News

  1. 07.05.2023

    Yoka | Smith Welcomes Summer Law Clerk and Yoka-Panish Civil Justice Fellowship Recipient Hayden Rexroad

    Yoka | Smith welcomes summer law clerk and Yoka-Panish Civil Justice Fellowship recipient Hayden Rexroad. Hayden is currently a rising...

  2. 01.12.2023

    Walter M. Yoka, Christopher E. Faenza, and Alice Chen Smith Selected As 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka: PI – Products, Defense Christopher E. Faenza: Civil Litigation, Defense Alice Chen Smith: Civil & Business Litigation,...

  3. 01.11.2023

    Alice Chen Smith Selected by the Los Angeles Business Journal As a 2023 Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys

    Alice Chen Smith has been selected by The Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2023 Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys. Alice will...

  4. 01.01.2023

    Mary Childs, Christine C. DeMetruis, and Shauna W. Avrith Promoted to Partners with Yoka | Smith

    Yoka | Smith is pleased to welcome attorneys Mary Childs, Christine C. DeMetruis and Shauna W. Avrith as new partners.

  5. 10.11.2022

    Gov. Gavin Newsom Appoints Lauren A.R. Lofton to Serve As a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court

    Yoka | Smith will miss Lauren’s skillful advocacy and professional leadership.  The Los Angeles Superior Court is gaining a valuable...

  6. 08.18.2022

    Yoka | Smith Partner, Lauren A.R. Lofton, Panelist at ASCDC Conference September 22, 2022

    Title: How to Lock in Plaintiff’s Experts in Deposition and Defeat Them at Trial When: Thursday, September 22, 2022 Where:...

  7. 07.01.2022

    Joshi v. Fitness International, LLC; Published Appellate Decision

    The Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose granted requests filed by ASCDC and defense counsel at Yoka |...

  8. 01.01.2022

    Martin S. McMahan Promoted to Partner with Yoka | Smith

    Yoka | Smith is pleased to welcome attorney Martin McMahan as a new partner. As an experienced trial attorney, Marty...

  9. 12.27.2021

    Christine De Metruis Produces a Winning Summary Judgment for Client

    Christine De Metruis produces a winning Summary Judgment for client.

  10. 12.14.2021

    Alice Smith and Michelle An Produce a Winning Summary Judgment for Their Fitness Club Client

    Alice Smith and Michelle An produce a winning Summary Judgment for their fitness club client.

  11. 10.20.2021

    Los Angeles ABOTA Masters in Trial Virtual Event with Alice Chen Smith

    The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Masters in Trial program will be presented virtually...

  12. 09.23.2021

    Formation of Southwestern Law School Yoka-Panish Civil Justice Fellowship

    Walter M. Yoka and Brian Panish have combined their passions for civil justice with Southwestern Law School by creating the...

  13. 09.22.2021

    Christopher E. Faenza Selected As 2023 ABOTA President-Elect

    Christopher E. Faenza was elected as President Elect of the Los Angeles Chapter of ABOTA. The L.A. Chapter of ABOTA...

  14. 09.03.2021

    Alice Smith and Nicholas Von Der Lancken Obtain Judgment in Favor of Client

    Alice Smith and Nicholas Von Der Lancken obtain judgment in favor of client.

  15. 07.14.2021

    Vivian Rivera Obtains a Winning Summary Judgment For Client

    Vivian Rivera obtains a winning summary judgment for client.

  16. 07.14.2021

    Chad Chen and Charlie Wang Obtain Judgment in Favor of Client

    Chad Chen and Charlie Wang obtain judgment in favor of client.

  17. 07.07.2021

    Alice Smith and Michelle An Produce a Winning Summary Judgment for Their Fitness Club Client

    Alice Smith and Michelle An produce a winning Summary Judgment for their fitness club client.

  18. 01.21.2021

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, and Christopher Faenza Selected As 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka: PI – Products, Defense Stephen H. Smith: PI – Products, Defense Christopher E. Faenza: Civil Litigation, Defense

  19. 01.01.2021

    Lauren A.R. Lofton Promoted to Partner with Yoka | Smith

    Yoka | Smith is pleased to announce the Lauren A.R. Lofton has been promoted to Partner. Lauren is an experienced...

  20. 01.01.2021

    Aaron S. Case Promoted to Partner with Yoka | Smith

    Yoka | Smith is pleased to welcome attorney Aaron Case as a new partner. As and experienced trial attorney, Aaron...

  21. 11.19.2020

    US News & World Report Has Named Yoka | Smith, LLP to the 2021 List of Metro Tier 1 “Best Law Firms”

    About “Best Law Firms” Published each year by U.S. News – Best Lawyers, “Best Law Firms” recognizes the most accomplished legal...

  22. 06.22.2020

    Alice Chen Smith Selected As Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree...

  23. 01.15.2020

    1995 – 2020; Yoka | Smith Celebrates 25th Anniversary

    Yoka | Smith celebrates 25 years of practice today. Thanks to all who have been a part of our success....

  24. 01.01.2020

    Chad Chen Promoted to Partner with Yoka | Smith

    Yoka | Smith is pleased to welcome attorney Chad Chen as the firm’s newest partner. Mr. Chen epitomizes the depth...

  25. 12.06.2019

    Yoka | Smith Supports Project Angel Food This Holiday Season

    The attorneys and paralegals at Yoka | Smith helped prepare 1,500 meals this Holiday season. With the help of volunteers,...

  26. 07.18.2019

    Alice Chen Smith Elected to Serve on the Board of Governors For the Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers

    Alice Chen Smith has been elected to serve on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles Chapter of the...

  27. 03.14.2019

    Alice Chen Smith and Lauren Lofton Participate in the LASC Young Women’s Leadership Conference to Mentor Los Angeles Area Students

    Alice Chen Smith and Lauren Lofton participated in the Young Women’s Leadership Conference, “Empowering Future Leaders”, at the Stanley Mosk...

  28. 10.01.2018

    Walter M. Yoka Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka, a Founding Partner of Yoka | Smith, was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of...

  29. 04.19.2018

    Walter M. Yoka Chosen As the 2018 Southwestern Law School Alumnus of the Year

    Each year, the Southwestern Alumni Association hosts a GALA recognizing outstanding members of the Southwestern community for their contributions to...

  30. 02.01.2018

    Alice Chen Smith Selected As Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree...

  31. 11.10.2016

    Walter Yoka Chosen 2016 Champion of Justice

    Walter Yoka was honored by being chosen as a 2016 Champion of Justice from Loyola Law School. The prestigious Champions...

  32. 02.13.2014

    Walter Yoka Is Sworn In As The President of American Board of Trial Advocates, Los Angeles Chapter

    The American Board of Trial Advocates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation...

  33. 01.23.2014

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait, Christopher Faenza, Jeffrey Gordon Selected As 2014 Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high...

  34. 11.13.2013

    Yoka | Smith Selected As a U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

    Fewer than 1% of law firms received a U.S. News-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” ranking for 2013. Of the thousands...

  35. 11.13.2013

    Walter Yoka Selected As One of the Best Lawyers in America

    A lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America© is recognized as one of the top 4 percent of practicing attorneys...

  36. 11.13.2013

    Walter Yoka Named to Southern California’s Top Rated Lawyers

    Southern California’s Top Rated Lawyers is a publication featuring legal talent across the state. All attorneys featured have achieved the...

  37. 11.13.2013

    Walter Yoka Chosen as the 2014 “Lawyer of the Year” by U.S. News — Best Lawyers® for Los Angeles Personal Injury Litigation — Defendants

    Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,”...

  38. 10.13.2013

    Yoka | Smith Selected As a 2013 All Star Go-To Law Firm of the World’s Leading Companies

    This category is reserved for firms selected as Go-To Law Firms five years in a row or more.

  39. 05.13.2013

    Alice Chen Smith Has Been Selected As a Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Star For 2013

    Super Lawyers launched Rising Stars to recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state — those who are 40 years...

  40. 02.13.2013

    Walter Yoka Elected As the Incoming President of American Board of Trial Advocates, Los Angeles Chapter

    The American Board of Trial Advocates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation...

  41. 02.13.2013

    Walter Yoka Elected As the Incoming President of American Board of Trial Advocates, Los Angeles Chapter

    The American Board of Trial Advocates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation...

  42. 02.13.2013

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait, Christopher Faenza, Jeffrey Gordon Selected As 2013 Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree...

  43. 10.13.2012

    Yoka | Smith Chosen as a Fortune 500® Go-To Law Firm of the World’s Leading Companies

    This honor puts Yoka | Smith in an exclusive group of firms that deliver exceptional work for Fortune 500® companies.

  44. 05.13.2012

    Alice Chen Smith Has Been Selected As a Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Star For 2012

    Super Lawyers launched Rising Stars to recognize the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state — those who are 40 years...

  45. 02.13.2012

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait, Christopher Faenza, Jeffrey Gordon Selected As 2012 Super Lawyers

    Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree...

  46. 02.13.2012

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait, Christopher Faenza, and Jeffrey Gordon Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Southern California Super Lawyers have again chosen Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait and Christopher Faenza as “Super Lawyers” for...

  47. 11.13.2011

    Walter M. Yoka Has Been Selected As the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Los Angeles Product Liability Litigation — Defendants Lawyer of the Year

    Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Walter M. Yoka as the...

  48. 07.13.2011

    Chris Faenza and Sean Kim Obtain a Defense Verdict in Breach of Contract Action

    MI RYONG SONG vs. SUK K. LEE Jury Trial July 2011 Christopher E. Faenza; Sung Ho (Sean) Kim Christopher Faenza...

  49. 06.13.2011

    Tony Latiolait and Steve Smith Obtain Consecutive Defense Verdicts in Oakland

    JOANNE DIEHL v. ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC Jury Trial June 27, 2011 Stephen H. Smith; Aaron G. Capps Stephen...

  50. 02.13.2011

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, Anthony Latiolait, and Christopher Faenza Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Southern California Super Lawyers have again chosen Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith and Anthony Latiolait as “Super Lawyers” for 2011 and...

  51. 11.13.2010

    Walter M. Yoka Selected As One of the 2010 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka was selected as one of the 2010 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers for the fourth straight year....

  52. 02.13.2010

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, and Anthony Latiolait Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Southern California Super Lawyers have again chosen Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith and Anthony Latiolait as “Super Lawyers” for 2010. This...

  53. 11.13.2009

    Walter M. Yoka Selected As One of the 2010 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka was selected as one of the 2010 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers for the fourth straight year....

  54. 10.13.2009

    Walter Yoka and the Firm Chosen as Go-To Lawyers By the Fortune 500® Companies

    Walter Yoka and the firm were chosen by the In-House Law Departments of the Fortune 500® Companies as “Go-To” lawyers...

  55. 02.13.2009

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, and Anthony Latiolait Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith and Anthony Latiolait were again chosen as Southern California Super Lawyers for 2009. This honor is...

  56. 11.13.2008

    Walter M. Yoka Selected As One of the 2009 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers

    For the third straight year, Walter M. Yoka was selected as one of the 2009 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers....

  57. 06.13.2008

    Walter Yoka Honored As the Initial Inductee to the ASCDC Hall of Fame

    The ASCDC Walter Yoka was chosen by the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel as its inaugural inductee into its...

  58. 02.13.2008

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, and Anthony Latiolait Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith and Anthony Latiolait were again chosen by their peers and through independent research as Southern California...

  59. 11.13.2007

    Walter M. Yoka Selected As One of the 2008 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers

    For the second straight year, Walter M. Yoka was selected as one of the 2008 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers....

  60. 02.13.2007

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith, and Anthony Latiolait Chosen As Southern California Super Lawyers

    Walter Yoka, Stephen Smith and Anthony Latiolait were chosen as Southern California Super Lawyers for 2007. This honor identifies Southern...

  61. 11.12.2006

    Walter M. Yoka Selected As One of the 2007 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers

    Walter M. Yoka was selected as one of the 2007 Los Angeles Area’s Best Lawyers. This honor, which is part...