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Benedon & Serlin LLP

United States 2025
National flag for United States 1 National Ranking
1 Regional Ranking
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Overview

Benedon & Serlin, LLP, a premier appellate litigation boutique, represents a wide variety of clients in both federal and state appellate and supreme courts. With decades of combined experience in appellate law and a strategic approach to complex legal challenges, we are experts in conducting appeals and trial consultations in various substantive legal areas. Whether appearing before the United States Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, or any of the intermediate appellate courts, our team is proficient in handling all types of appeals and writ proceedings. We also conduct trial consultations, and assist trial counsel in preparing post-trial motions. We are strongly committed to providing exceptional legal representation and unwavering dedication to achieving results.

Founded:
1993
Size:
8
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Practice Areas:
15
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
4

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Appellate Practice

Regional

Los Angeles

Tier
1
Los Angeles
Appellate Practice

Firm Leadership

Douglas G. Benedon
Founding Attorney
Gerald M. Serlin
Founding Attorney

About Our Clients

We specialize in representing clients in a wide range of substantive areas, such as employment, contracts, insurance, civil rights, torts, arbitration, anti-SLAPP, probate, real estate, bankruptcy, family law, construction law, and constitutional law.

Rankings

National

Tier
1
National Ranking
Appellate Practice

Regional

Los Angeles

Tier
1
Los Angeles
Appellate Practice

Practice Areas

Benedon & Serlin LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 1 specialty, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Appellate Practice
  • Arbitration
  • Bankruptcy
  • Civil Rights
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Constitutional
  • Construction
  • Contract
  • Employment
  • Estate Planning
  • Family
  • Insurance
  • Probate
  • Professional Malpractice
  • Tort

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Benedon & Serlin LLP proudly has 4 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Firm News

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December 1, 2024
Using the Standard of Review to Craft a Persuasive Brief
Read Article Using the Standard of Review to Craft a Persuasive Brief
August 15, 2024
The Shrinking Shelter of Relief from Jury Trial Waivers
Read Article The Shrinking Shelter of Relief from Jury Trial Waivers
December 1, 2023
State Appellate Court Motions, Applications, and Requests: Using them to achieve strategic advantage on appeal
Read Article State Appellate Court Motions, Applications, and Requests: Using them to achieve strategic advantage on appeal
December 1, 2022
Requesting the Statement of Decision: A process that can preserve, if not enhance, your chances on appeal after a bench trial goes awry (PDF)
Read Article Requesting the Statement of Decision: A process that can preserve, if not enhance, your chances on appeal after a bench trial goes awry (PDF)
December 1, 2021
Take a Deep Breath: Ten Seemingly Intractable Appellate Problems That Can Be Fixed (PDF)
Read Article Take a Deep Breath: Ten Seemingly Intractable Appellate Problems That Can Be Fixed (PDF)
December 1, 2020
Assignment of Claims: An Untraditional Approach to Combining the Claims of Plaintiffs; How It Differs from Class Actions, Joinder, Consolidation, Relation, and Coordination (PDF)
Read Article Assignment of Claims: An Untraditional Approach to Combining the Claims of Plaintiffs; How It Differs from Class Actions, Joinder, Consolidation, Relation, and Coordination (PDF)
... ...

Awards

Benedon & Serlin LLP is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Benedon & Serlin LLP has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Benedon & Serlin LLP continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
From 2019 onward, Benedon & Serlin, LLP received a National Tier 1 and a Los Angeles Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking in appellate practice by U.S. News & World Report 
Attorneys Gerald Serlin (2016–2025), Douglas Benedon (2021–2025), Judith Posner (2019–2025), Wendy Albers (2021–2024), and Melinda Ebelhar (2025) are recognized by Best Lawyers in America in appellate law by U.S. News & World Report 
Attorneys Gerald Serlin, Douglas Benedon, Judith Posner, Wendy Albers, Kelly Horwitz, and Melinda Ebelhar were consistently selected as Southern California Super Lawyers in appellate law, and Kian Tamaddoni to Rising Stars
Benedon & Serlin, LLP, in 2019, received the Best Boutique Appellate Firm in California by the New World Report Legal Elite Awards
Benedon & Serlin, LLP, in 2017, was recognized as the Best Appellate Litigation Firm in Los Angeles County by Acquisition International

Offices & Contacts

Woodland Hills, CA
22708 Mariano Street
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
United States
818-340-1950
Get Directions
Founding Attorney (current Managing Partner)
Drew Musto
Associate
Kian Tamaddoni
Associate
Melinda W. Ebelhar
Senior Attorney
Judy E. Posner
Partner
Kelly R. Horwitz
Partner
Wendy S. Albers
Partner
Gerald M. Serlin
Founding Attorney (Current Managing Partner)
Douglas G. Benedon
Founding Attorney

Significant Matters

Appellate and Civil Procedure

Mechammil v. City of San Jacinto (9th Cir. 2016) 2016 WL 3619398

Wade v. Ports America Management (2013) 218 Cal.App.4th 648

Association For Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs v. Baca (Nov. 13, 2013, B238141) 2013 WL 6000970

8451 Melrose Property, LLC v. Akhtarzad (July 30, 2013, B237052) 2013 WL 3947144

Blue Water Sunset, LLC v. Markowitz (2011) 192 Cal.App.4th 477

Manco Contracting Co. v. Bezdikian (2008) 45 Cal.4th 192

Mendiondo v. Centinela Hospital Medical Center, et al. (9th Cir. 2008) 521 F.3d 1097

Baxter v. Peterson (2007) 150 Cal.App.4th 673

Davcon v. Roberts & Morgan (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1355

Reed v. Superior Court (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 448

Great Western Casinos, Inc. v. Morongo Band of Mission Indians (1999) 74 Cal.App.4th 1407

Kolani v. Gluska (1998) 64 Cal.App.4th 402

Arbitration

Epsilon Electronics, Inc. v. L.A. Closeout (March 29, 2018, B278358) 2018 WL 1582482

Oshita v. Chazanas (March 7, 2018) 2018 WL 1179826

Racza v. J.K. Residential Services, Inc. (Jan. 12, 2017, B261079, B262807) 2017 WL 120901

Gastelum v. Remax International, Inc. (2016) 244 Cal.App.4th 1016

Ahdout v. Hekmatjah (2013) 213 Cal.App.4th 21

Currency Corporation v. Wertheim, LLC (May 20, 2011, B222851) 2011 WL 1902580

Bankruptcy

In re Flashcom, Inc. (9th Cir. BAP 2014) 2014 WL 4923073

In re Telluride Income Growth LP (10th Cir. BAP 2007) 364 B.R. 407

Constitutional Law

People v. Hajjaj (2010) 50 Cal.4th 1184

Tillison v. City of San Diego (9th Cir. 2005) 406 F.3d 1126

Construction Law

McMillin Albany LLC v. Superior Court (2018) 4 Cal.5th 241

Ahdout v. Hekmatjah (2013) 213 Cal.App.4th 21

Pacific Caisson & Shoring, Inc. v. Bernards Bros. Inc. (2011) 198 Cal.App.4th 681

Titan Electric Corp. v. Los Angeles Unified School Dist., et al. (2008) 160 Cal.App.4th 188

Glieberman v. Superior Court (Nov. 15, 2004, F045422) 2004 WL 2601205

Contract

Personal Court Reporters, Inc. v. Rand-Lewis (Aug. 1, 2017, B269507) 2017 WL 326173

Racza v. J.K. Residential Services, Inc. (Jan. 12, 2017, B261079, B262807) 2017 WL 120901

Santiago, Rodnunsky & Jones v. Spahl (Jan. 14, 2015, B254488) 2015 WL 176235

Employment and Agency

Riske v. Superior Court (2018) 22 Cal.App.5th 295

California Correctional Peace Officers Association v. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (2017) 15 Cal.App.5th 647

Figueroa-Manjang v. Behroozan (Sept. 1, 2017) 2017 WL 3822005

Riske v. Superior Court (2016) 6 Cal.App.5th 647

Frawley v. Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Apr. 19, 2016, B254562) 2016 WL 1601801

Gordon v. City of Los Angeles (Feb. 11, 2016, B256995) 2016 WL 542397

Lafleur v. Woodbridge Structured Funding, LLC (Oct. 9, 2015, B258832) 2015 WL 5918199

Creswell v. Superior Court (Jun. 8, 2015, B264522)

Camarillo v. County of Los Angeles (Jan. 13, 2015, B252161) 2015 WL 154412

Kelly v. Ports America Management Corp. (Jan. 28, 2014, B242004) 2014 WL 176235

Miller v. City of Los Angeles (Oct. 14, 2014, B2455514) 2014 WL 5141656

Torres v. City of Los Angeles (Aug. 27, 2014, B248114) 2014 WL 4235967

Taylor v. City of Burbank (May 22, 2014, B242502) 2014 WL 2153762

Bakotich v. City of Los Angeles (Dec. 16, 2013, B239418) 2013 WL 6630910

Blackstone v. City of Los Angeles (Apr. 29, 2013, B 234664) 2013 WL 1790676

Burton v. City of Los Angeles (Feb. 18, 2010, B208451) 2010 WL 550157

Lima v. City of Los Angeles (Mar. 26, 2009, B202209) 2009 WL 782991

McDonald v. Antelope Valley Comm. College (2008) 45 Cal.4th 88

McGinest v. GTE Service Corp. (9th Cir. 2004) 360 F.3d 1103

Meyer v. Holley (2003) 537 U.S. 280 [123 S. Ct. 824, 154 L. Ed. 2d 753]

Rosenman v. Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil, & Shapiro (2001) 91 Cal.App.4th 859

Family Law

Slotkin v. Slotkin (Aug. 17, 2016, B262045) 2016 WL 4385069

Marriage of Csupo (March 27, 2013, B227959) 2013 WL 1021716

Marriage of Equils (Jun. 23, 2008, B198750) 2008 WL 248668

Marriage of Maytag (1994) 26 Cal.App.4th 1711

Insurance

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Brookfield Crystal Cove (2013) 219 Cal.App.4th 98

General Casualty Insurance v. W.C.A.B. (2005) 131 Cal.App.4th 345 (Depub. after denial of review)

Woodliff v. California Insurance Guarantee Association (2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1690

Professional Negligence

Place v. Bernstein (Jul. 18, 2013, B236424) 2013 WL 3777256

Hanson v. Grode (1999) 76 Cal.App.4th 601

Pleasant v. Celli (1993) 18 Cal.App.4th 841

Anti-SLAPP Litigation

Daniel v. Wayans (2017) 8 Cal.App.5th 367, review granted May 10, 2017, S240704

Association For Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs v. County of Los Angeles (Oct. 10, 2016, B260584) 2016 WL 6072336

Roth v. Finestone (Feb. 16, 2016, B258822) 2016 WL 638657

Hebert v. Getty Images (US), Inc. (Feb. 8, 2016, B255762) 2016 WL 473280

Association For Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs v. Los Angeles Times Communications (2015) 239 Cal.App.4th 808

U.S. Bancorp Equipment Finances, Inc. v. McFetters (Nov. 3, 2010, G041929) 2010 WL 4337185

Torts and Civil Rights

Riske v. Superior Court (2018) 22 Cal.App.5th 295

Santos v. Los Angeles Unified School District (2017) 17 Cal.App.5th 1065

Riske v. Superior Court (2016) 6 Cal.App.5th 647

Fetters v. County of Los Angeles (2016) 243 Cal.App.4th 825

Moradzadeh v. Casiano-Bel Air Homeowners Ass’n (June 18, 2015, B252067) 2015 WL 3814357

Kim v. Pacifica Chemical, Inc. (Feb. 6, 2014, B244692) 2014 WL 470334

Bender v. County of Los Angeles (2013) 217 Cal.App.4th 968

Avila v. Continental (2008) 165 Cal.App.4th 1237

McNairy v. C.K. Realty (2007) 150 Cal.App.4th 1500

Huff v. Wilkins (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 732

Espino v. White Consolidated Industries (Jan. 12, 2005, B164479) 2005 WL 2152343

Claxton v. Atlantic Richfield Co. (2003) 108 Cal.App.4th 327

Farnham v. City of Los Angeles (1998) 68 Cal.App.4th 1097

Probate and Estate Law

County Line Holdings, LLC v. McClanahan (2018) 22 Cal.App.5th 1067

Nifong v. Nozzi (July 17, 2017, B266982) 2017 WL 2729820

Gorlick v. Arouty (Sept. 6, 2016, B266867) 2016 WL 4613351

Estate of Greer (Feb. 9, 2016, E060888) 2016 WL 520275

Estate of Duke (2015) 61 Cal.4th 871

In re Papaz Family Trust (2010) 189 Cal.App.4th 1200

Estate of Odian (2006) 145 Cal.App.4th 152

Assistance at Trial Court Level

Meraz v. Candelario Valle (2017) (San Bernardino Superior Court Case No. CIVDS1507800)

Nehorayan v. Nehorayan (2016) (LASC Case No. BC584273)

Missaghi v. Coast Royale, LLC (2015) (LASC Case No. BC459839)

Silva v. DBI Sala, Inc. (2013) (Riverside Superior Case No. INC078101)

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