Practice Areas
Education
University of California, Santa Barbara – B.A. Global Studies (2018)
Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles – J.D. (2023)
Clerkships
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Law Clerk; The Honorable Kevin Brazile, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Language
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English
Vivian I. Rivera
Partner
Vivian Rivera received her Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a pre-law emphasis from Santa Clara University in 2011 and her Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School in 2014. While attending law school, she served as an editor of the Southwestern Law Journal and was a member of the nationally ranked Trial Advocacy Honors Program.
In 2014, Vivian was selected to become a fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), where she had the opportunity to clerk for The Honorable Kevin Brazile, Assistant Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Prior to joining Yoka | Smith, Vivian worked as in-house trial counsel for an insurance company, practicing civil defense litigation with an emphasis on automobile and premises liability claims. Over the course of those 5 years, she successfully first-chaired 5 trials, obtaining defense verdicts on 4.
Vivian’s current law practice is focused on personal injury matters which include actions for both general and motor vehicle negligence, premises liability and intentional torts.
Experience
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Theodore Pitts v. West Coast Arborists, Inc., et al.
01.10.2025
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Gonzales v. The Pep Boys Manny Moe & Jack of CA
05.17.2024
Jury Trial; Net Defense Verdict
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Andrew Smith. Co. v. Desert Premium Farms
01.12.2024
Motion to Quash; Defense Ruling
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Cordes v. Smart & Final, LLC
11.22.2023
Jury Trial; Defense Verdict
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Taylor v. West Coast Arborist
02.09.2023
Defense Ruling; MSJ
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Bernede v. City of Costa Mesa
07.14.2021
Summary Judgment; Defense Ruling
News
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Kimberly A. Byrge and Vivian I. Rivera Promoted to Partners with Yoka | Smith
01.01.2025 -
Vivian Rivera Obtains a Winning Summary Judgment For Client
07.14.2021