Julia Sylva

Bio

The Founder of the Firm, Julia Sylva, California State Bar No. 109979, is rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell ((Very High to Preeminent in Ability and Ethics -- Lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity).

Ms. Sylva, a graduate of Loyola Law School (scholarship recipient) and California State University, Long Beach, wherein she earned a B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Public Administration, has practiced law in California since 1983.

Ms. Sylva is a member of the State Bar of California and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeal, Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court, Central District of California.


Public Policy and Political Expertise

Julia Sylva is an accomplished professional due to the many opportunities and successes she has had in her long career in politics and the law. Her achievements and accomplishments are remarkable and outstanding.

Ms. Sylva's political career began in 1976 when she elected to the City Council, City of Hawaiian Gardens. At the age of 20 year old; she is the youngest and first Latina elected to the City Council (Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors).

She brings over thirty (30) years experience as an elected public official and public policy-maker. She continues to be active in the community and works to maintain close working relationships with current and past elected public officials and policy makers. This level of expertise and access is helpful to many of her clients who seek to process land use entitlements and the granting of government contracts. On behalf of clients, she regularly attends due process hearings and meets and confers with staff and elected public officials.


Pro Bono and Non Profit Activities of Ms. Sylva

Despite a busy professional and personal schedule as a working mother, Ms. Sylva is active in the community and provides pro bono services to nonprofit organizations that seek to empower the community. Throughout her professional career, Ms. Sylva has been affiliated with the following organizations:

# California State University, Latino Advisory Committee (appointed by the President, CSULB, 2007);

# Buddies, Inc., an organization that educate young girls regarding the political profess and seeks to elect pro-choice women in public office, (serve as General Counsel, Pro Bono);

# Public Counsel, Member, assist educating members re nonprofit and housing matters;

# California Law Revision Commission, State of California (Governor's Appointee, 2002-2003);

# Commission on Technology in Learning of the State of California; promoted a Statewide Master Plan re Technology for public schools. (Senate Rules Appointee, 1999-2002);

# Los Angeles County Citizen's Economy and Efficiency Commission ("Government Accountability" Commission) Chair, Economic Development Task Force and Member of Executive Committee (Appointed by Supervisor Gloria Molina, 1993-2006);

# National Women's Political Caucus, LA Metro, President and Founding Member;

# Mexican American Bar Association (Member, Former Member of the Board of Directors);

# Mexican American Bar Association, Political Action Committee, (Founding Member);

# Loyola Law School Hispanic Students Endowment Fund (Founder); Mentor,

# Latina Lawyers Political Action Committee (Founding Member);

# National Latina Women Business Owner's Association, Founding Member;

# Redevelopment Association (Member); Brownfields Subcommittee (Member);

# California State Bar, Executive Committee, Public Law Section, Member of Outreach Subcommittee and Interagency Securities Law Enforcement Task Force (Term: 1995-1998);

# Local Government Political Action Commission ("LGPAC"), Federal Commission, Appointed by Former President Jimmy Carter served as Vice-Chair under Maynard Jackson, Chair (1978-1980).