Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP

There are many lawyers who will tell you confidently that they can win your case, but at what cost? At Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP, we help you get the results you need at the right cost.

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP

There are many lawyers who will tell you confidently that they can win your case, but at what cost? At Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP, we help you get the results you need at the right cost.

Firm Overview

Our California-based attorneys are known and respected as exceptional litigators and savvy negotiators. We offer straight answers, creative strategies and a business-based approach to resolving disputes as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We represent public entities, governmental agencies, real estate developers, professionals and others in all kinds of civil litigation, with particular knowledge and experience in the areas of general municipal liability, civil rights, complex environmental litigation, construction and real estate disputes, insurance coverage, employment litigation, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

When losing isn't an option, and winning at all costs doesn't fit the bill, hire the attorneys who will win at the right cost. Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP in Sacramento, California.

Main Office

Main Office
555 University Avenue, Suite 280
Sacramento, CA 95825

Phone

(916) 974-8500

Personal Injury

The law office of Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP will represent your personal injury legal matters.

The law office of Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP will represent your personal injury legal matters.

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Dayton "Van" Vranken Longyear

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Environmental Law
-Personal Injury
-Medical Malpractice
-Professional Negligence

Van Longyear focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, environmental law, personal injury, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Born in Pasadena, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.S. 1975) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., with distinction, 1978). Mr. Longyear is admitted to practice in California and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Sacramento County and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Defense Research Institute and the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly California Trial Lawyers Association). He is also a member of the Traynor Honor Society and the Federalist Society.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1978

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Dayton "Van" Vranken Longyear

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Environmental Law
-Personal Injury
-Medical Malpractice
-Professional Negligence

Van Longyear focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, environmental law, personal injury, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Born in Pasadena, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.S. 1975) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., with distinction, 1978). Mr. Longyear is admitted to practice in California and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Sacramento County and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Defense Research Institute and the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly California Trial Lawyers Association). He is also a member of the Traynor Honor Society and the Federalist Society.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1978


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gregory P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-Insurance Coverage
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Public Contract Law

Gregory P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation, insurance coverage, general liability defense, personal injury and public contract law.
.
He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento County.
Born in New York, he is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1983). He is admitted to practice in California; Nevada; the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California; the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Nevada, the Sacramento County (Member, Sections on: Environmental Law; Torts and Insurance) and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association) and the Defense Research Institute.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1983

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gregory P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-Insurance Coverage
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Public Contract Law

Gregory P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation, insurance coverage, general liability defense, personal injury and public contract law.
.
He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento County.
Born in New York, he is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1983). He is admitted to practice in California; Nevada; the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California; the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Nevada, the Sacramento County (Member, Sections on: Environmental Law; Torts and Insurance) and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association) and the Defense Research Institute.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1983


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
John A. Lavra

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Labor/Employment Law
-Business Litigation
-Personal Injury

John A. Lavra focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law, business litigation and personal injury.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He is also appointed by the Sacramento County Bar Association to serve as an arbitrator of fee disputes.

A native of Inglewood, California, he is a graduate of California State University at Sacramento (B.A. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1984). He is admitted to practice in California, the U.S.
District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada and the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association).

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1984

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
John A. Lavra

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Labor/Employment Law
-Business Litigation
-Personal Injury

John A. Lavra focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law, business litigation and personal injury.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He is also appointed by the Sacramento County Bar Association to serve as an arbitrator of fee disputes.

A native of Inglewood, California, he is a graduate of California State University at Sacramento (B.A. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1984). He is admitted to practice in California, the U.S.
District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada and the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association).

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1984


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Mark P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Plaintiff's Personal Injury
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-General Liability Defense

Mark P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury, public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation and general liability defense.

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, he is a graduate of Georgetown University (B.S. 1984) and Lincoln University (J.D. 1996), where he was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards for Torts and Evidence, and Best Overall, Moot Court. He is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada. He is fluent in Spanish.

Education

Lincoln University
Juris Doctorate, 1996

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Mark P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Plaintiff's Personal Injury
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-General Liability Defense

Mark P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury, public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation and general liability defense.

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, he is a graduate of Georgetown University (B.S. 1984) and Lincoln University (J.D. 1996), where he was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards for Torts and Evidence, and Best Overall, Moot Court. He is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada. He is fluent in Spanish.

Education

Lincoln University Juris Doctorate, 1996


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Amanda L. McDermott

Practice Areas
-Public Law
-Civil Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury

Amanda L. McDermott focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in San Jose, California she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2007). She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2007

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Amanda L. McDermott

Practice Areas
-Public Law
-Civil Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury

Amanda L. McDermott focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in San Jose, California she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2007). She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2007


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Natasha N. Langenfeld

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Labor/Employment Law
-Personal Injury Defense
-Family Law
-Creditor Law
-FDCPA

Natasha Langenfeld focuses her practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, labor and employment law, personal injury defense, family law, creditor law and FDCPA.

Born in Kearney, Nebraska, she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.S.) and Lincoln University (J.D. cum laude, 2007), where she was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards in Personal Property, Community Property and Applied Legal Reasoning. She is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Court, for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Lincoln University
Juris Doctorate, 2007

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Natasha N. Langenfeld

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Labor/Employment Law
-Personal Injury Defense
-Family Law
-Creditor Law
-FDCPA

Natasha Langenfeld focuses her practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, labor and employment law, personal injury defense, family law, creditor law and FDCPA.

Born in Kearney, Nebraska, she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.S.) and Lincoln University (J.D. cum laude, 2007), where she was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards in Personal Property, Community Property and Applied Legal Reasoning. She is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Court, for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Lincoln University Juris Doctorate, 2007


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Kelley S. Kern

Practice Areas
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Employment Law
-Business Litigation

Kelley S. Kern focuses her practice in general liability defense, personal injury, civil litigation, including public entity liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law and business litigation.

Born in Santa Clara, California, she earned her B.A. from the University of California, Davis in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2002. Ms. Kern is admitted to practice in California, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Bar Association and Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2002

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Kelley S. Kern

Practice Areas
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Employment Law
-Business Litigation

Kelley S. Kern focuses her practice in general liability defense, personal injury, civil litigation, including public entity liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law and business litigation.

Born in Santa Clara, California, she earned her B.A. from the University of California, Davis in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2002. Ms. Kern is admitted to practice in California, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Bar Association and Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2002


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Peter C. Zilaff

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Peter Zilaff focuses his practice in civil litigation, including public entity defense, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense

Born in Sacramento, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 2010). He is admitted to practice in California, U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2010

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Peter C. Zilaff

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Peter Zilaff focuses his practice in civil litigation, including public entity defense, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense

Born in Sacramento, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 2010). He is admitted to practice in California, U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2010


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Nicole M. Rippy

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Nicole M. Rippy focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in Ventura, California she is a graduate of California State University Bakersfield (B.A., magna cum laude) and Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D., 2012), where she also earned a certificate in dispute resolution. She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Central, and Southern Districts.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2012

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Nicole M. Rippy

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Nicole M. Rippy focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in Ventura, California she is a graduate of California State University Bakersfield (B.A., magna cum laude) and Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D., 2012), where she also earned a certificate in dispute resolution. She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Central, and Southern Districts.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2012


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gigi Knudtson

Gigi Knudtson focuses her practice in the area of general civil litigation, including medical malpractice, health care, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, employment, and business and commercial litigation. Since commencing practice in 1984, Ms. Knudtson has had extensive experience as trial lawyer, handling complex litigation for individuals, corporations, insurance companies, and small and large businesses.

Born in Monterey, California, Ms. Knudtson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 1984), after spending one year as a visiting student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Ms. Knudtson is admitted to practice in California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California.

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gigi Knudtson

Gigi Knudtson focuses her practice in the area of general civil litigation, including medical malpractice, health care, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, employment, and business and commercial litigation. Since commencing practice in 1984, Ms. Knudtson has had extensive experience as trial lawyer, handling complex litigation for individuals, corporations, insurance companies, and small and large businesses.

Born in Monterey, California, Ms. Knudtson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 1984), after spending one year as a visiting student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Ms. Knudtson is admitted to practice in California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California.

Firm Overview

Our California-based attorneys are known and respected as exceptional litigators and savvy negotiators. We offer straight answers, creative strategies and a business-based approach to resolving disputes as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We represent public entities, governmental agencies, real estate developers, professionals and others in all kinds of civil litigation, with particular knowledge and experience in the areas of general municipal liability, civil rights, complex environmental litigation, construction and real estate disputes, insurance coverage, employment litigation, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

When losing isn't an option, and winning at all costs doesn't fit the bill, hire the attorneys who will win at the right cost. Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP in Sacramento, California.

Main Office

Main Office
555 University Avenue, Suite 280
Sacramento, CA 95825

Phone

(916) 974-8500

Personal Injury

The law office of Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP will represent your personal injury legal matters.

The law office of Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP will represent your personal injury legal matters.

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Dayton "Van" Vranken Longyear

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Environmental Law
-Personal Injury
-Medical Malpractice
-Professional Negligence

Van Longyear focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, environmental law, personal injury, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Born in Pasadena, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.S. 1975) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., with distinction, 1978). Mr. Longyear is admitted to practice in California and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Sacramento County and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Defense Research Institute and the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly California Trial Lawyers Association). He is also a member of the Traynor Honor Society and the Federalist Society.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1978

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Dayton "Van" Vranken Longyear

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Environmental Law
-Personal Injury
-Medical Malpractice
-Professional Negligence

Van Longyear focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, environmental law, personal injury, medical malpractice and professional negligence.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Born in Pasadena, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.S. 1975) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D., with distinction, 1978). Mr. Longyear is admitted to practice in California and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Sacramento County and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Defense Research Institute and the Consumer Attorneys of California (formerly California Trial Lawyers Association). He is also a member of the Traynor Honor Society and the Federalist Society.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1978


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gregory P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-Insurance Coverage
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Public Contract Law

Gregory P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation, insurance coverage, general liability defense, personal injury and public contract law.
.
He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento County.
Born in New York, he is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1983). He is admitted to practice in California; Nevada; the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California; the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Nevada, the Sacramento County (Member, Sections on: Environmental Law; Torts and Insurance) and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association) and the Defense Research Institute.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1983

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gregory P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-Insurance Coverage
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Public Contract Law

Gregory P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation, insurance coverage, general liability defense, personal injury and public contract law.
.
He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento County.
Born in New York, he is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1983). He is admitted to practice in California; Nevada; the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California; the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Nevada, the Sacramento County (Member, Sections on: Environmental Law; Torts and Insurance) and American Bar Associations, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association) and the Defense Research Institute.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1983


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
John A. Lavra

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Labor/Employment Law
-Business Litigation
-Personal Injury

John A. Lavra focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law, business litigation and personal injury.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He is also appointed by the Sacramento County Bar Association to serve as an arbitrator of fee disputes.

A native of Inglewood, California, he is a graduate of California State University at Sacramento (B.A. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1984). He is admitted to practice in California, the U.S.
District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada and the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association).

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 1984

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
John A. Lavra

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Labor/Employment Law
-Business Litigation
-Personal Injury

John A. Lavra focuses his practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law, business litigation and personal injury.

He serves as a judge pro tem, arbitrator and in the settlement conference program for Sacramento and El Dorado counties and as an early neutral evaluator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He is also appointed by the Sacramento County Bar Association to serve as an arbitrator of fee disputes.

A native of Inglewood, California, he is a graduate of California State University at Sacramento (B.A. 1980) and the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific (J.D. 1984). He is admitted to practice in California, the U.S.
District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada and the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association).

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 1984


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Mark P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Plaintiff's Personal Injury
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-General Liability Defense

Mark P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury, public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation and general liability defense.

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, he is a graduate of Georgetown University (B.S. 1984) and Lincoln University (J.D. 1996), where he was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards for Torts and Evidence, and Best Overall, Moot Court. He is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada. He is fluent in Spanish.

Education

Lincoln University
Juris Doctorate, 1996

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Mark P. O'Dea

Practice Areas
-Plaintiff's Personal Injury
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Inverse Condemnation
-Earth Movement and Flood Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Construction Litigation
-General Liability Defense

Mark P. O'Dea focuses his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury, public entity liability defense, inverse condemnation, earth movement and flood litigation, environmental law, construction litigation and general liability defense.

Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, he is a graduate of Georgetown University (B.S. 1984) and Lincoln University (J.D. 1996), where he was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards for Torts and Evidence, and Best Overall, Moot Court. He is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada. He is fluent in Spanish.

Education

Lincoln University Juris Doctorate, 1996


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Amanda L. McDermott

Practice Areas
-Public Law
-Civil Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury

Amanda L. McDermott focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in San Jose, California she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2007). She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2007

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Amanda L. McDermott

Practice Areas
-Public Law
-Civil Litigation
-Environmental Law
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury

Amanda L. McDermott focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in San Jose, California she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2007). She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2007


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Natasha N. Langenfeld

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Labor/Employment Law
-Personal Injury Defense
-Family Law
-Creditor Law
-FDCPA

Natasha Langenfeld focuses her practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, labor and employment law, personal injury defense, family law, creditor law and FDCPA.

Born in Kearney, Nebraska, she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.S.) and Lincoln University (J.D. cum laude, 2007), where she was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards in Personal Property, Community Property and Applied Legal Reasoning. She is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Court, for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Lincoln University
Juris Doctorate, 2007

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Natasha N. Langenfeld

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Labor/Employment Law
-Personal Injury Defense
-Family Law
-Creditor Law
-FDCPA

Natasha Langenfeld focuses her practice in civil litigation including public entity liability defense, general liability defense, civil rights, labor and employment law, personal injury defense, family law, creditor law and FDCPA.

Born in Kearney, Nebraska, she is a graduate of the University of California at Davis (B.A.S.) and Lincoln University (J.D. cum laude, 2007), where she was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards in Personal Property, Community Property and Applied Legal Reasoning. She is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Court, for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Lincoln University Juris Doctorate, 2007


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Kelley S. Kern

Practice Areas
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Employment Law
-Business Litigation

Kelley S. Kern focuses her practice in general liability defense, personal injury, civil litigation, including public entity liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law and business litigation.

Born in Santa Clara, California, she earned her B.A. from the University of California, Davis in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2002. Ms. Kern is admitted to practice in California, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Bar Association and Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2002

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Kelley S. Kern

Practice Areas
-General Liability Defense
-Personal Injury
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Litigation
-Employment Law
-Business Litigation

Kelley S. Kern focuses her practice in general liability defense, personal injury, civil litigation, including public entity liability defense, civil rights, litigation, employment law and business litigation.

Born in Santa Clara, California, she earned her B.A. from the University of California, Davis in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2002. Ms. Kern is admitted to practice in California, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association, the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Bar Association and Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2002


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Peter C. Zilaff

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Peter Zilaff focuses his practice in civil litigation, including public entity defense, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense

Born in Sacramento, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 2010). He is admitted to practice in California, U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific
Juris Doctorate, 2010

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Peter C. Zilaff

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Peter Zilaff focuses his practice in civil litigation, including public entity defense, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense

Born in Sacramento, California, he is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (B.A.) and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 2010). He is admitted to practice in California, U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

He is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

University of the Pacific Juris Doctorate, 2010


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Nicole M. Rippy

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Nicole M. Rippy focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in Ventura, California she is a graduate of California State University Bakersfield (B.A., magna cum laude) and Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D., 2012), where she also earned a certificate in dispute resolution. She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Central, and Southern Districts.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2012

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Nicole M. Rippy

Practice Areas
-Civil Litigation
-Public Entity Liability Defense
-General Liability Defense
-Civil Rights
-Employment Law
-Personal Injury

Nicole M. Rippy focuses her practice in civil litigation including public law, general liability defense, civil rights, employment law and personal injury defense.

Born in Ventura, California she is a graduate of California State University Bakersfield (B.A., magna cum laude) and Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D., 2012), where she also earned a certificate in dispute resolution. She is admitted to practice in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Central, and Southern Districts.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Sacramento County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada.

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2012


Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gigi Knudtson

Gigi Knudtson focuses her practice in the area of general civil litigation, including medical malpractice, health care, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, employment, and business and commercial litigation. Since commencing practice in 1984, Ms. Knudtson has had extensive experience as trial lawyer, handling complex litigation for individuals, corporations, insurance companies, and small and large businesses.

Born in Monterey, California, Ms. Knudtson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 1984), after spending one year as a visiting student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Ms. Knudtson is admitted to practice in California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California.

Longyear, O'Dea & Lavra, LLP
Gigi Knudtson

Gigi Knudtson focuses her practice in the area of general civil litigation, including medical malpractice, health care, personal injury, products liability, premises liability, employment, and business and commercial litigation. Since commencing practice in 1984, Ms. Knudtson has had extensive experience as trial lawyer, handling complex litigation for individuals, corporations, insurance companies, and small and large businesses.

Born in Monterey, California, Ms. Knudtson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law (J.D. 1984), after spending one year as a visiting student at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. Ms. Knudtson is admitted to practice in California, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Northern Districts of California.

She is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Bar Association, the Sacramento County Bar Association, and the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California.

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