In this inaugural issue, Attorney at Law Magazine is excited to highlight a lineup of standout female practitioners from a wide spectrum of the legal industry – with different practices and different career paths.
Lawyers! Welcome to our first-ever National Women in Law Special Issue. Since I first launched Attorney at Law Magazine in 2009, our local Women in Law Issues have been some of our strongest. I’m excited to bring you this issue featuring a lineup of standout female practitioners from a wide spectrum of the legal industry – with different practices and different career paths.
Our cover story features Ivetta Avanesov, a Beverly Hills personal injury lawyer who approaches the practice with professionalism and respect for everyone playing their part in the “same game.”
We revisited Nina Shayan Depatie, a Los Angeles family law attorney, who is on the cusp of motherhood while balancing her thriving business.
Phoenix attorney Kristina Cervone also practices family law with a special focus on appellate cases. An Army veteran, she brings her experience to help clients in the military with their family law matters.
Jodi Ann Donato, a New York family law and estate planning attorney, followed an unexpected path (with many obstacles) to her current practice. She rose to each challenge and believes everything happens for a reason.
In South Carolina, Sydney Lynn has made a name for herself working on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. She describes her entry into the practice of law as a bit of “divine intervention.”
Kaytie Ravega has worked as a health law attorney for 20 years in private practice and as an in-house counsel. Today, she has set out on a new venture with Boesen & Snow Law as their first non-founder partner. She looks forward to growing this boutique firm.
The women lawyers of Greene Broillet & Wheeler each bring passion to their work in personal injury, looking beyond the single verdict to the impact they can have on the safety of all. Similarly, the three women strive to support women in law through mentorship and building a community.
The issue also brings you interviews with Liz Delnegro, Melissa Essary, Sheri Castillo and Daya Naef along with articles from Heather Hilgers, Jeralyn Lawrence and Danute Debney Shaw.
We’re also excited to bring you our 2025 Women in Law Spotlights section. We invited women lawyers from across the country to share about the practice of law as a woman.
Thank you to all the lawyers who participated and helped made this a great issue!
Happy Reading,
Kenneth Minniti
Executive Publisher
Beverly Hills personal injury attorney Ivetta Avanesov has a first-hand understanding of what life is like for people who have no rights. “My parents came from the Soviet Union, a place where they faced oppression and had limited freedoms,” said Avanesov, who was born in Moscow and moved to Los Angeles with her family at age 6. “They experienced firsthand
After two years as a comptroller for a local car dealership, Jodi Ann Donato realized there wasn’t a future for her there. “I knew that if I wanted real opportunity, I would have to create it for myself,” she said. She began law school part time, taking classes at night after work. As a single mother this soon became untenable.
Star Wars lightsabers and droids are not what you’d expect to find in a family lawyer’s office, unless it’s Arizona attorney Kristina Cervone. “I’m a huge Star Wars fan and a huge Marvel fan,” said Cervone. “My Star Wars collection sends a message to my clients and opposing counsel who visit my office and judges who see my office in
For almost 20 years, Kaytie Ravega has worked as a health law attorney. She admits that when she first graduated from law school, the practice wasn’t even on her radar. Instead, she started out with a busy real estate practice. But, when a few friends asked for help on large health law projects, she realized what a good fit the
Attorney Sydney Lynn joined Joye Law Firm more than 11 years ago. In 2016, she established the firm’s Columbia office where she has continued to offer assistance in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims – leveling the playing field for those injured. AALM: You have described your entry into the legal practice as divine intervention. What do you mean by
We sat down with three women at Greene Broillet & Wheeler (GBW) – Christine Spagnoli, Molly McKibben and Jenna Edzant. Spagnoli has been a partner with the firm for more than 40 years. Her work has made an incredible impact on the industry. She was the first woman to earn the CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year award. But equally
Elizabeth “Liz” Delnegro began her career in HR management, but a reactive HR director pushed her to pursue a legal career with the intention of becoming an employment lawyer. The law had other plans for her, though. Law school piqued her interest in business and tax law, so she went on to earn her executive LLM in tax with international
Nina Shayan Depatie manages her own family law firm in Los Angeles, California. This soon-to-be-mother understands the challenges of managing a caseload, a thriving business and the needs of a growing family. AALM: Can you tell us about your mentors and some of the best lessons they’ve imparted on you? NSD: I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by mentors who
Sheri Castillo is the owner of On Your Side Mitigation in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to starting her mitigation company, she spent decades in law enforcement and as a paralegal in criminal defense. We sat down with her to discuss her journey from probation officer to mitigation specialist. AALM: How did your decade of experiences as a probation officer, a corrections
Daya Naef is a lawyer turned business coach, who applies her years of experience as an attorney and business owner to the benefit of her clients at The Success Partner. AALM: How has The Success Partner evolved since its launch seven years ago? DN: Over the past seven years, The Success Partner has grown from a simple coaching service into
As a co-founder of what has grown into the largest woman-owned law firm in the nation, I carry that title with pride, but also with a deep sense of responsibility. It’s not just about leading a successful firm; it’s about ensuring that the talented women who work here feel a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and value in everything they
Practicing law is a privilege, a challenge, and a responsibility. As a woman in the legal profession, the journey is uniquely rewarding yet fraught with distinct challenges. I have built a career that I love, one that has allowed me to grow as a lawyer, a business owner, and a leader in the profession. My law degree has opened doors
“How can I take you seriously? You’re so cute” Yes, this is what a technical director once said to me many years ago when I was one of the early, few, female unit managers for network news at a national broadcasting center in New York City, in the last quarter of the last century. And yes, that was a while
Melissa Essary was teaching employment law at Baylor University School of Law in 1991 while Anita Hill was testifying at a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing that Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her when he was her supervisor at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). “My start of teaching sexual harassment within employment discrimination was with those hearings. Having taught employment
Beverly Hills personal injury attorney Ivetta Avanesov has a first-hand understanding of what life is like for people who have no rights. “My parents came from the Soviet Union, a place where they faced oppression and had limited freedoms,” said Avanesov, who was born in Moscow and moved to Los Angeles with her family at age 6. “They experienced firsthand
After two years as a comptroller for a local car dealership, Jodi Ann Donato realized there wasn’t a future for her there. “I knew that if I wanted real opportunity, I would have to create it for myself,” she said. She began law school part time, taking classes at night after work. As a single mother this soon became untenable.
Star Wars lightsabers and droids are not what you’d expect to find in a family lawyer’s office, unless it’s Arizona attorney Kristina Cervone. “I’m a huge Star Wars fan and a huge Marvel fan,” said Cervone. “My Star Wars collection sends a message to my clients and opposing counsel who visit my office and judges who see my office in
For almost 20 years, Kaytie Ravega has worked as a health law attorney. She admits that when she first graduated from law school, the practice wasn’t even on her radar. Instead, she started out with a busy real estate practice. But, when a few friends asked for help on large health law projects, she realized what a good fit the
Attorney Sydney Lynn joined Joye Law Firm more than 11 years ago. In 2016, she established the firm’s Columbia office where she has continued to offer assistance in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims – leveling the playing field for those injured. AALM: You have described your entry into the legal practice as divine intervention. What do you mean by
We sat down with three women at Greene Broillet & Wheeler (GBW) – Christine Spagnoli, Molly McKibben and Jenna Edzant. Spagnoli has been a partner with the firm for more than 40 years. Her work has made an incredible impact on the industry. She was the first woman to earn the CAALA Trial Lawyer of the Year award. But equally
Elizabeth “Liz” Delnegro began her career in HR management, but a reactive HR director pushed her to pursue a legal career with the intention of becoming an employment lawyer. The law had other plans for her, though. Law school piqued her interest in business and tax law, so she went on to earn her executive LLM in tax with international
Nina Shayan Depatie manages her own family law firm in Los Angeles, California. This soon-to-be-mother understands the challenges of managing a caseload, a thriving business and the needs of a growing family. AALM: Can you tell us about your mentors and some of the best lessons they’ve imparted on you? NSD: I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by mentors who
Sheri Castillo is the owner of On Your Side Mitigation in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to starting her mitigation company, she spent decades in law enforcement and as a paralegal in criminal defense. We sat down with her to discuss her journey from probation officer to mitigation specialist. AALM: How did your decade of experiences as a probation officer, a corrections
Daya Naef is a lawyer turned business coach, who applies her years of experience as an attorney and business owner to the benefit of her clients at The Success Partner. AALM: How has The Success Partner evolved since its launch seven years ago? DN: Over the past seven years, The Success Partner has grown from a simple coaching service into
As a co-founder of what has grown into the largest woman-owned law firm in the nation, I carry that title with pride, but also with a deep sense of responsibility. It’s not just about leading a successful firm; it’s about ensuring that the talented women who work here feel a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and value in everything they
Practicing law is a privilege, a challenge, and a responsibility. As a woman in the legal profession, the journey is uniquely rewarding yet fraught with distinct challenges. I have built a career that I love, one that has allowed me to grow as a lawyer, a business owner, and a leader in the profession. My law degree has opened doors
“How can I take you seriously? You’re so cute” Yes, this is what a technical director once said to me many years ago when I was one of the early, few, female unit managers for network news at a national broadcasting center in New York City, in the last quarter of the last century. And yes, that was a while
Melissa Essary was teaching employment law at Baylor University School of Law in 1991 while Anita Hill was testifying at a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing that Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her when he was her supervisor at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). “My start of teaching sexual harassment within employment discrimination was with those hearings. Having taught employment
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As a part of this issue, we invited women lawyers nationwide to share about the practice of law as a woman – the support they’ve felt, the challenges they’ve faced and the work still to be done. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and with your fellow lawyers.
Co-Managing Partner at Olshan Frome Wolosky in New York, NY
My father inspired me to become a lawyer and was my greatest champion. He instilled in me the belief that being a “girl” had no impact on achieving my goals. His support fueled my drive, grit and determination for success.
Recently, I led the all-female team representing JEMB Realty in its complex $300 million refinancing and preferred equity deal for Herald Center. This deal showcased the power of Olshan’s women. Leading my team while navigating its complexities reinforced the importance of fostering an environment where women excel.
Partner at Cannella Snyder in Decatur, GA
Attorney at Ball Janik LLP in Miami, FL
Partner at Venable LLP in Denver, CO
Partner at Goldberg Segalla in Albany, NY
Founding Partner & President at Atheria Law in San Francisco, CA
Of Counsel at VF Law in Lake Oswego, OR
Partner at Venable LLP in Washington, DC
Attorney at Stinson LLP in Kansas City, MO
Partner at Goldberg Segalla in West Palm Beach, FL
Founder of West Coast Family Mediation in San Diego, CA
Partner at Venable LLP in Los Angeles
Attorney at Farah & Farah in Tampa, FL
Associate at Gallagher & Kennedy in Phoenix, AZ
Attorney at Jimerson Birr in Jacksonville, FL
Associate at Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia, PA
Partner at Venable LLP in Washington, DC
Partner at Goldberg Segalla in White Plains, NY
Partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP in Riverside, CA
Managing Member of McGlinchey Stafford in Jacksonville, FL
Partner at Venable LLP in Denver, CO
Partner at Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia, PA
Attorney at Farah & Farah in Tallahassee, FL
Shareholder at FBFK Law in Dallas, TX
Partner at Venable LLP in Los Angeles, CA
Co-Managing Shareholder at Cole Schotz in Hackensack, NJ
Associate at Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP in Phoenix, AZ
Shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy in Phoenix, AZ
Partner at Venable LLP in San Francisco, CA
Associate at MG+M The Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA
Partner at Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia, PA
Shareholder at Jones Foster in West Palm Beach, FL
Partner at Goldberg Segalla in Los Angeles, CA
Attorney at Farah & Farah in Jacksonville, FL
Partner at Venable LLP in New York, NY
Managing Partner at Snell & Wilmer in San Diego, CA
Partner at MG+M The Law Firm in New Orleans, LA
Partner at Redgrave LLP in Chicago, IL
Attorney at Jimerson Birr in Jacksonville, FL
Founder of The Law Office of Laura Cowan in New York, NY
Senior Attorney at Gravis Law, PLLC in Scottsdale, AZ
Partner at Venable LLP in Baltimore, MD
Managing Shareholder at Bryant Miller Olive P.A. in Miami, FL
Partner at Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia, PA
Partner at Venable LLP in Chicago, IL
