Education
B.A. Psychology, University of California Berkeley
B.A. Sociology, University of California Berkeley
J.D., University of Denver College of Law
Jessalyn Pinder
Senior Counsel
Jessalyn Renee Pinder has been a civil defense litigator for 26 years. Prior to joining Yoka Smith LLP, Jessalyn was an Assistant City Attorney for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office where she served as an attorney for over 30 years, until her retirement in July 2025. Renowned for being a tenacious investigator and skilled negotiator, Jessalyn has successfully resolved numerous high exposure cases through trial or optimal settlements for her clients, including voluntary dismissals. Her area of practice focuses on general negligence to include, but not limited to, government tort defense, inverse condemnation, premises liability, and automobile accidents.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- National Bar Association – Lifetime Member
- Langston Bar Association – Lifetime Member
- Black Women Lawyers – Member
- Women Lawyers of Los Angeles – Member
Past Employment Positions
- Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, December 1994 – July 2025, Criminal prosecution; general counsel for Community Redevelopment Agency; and civil litigation for City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
- Kegel, Tobin & Truce, November 1992 – December 1994, Workers Compensation Defense