Cindy Gutierrez
Ms. Gutierrez obtained her legal degree from California Western School of Law, where she was on the Dean’s List and was a recipient of the Dean’s Diversity Scholarship and American Jurisprudence Award in International Business Transactions. She has practiced California state and federal workers’ compensation defense for 15 years, independently handling cases from inception to resolution.
Ms. Gutierrez was admitted to the California State Bar in May, 2001, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California in 2001 and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit in 2003.
She resides in Irvine and handles cases with venues in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
- California Western School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2000
- University of California, Irvine, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Law & Society, June 1996
- University of California, Irvine, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Social Behavior, June 1996
Greenup, Hartston & Rosenfeld, LLP, Sherman Oaks, CA, 2016 to Present
Manage the defense of California state workers’ compensation claims. Independently develop strategies for the effective and swift resolution of claims. Independently prepare for trial to include the presentation of evidence and witnesses. Maintain prompt and informative communication with clients, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and opposing counsel. Prepare complex pleadings, including petitions, motions and briefs for trial, arbitration and mediation. Formulate written discovery, conduct depositions and cross-examination of medical experts.
Law Offices of Darlene M. Sharp, La Brea, CA, 2014 – 2016
Managed the defense of over 100 California state workers’ compensation claims as in-house counsel for The Hartford. Independently handled files from inception to resolution via settlement, trial or dismissal. Executed discovery, managed litigation strategy, negotiated settlement and proceeded to trial before California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown, San Pedro, CA, 2002 – 2014
Maintained significant state and federal workers’ compensation caseload. Practiced in the vigorous defense of insurance carriers and self-insured employers before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Broad litigation experience and extensive knowledge of the California Labor Code, Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Defense Base Act and War Hazards Compensation Act.
Contreras & Gomez, LLP, San Diego, CA, 2001 – 2002
Oversaw and managed partner caseload including client interviews, complaints, demurrers, summary judgment motions, written discovery and depositions, settlement negotiations, and court appearances. Handled both litigation and transactional matters that included contract interpretation and assessment of copyright infringement.