A partner in the Medical Malpractice Defense Group, Abbie brings 20 years of experience to her work in medical malpractice and governmental entity defense.  Abbie’s professional clients include physicians, surgeons, nurses and nurse practitioners, as well as other ancillary staff.   She regularly defends hospitals and nursing homes.  In the highly specialized area of defending government entities, she has represented the County of Los Angeles in tort claims, immunities, and other critical issues in medical malpractice. 

“One of our goals is to handle cases in the most cost effective manner.  In order to reach this goal we seek voluntary dismissals and alternative means of resolution, which contain costs.  This includes aggressive pursuit of demurrers, motions to strike and motions for summary judgment when warranted.   For example, in recent years there has been a significant rise in elder abuse and dependent adult abuse claims.  In the majority of cases these claims are not valid, but there is a monetary incentive for plaintiff’s lawyers to add a cause of action for elder abuse in an attempt to increase the damage claims.  We have been very successful in getting abuse claims dismissed at the preliminary stages of the lawsuit.”

Abbie continues, “I enjoy my work.  It is interesting and important.  The clients are a pleasure to work with and I am pleased to be able to offer them the benefit of our expertise in defense of their lawsuits so that they can concentrate on what they do best, practice medicine.” 





Education

Loyola University School of Law, J.D.
Class Standing: Top 15%
Am Jur Award in Administrative Law

University of California, Davis, B.S.
Sociology, with honors





Professional Activities

Admitted:
State Bar of California

Admitted to Practice:
U.S. District Court

Member:
Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
California Society of Healthcare Attorneys

Presentations:
"Medical Malpractice:  The Plot Thickens", San Joaquin-Sisters in Crime (SinC), Fresno, 2007

“Medical Legal Pitfalls,” Desert Critical Care Symposium, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, 2005

“Documentation in Medical Records,” In-service for nursing groups - Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, 2005

Volunteer:
Support and Liaison - Living Well Medical Clinic
Leadership - Lake Avenue Church