
Cristina M. Ciminelli, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Contracts, and Litigation
PartneratYukevich Cavanaugh
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing appellate in Los Angeles since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Cristina M. Ciminelli?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Cristina M. Ciminelli is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Contracts, and Litigation. Cristina has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yukevich Cavanaugh.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Contracts · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Contracts, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Cristina M. Ciminelli: Cristina M. Ciminelli is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Contracts, and Litigation. Cristina has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yukevich Cavanaugh.
Areas of practice
Cristina's practice areas in Los Angeles
Cristina concentrates on appellate, contracts, litigation, product liability, and wrongful death. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cristina handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Contracts
View other Contracts attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Product Liability
View other Product Liability attorneys
Wrongful Death
View other Wrongful Death attorneys
Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California
Cristina takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cristina agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Los Angeles, California
Cristina takes contracts matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cristina agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Cristina takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cristina agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Los Angeles, California
Cristina takes product liability matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cristina agrees to represent you.
Wrongful Death cases in Los Angeles, California
Cristina takes wrongful death matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cristina agrees to represent you.
Biography
Cristina M. Ciminelli, appellate attorney serving Los Angeles
Cristina M. Ciminelli is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Contracts, and Litigation. Cristina has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yukevich Cavanaugh. Cristina works from Los Angeles, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Cristina M. Ciminelli is an experienced civil litigator whose practice focuses on the defense of product liability and general negligence actions.
A veteran of more than 25 major trials, she has defended a large array of product liability and general negligence cases involving automobiles, tires, industrial equipment, helmets, swimming pools, and amusement park rides. Ms. Ciminelli's practice also includes the defense of employment, consumer class actions, FELA, habitability, and defamation cases.
Ms. Ciminelli has successfully coordinated and defended mass disaster cases, including the 2002 Placentia train accident involving a Metrolink commuter train, as well as the 2005 Glendale Metrolink train accident. An expert on the assessment and defense of psychological injuries, Ms. Ciminelli has addressed the California Psychological Association on “The Use of Neuropsychological Experts at Trial."
Ms. Ciminelli has been recognized as a Southern California's Rising Stars by LA Magazine for numerous years. She is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
Ms. Ciminelli graduated with honors from Youngstown State University in 1995, with a BA in psychology. She obtained her JD, in 1999, from the University of Akron School of Law where she excelled in Moot Court, and was an active participant in the Student Bar Association. She was a recipient of Dean's List honors, as well as the CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Trademark Law. She is fluent in Spanish.
Representative Matters
• Aslan v. Ferrari North America, Inc. – Read Details
United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA – April 24, 2019
• Gross v. Rolando Lazatin et al. – Read Details
United States Disctrict Court, Los Angeles, CA – January 4, 2019
• Herod v. PDC et al. – Read Details
Alameda Superior Courthouse, Alameda, CA – August 31, 2017
• Grossman v. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District – Read Details
Santa Monica Superior Court, Santa Monica, CA – April 20, 2017
• Khosh, Al v. Staples Construction Company – Read Details
California Court of Appeal, Second District, Los Angeles, CA – October 27, 2016
• Jensen v. BNSF – Jensen v. BNSF
United States District Courthouse, San Francisco, CA – November 6, 2015
• Caro v. MPN-14
Norwalk, CA – December 1, 2014
• Osborne v. Todd Farm Service, et al. – Read Details
Ventura Superior Court, Ventura, CA – July 30, 2014
• Pillars v. BNSF Railway Co. – Read Details
Norwalk Superior Court, Norwalk, CA – May 9, 2013
• Padilla v. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company
United States District Court, Los Angeles, CA – 2012
• Charles v. Mountain View Mobile Home Estates – Read Details
San Bernardino Superior Court, San Bernardino, CA – 2011
• Rodriguez v. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Inc.
United States District Court, Honolulu, HI – November 30, 2010
• Bostani v. Whitehall St. et. al.
San Diego Superior Court North Division, Vista, CA – August 20, 2010
• Houck v. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Co.
Alameda Superior Court, Alameda, CA – June 1, 2010
• Zhao v. Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Verdicts & Decisions – 2010
• Harsha v. ServiceMaster Co. et. al.
San Bernardino Superior Court, San Bernardino, CA – February 1, 2010
• Novak v. Pizza Hut, Inc.
San Diego Superior Court, San Diego, CA – January 4, 2010
• Deal v. Michelin North America, Inc. – Read Details
United States District Court, Las Vegas, NV – April 21, 2009
• Keddington v. Michelin North America, Inc.
March 3, 2008
• Pineda v. Deere & Company – Read Details
Chatsworth Superior Court, Chatsworth, CA – April 6, 2007
• Wheeler v. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad Company
Orange County Central Justice Center, Santa Ana, CA – 2006
• Parks v. Michelin North America et. al. – Read Details
Riverside Superior Court, Riverside, CA – March 14, 2005
• Tepei v. Michelin North America – Read Details
Lewis County Court, Chehalis, WA – April 23, 2004
• Knott’s Berry Farm v. Togo International
Orange County Central Justice Center, Santa Ana, CA – October 29, 2003
• Corinthian v. Harutian
Verdicts & Decisions – 2002
• Nia v. Harutian
Verdicts & Decisions – 2002
Working with Cristina on a appellate matter
Cristina M. Ciminelli is an experienced civil litigator whose practice focuses on the defense of product liability and general negligence actions. A veteran of more than 25 major trials, she has defended a large array of product liability and general negligence cases involving automobiles, tires, industrial equipment, helmets, swimming pools, and amusement park rides. Ms. Ciminelli's practice…
Who Cristina represents
Cristina reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, contracts, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Cristina studied and practices
University of Akron School of Law
J.D. Deans · 2000
Youngstown State University
B.A. · 1995
Jurisdictions
Cristina's state bar admissions
Hawaii United States
2011 · ACTIVE
California
2000 · ACTIVE
Cristina studied at J.D. Deans in University of Akron School of Law and B.A. in Youngstown State University.
Law school and academic background
Cristina completed J.D. Deans in University of Akron School of Law and B.A. in Youngstown State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cristina runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Cristina M. Ciminelli's office in Los Angeles
Cristina's primary office is at 355 South Grand Avenue, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Yukevich Cavanaugh
355 South Grand Avenue, 15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Cristina M. Ciminelli
Cristina has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Cristina M. Ciminelli can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Cristina M. Ciminelli — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cristina usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cristina charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cristina's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Cristina will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Cristina
Cristina discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Cristina confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cristina's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Cristina M. Ciminelli
How much does it cost to hire Cristina for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cristina walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cristina offer a free consultation?
Cristina charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cristina's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Cristina's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in California typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cristina gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cristina take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Cristina is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cristina will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Cristina?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cristina will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cristina accepting new appellate clients right now?
Cristina's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Cristina handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in California
If Cristina's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
- DM
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118
- DP
David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108
- JP
Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74
- JR
Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47
- GM
Gregory M. Garrison
Camarillo, California
5.0· 38
- GM
Gregory Michael Garrison
San Diego, California
5.0· 38