise at CLE programs across California. To learn more about Dan Lawton, visit his full biography here

To learn more about Dan Lawton, visit his full biography here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Featured in Apartment Age, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz offers practical legal guidance on discrimination, wage disputes, and workplace compliance in multifamily housing.

---

LOS ANGELES, CA – Klinedinst PC  Senior Counsel Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz was featured in the October edition of Digital Apartment Age Magazine. Her article takes a deep dive into one of the most pressing challenges facing California landlords and property management companies today: wage and hour lawsuits involving resident managers.

Under California law, properties with 16 or more units must have a responsible person living on-site, usually in the role of a resident manager. While straightforward on the surface, this requirement has led to significant disputes when landlords fail to implement agreements that meet the state’s strict labor code standards. With penalties available under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) – as well as exposure to attorneys’ fees – even a single claim can result in judgments reaching millions of dollars.

Drawing on her extensive experience in labor and employment law, Ms. Sagi-Lebowitz provides landlords and management companies with a practical roadmap for minimizing risk. She highlights the importance of carefully drafted agreements that clearly define duties, work hours, wage payments, sick leave, and rental credits. Just as critical are accurate wage statements that reflect hours worked, compensation, reimbursements, and rent allocations, since these details can serve as a strong defense against costly claims.

While no agreement can fully eliminate risk, Ms. Sagi-Lebowitz emphasizes that proactive, compliance-focused policies can significantly reduce exposure to litigation. Her insights offer property owners and managers the tools they need to stay ahead of potential disputes and protect their investments.

 Click here to learn more about Klinedinst PC Senior Counsel, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz.

To read the full article from Klinedinst PC Senior Counsel, Imbar Sagi-Lebowitz, on page 48 of October’s release Digital Apartment Age Magazine, click here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

Klinedinst PC Expands Into Artificial Intelligence Law With New AI Practice Group Co-Chaired by James D. Snyder and Joshua B. Heiman.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Klinedinst PC has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Practice Group, appointing James D. Snyder and Joshua B. Heiman as its co-chairs. This initiative highlights the firm’s commitment to helping clients navigate the legal challenges and opportunities brought by the rapid adoption of AI technologies.

“The formation of our AI Practice Group reflects our proactive approach to an evolving legal landscape,” said John D. Klinedinst, CEO and Shareholder of Klinedinst PC. “With James and Joshua leading the group, we are confident in delivering comprehensive, risk-based counsel that meets the interdisciplinary demands of AI. With AI technology fully infiltrating not only the legal community, but all industries on a global scale, it is imperative that we have a dedicated team in place to address our clients’ needs in this space.”

About The Co-Chairs

James D. Snyder, a Shareholder at Klinedinst PC and Chair of the Transactional Practice Group, brings deep experience in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and data privacy. He has guided startups and established enterprises through licensing, finance, corporate structuring, and intellectual property issues. Mr. Snyder is recognized for steering clients through complex regulations, including AI regulation, GDPR and CCPA compliance, and for managing international acquisition integrations.

Joshua B. Heiman, Counsel in the San Diego office, is a Certified Information Privacy Professional with extensive knowledge of AI regulation, data privacy, and technology law. He has advised Fortune 500 companies on GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and other regulatory frameworks, with expertise spanning software licensing, privacy compliance, intellectual property, and litigation.

Practice Group Focus

The AI Practice Group will help clients by:

• Conducting AI risk assessments and compliance audits
• Drafting and negotiating AI-related contracts
• Developing governance policies and ethical guidelines
• Advising on IP, data privacy, and consumer protection
• Representing clients in AI-related disputes and investigations

By combining legal expertise with forward-looking strategies, Klinedinst PC’s AI Practice Group is positioned to help clients embrace innovation while minimizing risk.

The firm looks forward to guiding organizations as they integrate AI into their business operations with confidence and compliance.

Learn more about Klinedinst PC’s AI Practice Group here.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Klinedinst PC expands in 2025 by welcoming 21 new attorneys so far this year, further enhancing its litigation, transactional, and trial capabilities across the West. Read about the firm’s latest growth.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – At Klinedinst PC, we’re growing stronger than ever. Since the start of 2025, we have added more than 21 talented attorneys across our offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle. This expansion strengthens our reach throughout California, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada, reflecting the trust our clients place in us and the momentum we continue to build together, and where our clients benefit from a team dedicated to excellence at every level. 

Growth Driven by Client Success 

Our growth is directly tied to the success of our clients. By navigating complex challenges in state, federal, and appellate courts with precision, we reinforce our commitment to excellence. That commitment propels our expansion and motivates us to deliver even greater results. 

Attorneys Joining Klinedinst PC 

 Irvine: 

· Matthew Van Fleet – Senior Counsel 

· George Beckett – Associate 

· Tiffany Nolet – Associate 

 
Las Vegas: 

· Darren Brenner – Shareholder 

· Joseph Coronel – Associate 

Los Angeles: 

· Morgan Acevedo – Associate 
 

Phoenix: 

· Grace Sluga – Associate 

Sacramento: 

· Thomas Agawa – Senior Counsel 

· Emily Allyn – Associate 

San Diego: 

· Austin Evans – Sr. Counsel 

· Joshua Heiman – Counsel 

· Dorota Poplawska – Counsel 

· Suzanne Schmidt – Counsel 

· Anthony Bareno – Associate 

· Clark Cressman – Associate 

· Amy Mullen – Associate 

· Robert Shawhan – Associate 

 

Seattle: 

· Mary DePaolo Haddad – Shareholder 

· Jack Bishop – Associate 

· Rafael Bultz – Associate 

· Abby Jiang – Associate 

A Culture of Excellence 

Beyond case results, Klinedinst has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms to Work For in both 2024 and 2025. The firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a collaborative culture where attorneys thrive and clients benefit from a team dedicated to excellence at every level. 

Learn More 

We are proud to welcome these accomplished attorneys to the Klinedinst. To learn more about their backgrounds, expertise, and practice focus, we invite you to explore each attorney’s bio on our website.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

---

Klinedinst PC earns 2024–2025 Mansfield Certification, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and leadership opportunities in the legal field.

SAN DIEGO, CA – With the 2024–2025 Mansfield Certification now in hand, Klinedinst PC reaffirms its commitment to advancing diversity, transparency, and opportunity across all levels of leadership.

The Mansfield Certification is awarded to law firms that meet rigorous, data-driven benchmarks ensuring that qualified attorneys from historically underrepresented groups, including women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys, and attorneys with disabilities, are actively considered for leadership roles, senior lateral hiring, client pitch teams, and other key advancement opportunities.

Since joining the program, Klinedinst has taken deliberate steps to broaden access, strengthen advancement processes, and ensure that the firm’s leadership pipeline reflects the diverse talent within the legal profession. These initiatives include systematic reviews of hiring and promotion practices, along with proactive measures to create more opportunities for talented attorneys at every stage of their careers.

“The Mansfield Certification is an honor, and a reflection of the dedication Klinedinst has put forth to ensure our attorneys and staff are provided with opportunities for professional growth, no matter their sex, race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation,” says Teresa M. Beck, Co-Chair of the firm’s DEIB Committee.

The Mansfield framework recently received additional validation when a U.S. Federal Court ruled that the program aligns with anti-discrimination laws. This ruling affirms the integrity and lawfulness of the program’s approach, reinforcing that fostering diversity and ensuring equal opportunity is both ethical and legally sound.

The Mansfield process, powered by Diversity Lab, is grounded in measurable actions designed to expand, rather than limit, the pool of qualified candidates for leadership and client-facing roles. By encouraging a broader view of talent pipelines, the program helps law firms make more inclusive and transparent leadership decisions.

Klinedinst thanks Diversity Lab for providing a collaborative platform to advance equity in the legal profession and looks forward to continuing participation in the program in the years ahead.

To learn more about Klinedinst’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, visit: klinedinstlaw.com/diversity

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation, trial experience, transactional representation, and legal counsel. The firm’s offices in Irvine, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle service clients across the West, handling matters in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. What sets Klinedinst apart is the relationship our attorneys foster with each and every client. Klinedinst lawyers are indispensable strategic partners to business leaders, helping to achieve business objectives and create proactive solutions to resolve the many legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether vigorously advocating for business clients in court, or guiding business transactions and negotiations, Klinedinst is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.

Klinedinst PC’s Teresa Beck joins top legal minds across the U.S. as an Executive Council member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA –– Klinedinst PC is proud to announce that Shareholder Teresa Beck has been elected as an At-Large Member of the Executive Council for the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP). This national honor reflects her long-standing commitment to advancing the legal profession and supporting leadership across the legal community.

The National Conference of Bar Presidents brings together past, present, and future leaders of bar associations throughout the United States. Affiliated with the American Bar Association, the organization serves as a collaborative forum focused on strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice, and identifying innovative solutions to challenges facing the legal industry.

As an At-Large Member of the Executive Council, Teresa will play a key role in shaping the NCBP’s strategic direction and helping guide policy decisions that support bar leadership nationwide. Members of the Executive Council are selected based on their professional experience, leadership contributions, and commitment to elevating the legal profession.

Teresa currently serves as Co-Managing Shareholder of Klinedinst PC and is based in the firm’s San Diego and Irvine offices. She focuses her practice on employment law, professional liability, and business litigation, and is also widely known for her mentorship, DEIB advocacy, and dedication to attorney development.

Klinedinst is proud to support Teresa in this national leadership position and congratulates her on this significant accomplishment. Her election reflects the firm’s broader mission to support innovation, service, and leadership throughout the legal profession.

Click here to learn more about Teresa Beck and her work at Klinedinst PC.

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC is the go-to firm for clients looking for litigation and trial experience, sophisticated transactional advice, and other solution-oriented legal counsel. Providing legal services across the West, our attorneys are dedicated to fostering trusted relationships with each and every client, to help them achieve their individual goals and objectives. Klinedinst lawyers strive to serve as true business partners, always at the ready to address the legal challenges that businesses are confronted with every day. Whether in court, at the board meeting, or otherwise, KPC is the trusted legal advisor to have by your side.