Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2025

Trial & Litigation Lawyer of the Year 22 www.lawyer-monthly.com Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2025 do something they would not be willing to do themself. If I expect you to work late or on the weekends, I am going to be right there with you. A leader is also someone who is constantly trying to improve themselves. I am always learning and trying to be better. I cannot expect my staff or associate attorneys to work to constantly improve when I am not doing that work, too. As Managing Partner of Zumpano Patricios’ Las Vegas office, I am proud to be part of a firm that values mentorship, continuous improvement, and a collaborative approach. Our national presence and deep bench of experienced attorneys allow us to offer comprehensive legal support to our clients, while fostering a culture of leadership and growth within the firm. What case are you most proud to have worked on? The case I am most proud of is representing Ricky Garcia, a former Disney Channel star and member of the boy band Forever In Your Mind, in his sexual assault lawsuit against his former manager. This landmark case resulted in a $6.5 million jury verdict in 2024 and set an important precedent as the first #MeToo-related jury verdict on behalf of a male victim in the entertainment industry. This case was particularly challenging, involving years of delay tactics by the defendant, including bankruptcy filings, and required navigating the complexities of historical sexual assault allegations. What makes this case especially meaningful is its broader impact. It not only delivered justice for Ricky but also highlighted the prevalence of abuse against male victims—an often-overlooked issue. The verdict sent a strong message about accountability and the need for greater protections for young performers. As lead trial attorney, I drew on my litigation experience to ensure our client’s voice was heard. Being part of this milestone is the highlight of my career. In your view, what are some of the unique strengths that women bring to leadership roles within law firms, particularly in high-pressure practice areas like litigation? Women are incredible leaders of law firms because we have an innate ability to juggle multiple things are once and we are consensus builders. Women are especially successful as litigators because this type of law forces you to multi-task every single day, and women are incredible at that. And while women are often accused of being overly emotional, I have seen women litigators be the most calm and collected in high-pressure cases and situations. At Zumpano Patricios, we recognize the immense value that diverse leadership brings to our firm and our clients, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel and lead in sophisticated legal matters. Have there been moments in your career where being a woman in law presented specific obstacles, and if so, how did you navigate those situations? As a woman, unfortunately, we are consistently underestimated. Even after practicing for more than 15 years, I still encounter attorneys who underestimate my knowledge or abilities. The only way to deal with that is to prove them wrong with the results I get for my clients. I am grateful to be part of Zumpano Patricios, a firm that values merit, results, and the unique perspectives diversity brings to the legal profession. You’ve worked extensively on both federal and state cases. How does your litigation strategy differ when navigating these two systems, and what insights have you gained from that dual experience? My litigation strategy actually does not differ depending on which court I am in. Regardless of the venue, we prepare every case from day one as if it is going to trial. This approach is consistent with Zumpano Patricios’ reputation for trying significant cases of national and international importance, and for providing clients with the highest level of preparation and advocacy in every matter we handle. “The best litigators are those who can artfully tell their client’s story to humanize them and create empathy with the jury.” Q Q Q Q

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