Meet The Partners
Law School: Pepperdine University
California Bar: 2002
California Bar: 2002
Brent Daub has seen the legal practice change dramatically over the years but he still sees opportunities for improvement. With over fifteen years of in-the-trenches litigation and business experience, Brent’s view is radically different. His creativity, leadership and vision provide a distinct perspective to see solutions where others see complexity.
As a founding partner of Gilson Daub, Brent helped create an innovative law firm culture that asks, “How can we make it better? How can we provide the absolute best customer service and results for our clients?”
The strategy to reduce attorney caseloads to increase quality and also provide bonuses for cases closed rather than hours billed, is a key to Gilson Daub’s spectacular growth. “Aligning the goals of our clients and our attorneys provides Gilson Daub the continued opportunity to work with the best employers, insurance companies, and administrators in the country. Taking the success we have accomplished in California to our other states of Nevada, Arizona, Kansas and Missouri has provided an exciting opportunity to serve our clients.”
Brent has also obtained a Masters’ Degree in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine School of Law and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. He is married and has four children.
WLA Team
Law School: University of La Verne
California Bar: 2002
Diana Tsudik is the Managing Attorney for the West Los Angeles office of Gilson Daub. With a business litigation background, she has experience with Federal, State and Workers’ Compensation matters. Ms. Tsudik aims to reach clients' objectives, whether by settlement or trial, in the most cost-effective manner. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, travel and spending time with her family.
SFV Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2007
Ms. Do has been a practicing attorney for many years with experience in both the Civil and Worker’s Compensation Courts throughout the state. Her experience includes work on both the applicant/plaintiff and defense side, allowing her to provide a unique perspective on case handling. Ms. Do enjoys providing her clients with efficient and aggressive work to ensure that a case is moving forward towards closure in the most cost effective manner, but still providing the best service to her clients. During her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and traveling the world.
FRE Team
Law School: Western State University College of Law
California Bar: 2003
In over 13 years as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, Ms. Cervantes has made it a mission to not only provide the highest quality legal defense, but build relationships with her clients to create a mutual feeling of trust. When she became a certified specialist in workers’ compensation, she did so as a way to prove to her clients she is willing to go the extra mile in the defense of their claims. Prior to joining Gilson Daub Ms. Cervantes worked at more traditional defense firms. She is now excited to embrace a new way of thinking to defend claims and use advanced technology to close claims quickly and efficiently which will save her clients money. In her time outside of work, Ms. Cervantes and her husband enjoy watching their two sons play sports, traveling with their extended family, dinners out with friends and watching their Los Angeles Dodgers play.
LA Team
Law School: Western State University College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Jesse Salazar is an attorney who specializes in the defense of workers' compensation claims. Gilson Daub allows Mr. Salazar to use unparalleled technology and transparency to aggressively represent third party administrators, insurance companies, self-insured entities, and employers in all aspects of workers' compensation defense. Mr. Salazar also enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with his family, playing sports, and taking his dog for walks.
SAC Team
Law School: Arizona State University
California Bar: 2008
For almost a decade, Kristi Robles has strived to exceed her client’s expectations in all areas of workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Robles is a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. While many define greatness in terms of power, possessions, or prestige, Ms. Robles believes that her personal success is best defined by how well her client’s interests are served. When she’s not settling cases, Ms. Robles enjoys spending time with her husband and delighting in the sweet smiles and giggles of their little girl.
LB Team
Law School: University of San Diego School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Alex Chien has exclusively practiced Workers Compensation Defense throughout Southern California since 2011. He has represented numerous national insurance companies and employer accounts at every stage of litigation. He is committed to working closely with his clients to expeditiously and competently resolve their cases. Outside of work, Mr. Chien enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching sports, and taking care of his dog.
FRE Team
Law School: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Ms. Maldonado has experience representing applicants giving her a profound understanding of the best approach and strategy to defend Workers’ Compensation claims. She strives to use the Gilson Daub developed technology to provide the most efficient and successful representation for her clients.
During her free time she enjoys traveling to new places, singing, and running.
SJ Team
Law School: Southwestern Law School
California Bar: 2012
Nicholas Rosen has practiced exclusively in workers’ compensation defense since 2013; prior to that, he was a criminal defense attorney. Mr. Rosen enjoys helping clients through the use of cutting-edge technology and consistent communication. When not at work, Nicholas enjoys going to Oakland A’s games, volunteering in his wife's second-grade classroom, and tending to his two rambunctious dachshunds, Molly and Winnie.
VEGAS Team
Law School: University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Nevada and Arizona Bar: 2014
Matt began practicing law in Nevada in 2014 and represents clients in all stages of workers' compensation litigation. He takes pride in working closely with clients to achieve the best results in each case. Matt also represents clients in subrogation actions and has successfully recovered full lien amounts against third parties. Prior to practicing in Nevada, Matt worked at a plaintiff's firm in Arizona. Matt enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his sons' little league baseball teams. When he's not at the office or on the baseball field, you can find him hiking at Red Rock Canyon or camping on Mt. Charleston.
Meet The Attorneys
SFV Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Travis Bailey has been practicing Workers’ Compensation defense since 2010. He takes pride in working closely with his clients to proactively move claims toward resolution, whether that be settlement or trial. Travis spends his free time traveling, mountain biking, and trying to survive life as a dad.
WLA Team
Law School: University of Illinois
California Bar: 2013
Crystl Chang is an associate attorney at the Gilson Daub West Los Angeles office, focused on all aspects of the workers compensation field. In particular, she is dedicated to providing a good experience through consistent and clear communication. A Chicago transplant, Crystl enjoys exploring Southern California’s many restaurants, wanderings its museums, and living in a world with no winter.
WLA Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2007
Michael Favale has practiced exclusively in the Workers’ Compensation arena since gaining admission to the Bar, providing defense representation at all venues throughout Southern California. Mr. Favale’s creative problem solving approach allows him to consistently deliver efficient results while minimizing client exposure throughout the litigation process. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family.
OC Team
Law School: Loyola Law School
California Bar: 2013
Melissa has practice experience in both civil and workers' compensation law. She has been practicing exclusively as a workers' compensation defense and subrogation attorney since 2014. She is passionate about aggressively advocating for her client's interests to get the best results possible. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, hiking, rock climbing, and cooking.
PHX Team
UT Team
Law School: Regent University School of Law, Virginia Beach, VA
AZ/UT Bar: 2020
Ryan is an Attorney in Gilson Daub’s Phoenix Office. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. Ryan earned his Juris Doctor with Honors from Regent University School of Law. While at Regent, he faithfully served his peers as a leader on campus and, therefore, received the Community Changer Award during the school’s Commissioning Ceremony—recognizing his commitment to excellence and integrity, as demonstrated by his pursuit of public service and community involvement. During his third year of law school, he was chosen by Regent’s Dean, Chief Justice Mark D. Martin (NC Ret.), as one of sixteen students to participate in the coveted and highly competitive seminar on constitutional interpretation—taught by Justice Samuel Alito of the United States Supreme Court with the assistance of Dean Martin. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and golfing.
IE Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2001
A Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney, Reed has served and advocated for employers, insurance carriers, claims administrators, and homeowners since 2003. Armed with a staunch belief in commerce and free enterprise, Reed understands the importance of expeditious and effective handling of the diverse needs of businesses and risk management. Licensed by U.S. Soccer, Reed coaches local youth athletes, and also has an interest in politics, classical music, theology, and L.A. Dodger Baseball.
SAC Team
Law School: Golden Gate University School of Law
California Bar: 2011
Mr. Hodgson joined Gilson Daub at their Sacramento office in December 2019.
His work focuses on defending insurance carriers and third party administrators in their workers’ compensation claims. As a medical-billing and lien specialist, Mr. Hodgson also focuses his practice on educating carriers through CEUs on lien claims, and closing strategies for claims professionals. As a consequence of his practice, Mr. Hodgson has closed cases in all northern California venues—from Redding to Fresno. After admission to the California Bar, Mr. Hodgson was schooled at the law office of Jerry Sterns—one of the premiere aviation civil litigators in the country. Mr. Hodgson was awarded great latitude to participate in complex litigation matters, extensive pre-trial discovery, mediations, depositions, and negotiation of settlements because of his aptitude for investigation and negotiation.
OAK Team
Law School: John F. Kennedy University, College of Law
California Bar: 2002
Lori Ibsen joined Gilson Daub as an Attorney in the Oakland office in 2018. She began practicing in the field of Workers’ Compensation as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company and has worked as an Attorney for prominent workers’ compensation defense firms in the Bay Area. Prior to her legal career, she gained vast insurance experience adjusting property and casualty claims. During that time, she earned her CPCU designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters and her Juris Doctor degree from John F. Kennedy University, School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in California in 2002 and is certified with the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Legal Specialist in Worker’s Compensation Law. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, sports, and watching her daughter play softball.
OC Team
Law School: Western State University
California Bar: 2007
Mr. Jensen began his legal career working at a general litigation firm and gained experience in civil and criminal matters. He has spent the last several years defending workers compensation cases and pursuing subrogation against third parties. He focuses on maximizing recovery for his clients in the most efficient way. He enjoys going to the beach, traveling with his family, and watching his sons play sports.
KC/MO Team
Law School: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Missouri Bar: 2017
KansasBar: 2018
Zach is an associate attorney for the Gilson Daub Kansas City office. Having previously served as a legal intern for Gilson Daub, Zach recognizes how important client communication is to obtaining fast and effective results. Outside the office, Zach enjoys golfing, working out and attending any sort of sporting event or concert with his fiancé, Kalyn.
LB Team
Law School: Southwestern University School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Esther has experience representing third party administrators, insurance carriers, self-insured employers, and professional employer organizations in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation. She is committed to cost-effective defense of claims from inception through resolution in order to limit exposure and achieve litigation cost savings for the client. In her free time, Esther enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring the great outdoors.
SFV Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2011
Nicholas Kontogiannis has been practicing Workers’ Compensation defense since 2012. He takes a proactive and aggressive approach to claim handling, while balancing efficiency and cost containment measures. Mr. Kontogiannis believes that communication is an indispensable aspect of effective file handling, and prides himself on keeping an open and proactive line of communication with his clients. In his spare time, he enjoys backpacking, photography, traveling, and spending time with his wife.
SJ Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 2000
Washington Bar: 2010
Shannon Lang has been a practicing attorney for several years, and has experience with Workers’ Compensation Courts throughout the state of California. Shannon is also a licensed attorney in the State of Washington. Throughout her career, she has developed the practice of actively engaging in communication and listening to her clients, in order to provide strategic counsel on how best to resolve a case. Shannon enjoys collaborating with clients about creative ways to successfully resolve cases. Shannon is thankful to be a part of Gilson Daub, and is committed to the firm’s strong values of vision, culture and leadership. When not working Shannon enjoys spending time with her two nephews, and family.
SFBA Team
Law School: University of California Hastings College of Law
California Bar: 2010
James Lee has been practicing worker's compensation defense law since graduating from University of California Hastings, College of the Law in May 2010 and then passing the Bar in November of the same year. James enjoys aggressively defending positions for insureds, carriers and third party administrator in the often hostile terrain of the Worker's Compensation Appeals Boards in Northern California. When he is not working, James enjoys watching sports.
Long Beach Team
Law School: Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law
California Bar: 1997
Catherine Lynch joined Gilson Daub as an attorney in the Oakland office in 2019. She previously worked as house counsel for a national workers’ compensation insurance carrier and has over 15 years experience defending workers’ compensation claims. She has aggressively handled cases at all stages of litigation through appeal for self-insured employers and carriers. Ms. Lynch is excited to utilize the technology at Gilson Daub to achieve rapid results and early case closures. In her spare time Ms. Lynch enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading mysteries and going to the dog park with her rescue dog Charlie.
SD Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2014
Brianne McLaughlin is a litigation attorney that interned with the Public Defender’s Office, California Innocence Project, and Community Law Project throughout law school, coached a middle school Mock Trial team, and practiced in general civil litigation prior to becoming a workers compensation attorney. She believes that by using her prior experience and access to the team of highly qualified and experienced attorneys at Gilson Daub, she will be able to tackle complex issues and difficult situations in a creative but efficient manner. Ms. McLaughlin enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews (except when they haven’t had their afternoon nap).
OAK Team
Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Mollie Miller (Mollie Kathleen Nokes) has practiced Workers Compensation Defense throughout Northern California since 2010. She has successfully represented clients at every stage of litigation, including trials, expedited hearings, and expert depositions. Ms. Miller’s past experience includes representation of employers in Labor Code Section 132a discrimination and serious and willful cases. She is committed to bringing her cases to a quick, competent, and satisfactory resolution. Away from the office, Ms. Miller enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family, including her two Australian Shepherds.
KC/MO Team
Law School: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Missouri Bar: 2015
Missouri Bar: 2016
As a worker’s compensation defense attorney, Weston Mills, has represented both self-insured employers and a variety of insurance companies in helping them reach their litigation goals. Weston understands the importance of obtaining both effective and efficient results and always strives to provides his clients with outstanding customer service. Prior to joining Gilson Daub, Weston also assisted employers with employment discrimination related matters. In his spare time, Weston enjoys cheering on the Chiefs, Jayhawks, and Royals and partaking in any recreational sports he can find.
IE Team
Law School: Pepperdine University School of Law
California Bar: 2012
Lauren has represented employers, third party administrators, and insurance carriers in all aspects of Workers' Compensation litigation since 2013. Lauren has made a commitment to superior knowledge of the law and continued education in order to better serve her clients. Lauren joined Gilson Daub with a desire to utilize innovative case handling strategies and cutting edge technology to reduce the life and cost of claims for her clients. Her dedication to serving clients well has also led Lauren to becoming a certified specialist in workers' compensation. When she is not in the office, Lauren spends most of her time laughing with her family, friends, and fur babies.
PHX Team
UT Team
Law School: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
AZ/UT Bar: 2017
Spencer began practicing law in Nevada in 2016 working in a wide variety of matters including estate and business planning, contract disputes, real estate transactions and general liability and workers’ compensation defense. In 2018, Spencer began representing clients in Arizona and Utah. He now represents clients in all stages of workers’ compensation litigation.
Spencer attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate studies, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in International Studies, and a double minor in Business Management and Korean. While attending BYU, Spencer was a member of the NCAA volleyball and football teams. He continued his studies at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor. Away from the office, Spencer enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children.
SFV Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 1998
Mr. Perlmutter has practiced law for over fifteen years as General Counsel for firms in both the retail and health industries. Drawing upon his extensive experience as corporate counsel, he enjoys providing his clients with efficient and aggressive work to ensure that a case is moving forward towards closure in the most cost effective manner. During his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing tennis and attending his son’s baseball games.
SFV Team
Law School: Georgetown University Law Center
California Bar: 2014
Nareg Ploozian joined the Gilson Daub San Fernando Valley office in 2017 after several years experience in the industry working as a Workers' Compensation defense attorney. He has had experience in all stages of litigation before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board defending insurers and employers, including various self-insured employers and against claims of total permanent disability. Mr. Ploozian enjoys solving problems by creatively exploring alternative settlement arrangements and original trial arguments. In his spare time he enjoys amateur engineering, building and designing products such as electric guitar equipment, arcade machines, and classic menswear.
OC Team
Law School: Western State University
California Bar: 1987
Susan Polk is a 29-year attorney in California with 15 years defending workers’ compensation claims. Ms. Polk believes in pushing a case to a prompt resolution through fast and aggressive case handling whether by a cost-effective settlement early on or trial. She also enjoys relaxing at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, country music concerts and watching sporting events.
VEGAS Team
Law School: William S. Boyd School of Law
Nevada Bar: 2019
Jenna is an associate attorney for the Gilson Daub Las Vegas office. Jenna earned her Bachelor of Business from the University of Oklahoma. Jenna received her Juris Doctor from William S. Boyd School of Law. While in law school, Jenna completed a summer clerkship with the Honorable Denise Gentile of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Division. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and cooking.
SAC Team
Law School: Vermont Law School
California Bar: 2017
Ashley Romeo-Boles has been practicing Worker’s Compensation defense since 2020. Prior to that, she was on applicant’s side for approximately two years. Ashley has enjoyed the transition to the defense side and takes great pride in providing quality work product to her clients.
Prior to transitioning to Worker’s Compensation law, she gained experience as a general practice attorney in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Ashley enjoys spending her free time with her husband and critters outside - whether working in the garden, hanging out at the river, or hiking.
LA Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Christine Ruvalcaba is a workers’ compensation attorney with successful trial experience. Ms. Ruvalcaba strives to defeat fraudulent claims and bring expeditious resolutions for clients. Ms. Ruvalcaba enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, entertaining friends at home, traveling, and could eat sushi every day of the week.
OC Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Ms. Sahli has devoted her legal career to workers’ compensation defense. She looks forward to being part of the future of legal and improving the workers’ compensation system in California. In her free time Ms. Sahli enjoys spending time with her family, listening to country music, and dancing like no one is watching.
FRE Team
Law School: Loyola Law School
California Bar: 2014
Shauna Salehi is an Associate Attorney at the Gilson Daub Fresno office. Ms. Salehi’s practice is focused on all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Salehi strives to provide aggressive and efficient representation in every single case and quickly move cases towards resolution. Ms. Salehi enjoys working closely with clients, while engaging in clear communication. In her spare time, Ms. Salehi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking and outdoor activities.
VEGAS Team
Law School: Roger Wiliams University School of Law
California Bar: 2016
Jennifer is an associate attorney for the Gilson Daub Las Vegas office. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University where she majored in Political Science and International Studies. Jennifer received her Juris Doctor from Roger William University School of Law. While in law school, Jennifer completed a summer clerkship with the Honorable John J. McConnell, Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Prior to joining Gilson Daub, Jennifer practiced insurance defense where she gained experience in complex litigation matters.
BAK Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2017
Armen Shakoorian has practiced law exclusively in the field of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Defense. With a strong background in business, Armen’s focus is heavy on efficiency, negotiations, and case settlement. Serving his clients in the quickest and most effective way while achieving the best results is his top priority. He earned his bachelors degree in Political Science, minoring in Philosophy from UC Santa Barbara, an MBA from San Diego State University, and his JD from California Western School of Law. During his off time, he enjoys exercise & fitness, archery, and chess.
SFV Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 2011
Raheleh Shokrollahi has been litigating cases before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board since 2011. Ms. Shokrollahi is passionate about justice, and expeditiously getting results for her clients. She also enjoys music, going to concerts, hiking, and art.
FRE Team
Law School: San Joaquin College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Trevor Simonson has been working in the field of Workers' Compensation defense since 2012 when he started as a hearing representative primarily resolving liens. After being admitted to the California State Bar in 2014, he began handling all facets of workers' compensation claims and developing relationships with clients built on trust and open communication. His style of case handling is ideally suited for the Gilson Daub philosophy of moving cases to resolution as efficiently as possible.
In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf whenever time allows.
OC Team
Law School: Boston University School of Law
California Bar: 2014
Edward Tsui is an aggressive litigator who has won multiple “take nothings” at trial. He values strong communication with clients and the expeditious resolution of cases. During law school, he competed in moot court and negotiation competitions. Before he was a lawyer, Ed was also a professional musician and a published fashion photographer. Now, he enjoys watching baseball, going to concerts, and romantic dinners with his beautiful wife.
HI Team
Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law
California Bar: 2012
Hawaii Bar: 2013
Derek Turbin was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended high school at Punahou, graduating in 2002. Derek is licensed in both California and Hawaii. After practicing litigation and workers compensation for 6 years in California, Derek Turbin returned home to Hawaii to work as a staff attorney at the state legislature for the 2019 legislative session. After the 2019 legislative session, Derek returned to workers compensation to lead our Hawaii office in representing local Hawaii employers for their work comp needs.
SFV Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2011
Ms. Vahdani has been practicing workers’ compensation for several years. She is devoted to resolving cases quickly and efficiently. In her free time, Ms. Vahdani enjoys travel, spending time with her family, and bad television.
SAC Team
Law School: Willamette University College of Law
California Bar: 1996
After graduating from Willamette University with his law degree, Mr. Whitelaw worked for a fast-paced applicant attorney firm in Sacramento for a few years before leaving for the civil litigation world. After 15 years of primarily defending corporations, employers and hospitals in medical malpractice and nursing home negligence actions, Mr. Whitelaw returned to the worker’s compensation field working first for another applicant’s attorney firm before switching to defense work. When not settling worker’s compensation cases expediently or responding promptly to client communications, Mr. Whitelaw enjoys spending his time traveling with family, playing golf and reading non-fiction books.
