Meet Our Team
As a firm, TK Law takes a distinctive approach to workers’ compensation defense. With every client and every case, we are a passionate, purposeful, personalized partner. So it is no accident these are the exact qualities we seek and cultivate in our team members.
We are proud to introduce you to the principled people working to provide you with unparalleled expertise and unwavering advocacy in the realm of workers’ compensation defense. Each of them has been chosen for their exceptional qualifications and commitment to excellence in this challenging area of the law.
JOANNE M. THOMAS
JOANNE M. THOMAS is a Founding Partner of the firm, located at our Inland Empire office. She received her bachelor’s from the University of California, Irvine and her J.D. from Whittier College of Law. She has been a member of the California State Bar since 1991 and a member of the firm since that time. Ms. Thomas is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law. She has dedicated her practice exclusively to the field of Workers’ Compensation and, throughout her career, has gained vast experience in defending—from inception to appeal—all aspects of Workers’ Compensation, including 132a and Serious and Willful Misconduct Actions.
Ms. Thomas has a uniquely aggressive and enthusiastic approach in defending her cases, but her vision is never overshadowed by her objective of bringing closure to cases to our clients’ highest satisfaction. Her expertise includes highly specialized representation of employers subject to the jurisdiction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process, Public Agencies, SISF, SIGs, and matters involving the Joint Power Authorities.
Ms. Thomas was recently selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s prestigious “Most Influential Women Attorneys” list for 2019 as well as The Who’s Who Directories’ “Top Attorneys of North America 2018-2019” edition. Ms. Thomas is currently the Guest Editor of the firm’s quarterly newsletter.
TIMOTHY E. KINSEY
TIMOTHY E. KINSEY is a Founding Partner of the firm, located at our Orange County office. Mr. Kinsey oversees the public entity and appellate teams at TK Law and has obtained multiple fraud convictions in both LA County and Orange County, as well as numerous “take nothings” during his workers’ compensation career over the last 32 years. He is a member of the Orange County and Los Angeles Bar Associations, Council of Self-Insured Public Agencies, Risk Insurance Management Society, Association of Workers’ Compensation Professionals, Public Agency Risk Management Association, and California Self-Insurers Association.
Mr. Kinsey is a frequent lecturer on workers’ compensation issues to include fraud, case law updates, and safety officer disability retirements and presumptions. Mr. Kinsey has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law since 1995 and is located in our Orange County office.
In his spare time Tim supports various animal rescue organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA, The Humane Society, Seal Beach Animal Care Center, The Morris Foundation, and Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue. Tim is also a volunteer for Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue.
MELISSA DOWNING
MELISSA DOWNING Client Services Manager, joins the Thomas Kinsey family with over 29 years in the workers’ compensation industry, leading regional sales and account management for One Call for 12 years, as well as CompIQ Corp, a national medical bill review company. Melissa’s expertise includes generating and managing leads and revenue growth through exceptional marketing and communication initiatives, such as executing and responding to bids for requests for proposals. She effectively and efficiently procured and managed significant revenues — including winning a contract with the City of Los Angeles. Melissa also previously managed operations for the CorVel Corporation and HealthSouth, an urgent care and occupational medicine clinic, as well as led sales for TheraSTAFF, a physical therapy temporary staffing company. Throughout her career, she has also been active in the regional workers’ compensation and insurance communities, having served as President of the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation’s Southern California Chapter, Educational Chair of the San Francisco Industrial Claims Association, Executive Member of the Los Angeles Home for the Aging, and Member of the Nevada Self Insured Organization. Melissa is proficient in risk and financial analysis, as well as daily operations and personnel management.
At Thomas Kinsey LLP, Melissa is involved in presentations, training, and guidance for employer and carrier partners on client service matters. She works closely with employers, brokers, carriers, and captive directors to meet clients’ strategic goals and advisory needs. Melissa is focused on growing Thomas Kinsey’s client base using her management and outreach skills.
Eric Barr
Eric Barr Partner, began his career in workers’ compensation as a claims examiner trainee for Safeco Insurance. Over the years, he has worked as a claims examiner, an AOE/COE investigator, a client relations liaison, and a claims unit manager. While working as a claims unit manager, Eric went to law school at night and passed the bar in 2007.
Eric enjoys handling complex workers’ compensation cases, including those involving suspected fraudulent activity, and has worked with various District Attorneys to obtain a number of criminal convictions and orders of restitution over the years. Outside of work, Eric enjoys working out with his family, and buying and fixing up retro video games with his kids.
CHRISTINE ELLIOTT
CHRISTINE ELLIOTT Associate Attorney, is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s in Political Science. Ms. Elliott earned her J.D. from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, focusing on administrative law and contributed to the McGeorge School of Law California Initiative Review. Christine has been practicing in the workers’ compensation field since 2011, and after a brief time gaining what has turned out to be very useful experience representing applicants, she has spent the majority of her career focused solely on successfully, aggressively, and enthusiastically representing a variety of defendants, including self-insured employers and carriers, public agencies, carriers and administrators. Christine is a dedicated soccer fan, and she loves learning new things, trying new activities, relaxing with her two cats, traveling, and working on social justice issues including housing and poverty.
RYAN HUBLER
RYAN HUBLER Partner, received his Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach, graduating cum laude and a member of the University Honors Program. Mr. Hubler then earned his J.D. from Chapman University School of Law. In the course of his academic career, he achieved standing on the President’s and Dean’s list for academic achievement and received a CALI award for his work in the Chapman Family Violence Clinic. Prior to entering the world of workers’ compensation, Mr. Hubler gained experience as a law clerk and legal assistant in the County of Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. He was admitted to the California Bar in 2009 and has been practicing as a Workers’ Compensation Defense attorney since 2010. Mr. Hubler is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. He represents a vast array of clients including public entities, including safety officer claims, self-insured employers and insurance companies. During his leisure time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is also an Eagle Scout and occasionally enjoys a good poker game.
DAWN KAPS
DAWN KAPS Partner, graduated in 1996 from California State University, Chico, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Political Science. She earned her J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1999. While attending undergraduate and law school, Dawn worked as a paralegal in a civil law firm and interned with the San Diego District Attorney. Dawn has been aggressively defending Workers’ Compensation claims since January 2000. Her expertise encompasses all aspects of Workers’ Compensation defense, including serious and willful misconduct allegations, toxic exposure and asbestos, catastrophic claims and 132a allegations. She also handles public entities and safety personnel claims. She prides herself on resolving claims quickly and creatively. In her free time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband and friends as well as traveling.
JAMES LIM
JAMES LIM is a Partner of Thomas Kinsey, LLP and a Certified Specialist in California Workers’ Compensation Law. He has extensive experience representing insurance companies, self-insured employers, and claims organizations in a wide breadth of different industries including retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. He is passionate about providing his clients with practical and pragmatic solutions that are best accomplished through aggressive defense litigation. James earned his J.D. from Whittier Law School and his bachelor’s in political science from the University of California, Irvine. James has long supported his local sports teams, the Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks. He also is a fan of motorsports, including Formula 1. He is a devoted husband and father. James and his wife are also doting dog parents to their Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, Oreo.
BRITTNEY OUTZEN
BRITTNEY OUTZEN Associate Attorney, is a graduate of University of La Verne where she majored in legal studies and obtained a paralegal certificate. While attending law school, she was employed in the legal field as a paralegal and notary for law firms and banking institutions. She earned her J.D. from Western State College of Law with a business law certificate. Brittney has extensive experience with legal research, preparing pleadings and motions, and reviewing contracts. Ms. Outzen prides herself on her organizational skills, which are apparent in the quality of her work. Her robust experience in the legal field and strong work ethic are a recipe for success, and she has been a valuable addition to our firm. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Pilates, watching documentaries, and hanging out with her Labradoodle, Kylo Ren.
KATHLEEN ROBERTS
KATHLEEN ROBERTS Partner, has over 30 years of experience representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation cases. She is a certified specialist and graduated from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She loves the challenges of taking a case to trial and winning as well as beneficially settling cases. She specializes in complex litigation and in taking on and solving problem cases. She loves fishing and traveling with her husband and dog. She always wanted to be an astronomer but couldn’t do the math. So, she settles for being an avid stargazer.
VAHE TCHOUKADARIAN
VAHE TCHOUKADARIAN is a Partner at Thomas Kinsey, LLP. He received his bachelor’s in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine and was a Scholar Athlete on the UC Irvine Men’s Rowing Team. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. He is a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. Vahe has been voted a Super Lawyer Rising Star for several years. He has obtained numerous “Take Nothings” throughout his career. He is a passionate, zealous advocate that any client would want on their side. Mr. Tchoukadarian is fluent in the Armenian language. He is involved in numerous philanthropy projects that provide aid to impoverished families throughout the world. Vahe loves to play and watch basketball, having played for his high school, and is a Los Angeles Clippers fan.
ARTHUR BARRIOS
ARTHUR BARRIOS Associate Attorney, is a graduate of University of California, Riverside, and earned his JD from Golden Gate University School of Law, where he was a staff writer for the Environmental Law Journal. Prior to joining Thomas Kinsey, LLP, Mr. Barrios honed his skills at two major California workers’ compensation defense firms, representing self-insured employers, third-party administrators, and corporations. Before practicing workers’ compensation law, Mr. Barrios worked in family and housing law, and helped small businesses navigate business and home disaster loan contracts, leases, and other contracts. He was a Bridge Fellow to the Hon. Tara M. Flanagan of Alameda Superior Court, and served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Newton Lam and Hon. Garrett Wong of San Francisco Superior Court, and for the Hon. Maria-Elena James of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, supporting Bay Area and Chicago sports teams, trying new local restaurants, and traveling.
ANASTASIYA FRANCO
ANASTASIYA FRANCO is a Managing Partner at our firm’s Orange office. She obtained her bachelor’s in English, with a minor in Law, from University of California, Irvine, where she was named several times to the Dean’s List. She later graduated cum laude from Western State College of Law in Fullerton, California, where she was a member and editor of the Western State Law Review and received several academic excellence awards. Ms. Franco is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. For over a decade she has had the pleasure of exclusively representing employers and insurers in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation defense. She enjoys litigation and provides aggressive and results-driven representation to her clients.
Ms. Franco frequently participates in educational seminars for clients, and she is actively involved in the management of the firm and mentorship of attorneys and staff. Ms. Franco is fluent in Russian. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
NICOLETTE IWAN
NICOLETTE IWAN is an Associate Attorney at Thomas Kinsey, LLP. She received her bachelor’s in Political Science, and Legal Studies Certificate, from California State University, Long Beach, where she was also named on the Dean’s List. Nicolette went on to earn her J.D. from Chapman University, Dale E. Fowler School of Law. During law school, Nicolette interned at the Elder Law Clinic, externed for a personal injury firm, and obtained experience working under corporate in-house counsel for a multinational brokerage. She was also the recipient of a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Comparative Law. Nicolette has since dedicated her skills and legal career to aggressively defending and representing employers, carriers and third-party administrators in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation claims. Nicolette is conversational in Polish, and in her spare time, enjoys traveling, reading, and Pilates.
JENNIFER KRANBUHL
JENNIFER KRANBUHL is a Managing Partner at our firm’s Inland Empire office. She received her bachelor’s from the University of California, Riverside and her J.D. from Western State University College of Law where she was on the Distinguished Honor Roll and graduated magna cum laude. During law school, Ms. Kranbuhl externed for the California Court of Appeal, 4th District and was a Law Review Note Editor. She has been practicing workers’ compensation defense since she began working at our Inland Empire office in February 2005.
Ms. Kranbuhl is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. She has vast experience in all aspects of workers’ compensation defense, working with self-insureds, third party administrators, employers, and insurance carriers. She has vast experience in litigation, from hearing through appeal, including 132a and S&W defense. She has strong litigation and negotiating skills.
Ms. Kranbuhl works closely with an array of high profile clients and successfully brings results that earn the respect and trust of her many clients. Jennifer mentors new attorneys, as well as develops office procedures and protocols to exceed client expectations, making her a strong resource for the firm. In her spare time, Jennifer loves traveling, playing soccer, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
NICOLE NEWSOM
NICOLE NEWSOM is a Senior Associate Attorney, with a J.D. from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton. Ms. Newsom was a member of the Mock Trial Advocacy Team and also a member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program while working as a law clerk for a well-respected litigation firm in Orange County. Ms. Newsom also earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Subsequent to her education, Ms. Newsom was a junior associate for Preferred Legal Support and later managed a team of seven junior associates in labor and employment class action lawsuits and arbitrations. While working for Thomas Kinsey, LLP, Nicole has successfully litigated a lien trial and obtained a take nothing on all liens of record. In her free time, Nicole enjoys watching classic black and white films with her husband and chasing around her young son.
JESSE PECK
JESSE PECK Managing Partner, received his bachelor’s from the University of California, San Diego in Political Science with Concentration in International Relations; and his J.D. with magna cum laude honors from Whittier Law School, where he also served as Sergeant at Arms for the Student Bar Association. Prior to joining our firm in 2009, Jesse was a law clerk and a Judicial Extern. Jesse also served as an Army Interrogator and Counterintelligence Agent and is fluent in Spanish. Jesse is an avid sports fan and currently handles a broad range of complex workers’ compensation cases, including the very specialized and highly litigious National Football League litigation in our State, as well as safety officer cases involving multiple legal presumptions relating thereto. Jesse is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. In his personal life, Jesse has a habit adopting shelter animals and taking in strays with alarming frequency.
ALEX SHAPIRO
ALEX SHAPIRO Senior Associate Attorney, graduated from Occidental College, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in Diplomacy and World Affairs. Alex went on to work at the United Nations headquarters in New York, NY, assisting its Charter and Research Branch in establishing the International Criminal Court. He graduated from University of Miami School of Law, where he was a member for the University of Miami Business Law Review and graduated cum laude. He also served as a summer intern for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office in the Major Crimes Division. Alex has over a decade of experience as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, which includes successfully defending high exposure cases, overseeing complex structured settlements, prevailing in court on post termination, independent contractor and good faith personnel action affirmative defenses. Alex strongly believes in achieving justice for his clients and zealously advocates for the employers and insurance carriers in California’ workers’ compensation system.
JOANNE M. THOMAS
JOANNE M. THOMAS is a Founding Partner of the firm, located at our Inland Empire office. She received her bachelor’s from the University of California, Irvine and her J.D. from Whittier College of Law. She has been a member of the California State Bar since 1991 and a member of the firm since that time. Ms. Thomas is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law. She has dedicated her practice exclusively to the field of Workers’ Compensation and, throughout her career, has gained vast experience in defending—from inception to appeal—all aspects of Workers’ Compensation, including 132a and Serious and Willful Misconduct Actions.
Ms. Thomas has a uniquely aggressive and enthusiastic approach in defending her cases, but her vision is never overshadowed by her objective of bringing closure to cases to our clients’ highest satisfaction. Her expertise includes highly specialized representation of employers subject to the jurisdiction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution process, Public Agencies, SISF, SIGs, and matters involving the Joint Power Authorities.
Ms. Thomas was recently selected for inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s prestigious “Most Influential Women Attorneys” list for 2019 as well as The Who’s Who Directories’ “Top Attorneys of North America 2018-2019” edition. Ms. Thomas is currently the Guest Editor of the firm’s quarterly newsletter.
TIMOTHY E. KINSEY
TIMOTHY E. KINSEY oversees the public entity and appellate teams at TK Law and has obtained multiple fraud convictions in both LA County and Orange County, as well as numerous “take nothings” during his workers’ compensation career over the last 32 years. He is a member of the Orange County and Los Angeles Bar Associations, Council of Self-Insured Public Agencies, Risk Insurance Management Society, Association of Workers’ Compensation Professionals, Public Agency Risk Management Association, and California Self-Insurers Association.
Mr. Kinsey is a frequent lecturer on workers’ compensation issues to include fraud, case law updates, and safety officer disability retirements and presumptions. Mr. Kinsey has been certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law since 1995 and is located in our Orange County office.
In his spare time Tim supports various animal rescue organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA, The Humane Society, Seal Beach Animal Care Center, The Morris Foundation, and Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue. Tim is also a volunteer for Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue.
MELISSA DOWNING
MELISSA DOWNING Client Services Manager, joins the Thomas Kinsey family with over 29 years in the workers’ compensation industry, leading regional sales and account management for One Call for 12 years, as well as CompIQ Corp, a national medical bill review company. Melissa’s expertise includes generating and managing leads and revenue growth through exceptional marketing and communication initiatives, such as executing and responding to bids for requests for proposals. She effectively and efficiently procured and managed significant revenues — including winning a contract with the City of Los Angeles. Melissa also previously managed operations for the CorVel Corporation and HealthSouth, an urgent care and occupational medicine clinic, as well as led sales for TheraSTAFF, a physical therapy temporary staffing company. Throughout her career, she has also been active in the regional workers’ compensation and insurance communities, having served as President of the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation’s Southern California Chapter, Educational Chair of the San Francisco Industrial Claims Association, Executive Member of the Los Angeles Home for the Aging, and Member of the Nevada Self Insured Organization. Melissa is proficient in risk and financial analysis, as well as daily operations and personnel management.
At Thomas Kinsey LLP, Melissa is involved in presentations, training, and guidance for employer and carrier partners on client service matters. She works closely with employers, brokers, carriers, and captive directors to meet clients’ strategic goals and advisory needs. Melissa is focused on growing Thomas Kinsey’s client base using her management and outreach skills.
Eric Barr
Eric Barr Partner, began his career in workers’ compensation as a claims examiner trainee for Safeco Insurance. Over the years, he has worked as a claims examiner, an AOE/COE investigator, a client relations liaison, and a claims unit manager. While working as a claims unit manager, Eric went to law school at night and passed the bar in 2007.
Eric enjoys handling complex workers’ compensation cases, including those involving suspected fraudulent activity, and has worked with various District Attorneys to obtain a number of criminal convictions and orders of restitution over the years. Outside of work, Eric enjoys working out with his family, and buying and fixing up retro video games with his kids.
ARTHUR BARRIOS
ARTHUR BARRIOS Associate Attorney, is a graduate of University of California, Riverside, and earned his JD from Golden Gate University School of Law, where he was a staff writer for the Environmental Law Journal. Prior to joining Thomas Kinsey, LLP, Mr. Barrios honed his skills at two major California workers’ compensation defense firms, representing self-insured employers, third-party administrators, and corporations. Before practicing workers’ compensation law, Mr. Barrios worked in family and housing law, and helped small businesses navigate business and home disaster loan contracts, leases, and other contracts. He was a Bridge Fellow to the Hon. Tara M. Flanagan of Alameda Superior Court, and served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Newton Lam and Hon. Garrett Wong of San Francisco Superior Court, and for the Hon. Maria-Elena James of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, supporting Bay Area and Chicago sports teams, trying new local restaurants, and traveling.
CHRISTINE ELLIOTT
CHRISTINE ELLIOTT Associate Attorney, is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s in Political Science. Ms. Elliott earned her J.D. from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, focusing on administrative law and contributed to the McGeorge School of Law California Initiative Review. Christine has been practicing in the workers’ compensation field since 2011, and after a brief time gaining what has turned out to be very useful experience representing applicants, she has spent the majority of her career focused solely on successfully, aggressively, and enthusiastically representing a variety of defendants, including self-insured employers and carriers, public agencies, carriers and administrators. Christine is a dedicated soccer fan, and she loves learning new things, trying new activities, relaxing with her two cats, traveling, and working on social justice issues including housing and poverty.
ANASTASIYA FRANCO
ANASTASIYA FRANCO is a Managing Partner at our firm’s Orange office. She obtained her bachelor’s in English, with a minor in Law, from University of California, Irvine, where she was named several times to the Dean’s List. She later graduated cum laude from Western State College of Law in Fullerton, California, where she was a member and editor of the Western State Law Review and received several academic excellence awards. Ms. Franco is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. For over a decade she has had the pleasure of exclusively representing employers and insurers in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation defense. She enjoys litigation and provides aggressive and results-driven representation to her clients.
Ms. Franco frequently participates in educational seminars for clients, and she is actively involved in the management of the firm and mentorship of attorneys and staff. Ms. Franco is fluent in Russian. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
RYAN HUBLER
RYAN HUBLER Partner, received his Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach, graduating cum laude and a member of the University Honors Program. Mr. Hubler then earned his J.D. from Chapman University School of Law. In the course of his academic career, he achieved standing on the President’s and Dean’s list for academic achievement and received a CALI award for his work in the Chapman Family Violence Clinic. Prior to entering the world of workers’ compensation, Mr. Hubler gained experience as a law clerk and legal assistant in the County of Los Angeles District Attorney’s office and at the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. He was admitted to the California Bar in 2009 and has been practicing as a Workers’ Compensation Defense attorney since 2010. Mr. Hubler is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. He represents a vast array of clients including public entities, including safety officer claims, self-insured employers and insurance companies. During his leisure time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He is also an Eagle Scout and occasionally enjoys a good poker game.
NICOLETTE IWAN
NICOLETTE IWAN is an Associate Attorney at Thomas Kinsey, LLP. She received her bachelor’s in Political Science, and Legal Studies Certificate, from California State University, Long Beach, where she was also named on the Dean’s List. Nicolette went on to earn her J.D. from Chapman University, Dale E. Fowler School of Law. During law school, Nicolette interned at the Elder Law Clinic, externed for a personal injury firm, and obtained experience working under corporate in-house counsel for a multinational brokerage. She was also the recipient of a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Comparative Law. Nicolette has since dedicated her skills and legal career to aggressively defending and representing employers, carriers and third-party administrators in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation claims. Nicolette is conversational in Polish, and in her spare time, enjoys traveling, reading, and Pilates.
DAWN KAPS
DAWN KAPS Partner, graduated in 1996 from California State University, Chico, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Political Science. She earned her J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1999. While attending undergraduate and law school, Dawn worked as a paralegal in a civil law firm and interned with the San Diego District Attorney. Dawn has been aggressively defending Workers’ Compensation claims since January 2000. Her expertise encompasses all aspects of Workers’ Compensation defense, including serious and willful misconduct allegations, toxic exposure and asbestos, catastrophic claims and 132a allegations. She also handles public entities and safety personnel claims. She prides herself on resolving claims quickly and creatively. In her free time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband and friends as well as traveling.
JENNIFER KRANBUHL
JENNIFER KRANBUHL is a Managing Partner at our firm’s Inland Empire office. She received her bachelor’s from the University of California, Riverside and her J.D. from Western State University College of Law where she was on the Distinguished Honor Roll and graduated magna cum laude. During law school, Ms. Kranbuhl externed for the California Court of Appeal, 4th District and was a Law Review Note Editor. She has been practicing workers’ compensation defense since she began working at our Inland Empire office in February 2005.
Ms. Kranbuhl is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. She has vast experience in all aspects of workers’ compensation defense, working with self-insureds, third party administrators, employers, and insurance carriers. She has vast experience in litigation, from hearing through appeal, including 132a and S&W defense. She has strong litigation and negotiating skills.
Ms. Kranbuhl works closely with an array of high profile clients and successfully brings results that earn the respect and trust of her many clients. Jennifer mentors new attorneys, as well as develops office procedures and protocols to exceed client expectations, making her a strong resource for the firm. In her spare time, Jennifer loves traveling, playing soccer, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
JAMES LIM
JAMES LIM is a Partner of Thomas Kinsey, LLP and a Certified Specialist in California Workers’ Compensation Law. He has extensive experience representing insurance companies, self-insured employers, and claims organizations in a wide breadth of different industries including retail, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. He is passionate about providing his clients with practical and pragmatic solutions that are best accomplished through aggressive defense litigation. James earned his J.D. from Whittier Law School and his bachelor’s in political science from the University of California, Irvine. James has long supported his local sports teams, the Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks. He also is a fan of motorsports, including Formula 1. He is a devoted husband and father. James and his wife are also doting dog parents to their Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, Oreo.
NICOLE NEWSOM
NICOLE NEWSOM is a Senior Associate Attorney, with a J.D. from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton. Ms. Newsom was a member of the Mock Trial Advocacy Team and also a member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program while working as a law clerk for a well-respected litigation firm in Orange County. Ms. Newsom also earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Subsequent to her education, Ms. Newsom was a junior associate for Preferred Legal Support and later managed a team of seven junior associates in labor and employment class action lawsuits and arbitrations. While working for Thomas Kinsey, LLP, Nicole has successfully litigated a lien trial and obtained a take nothing on all liens of record. In her free time, Nicole enjoys watching classic black and white films with her husband and chasing around her young son.
BRITTNEY OUTZEN
BRITTNEY OUTZEN Associate Attorney, is a graduate of University of La Verne where she majored in legal studies and obtained a paralegal certificate. While attending law school, she was employed in the legal field as a paralegal and notary for law firms and banking institutions. She earned her J.D. from Western State College of Law with a business law certificate. Brittney has extensive experience with legal research, preparing pleadings and motions, and reviewing contracts. Ms. Outzen prides herself on her organizational skills, which are apparent in the quality of her work. Her robust experience in the legal field and strong work ethic are a recipe for success, and she has been a valuable addition to our firm. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, Pilates, watching documentaries, and hanging out with her Labradoodle, Kylo Ren.
JESSE PECK
JESSE PECK Managing Partner, received his bachelor’s from the University of California, San Diego in Political Science with Concentration in International Relations; and his J.D. with magna cum laude honors from Whittier Law School, where he also served as Sergeant at Arms for the Student Bar Association. Prior to joining our firm in 2009, Jesse was a law clerk and a Judicial Extern. Jesse also served as an Army Interrogator and Counterintelligence Agent and is fluent in Spanish. Jesse is an avid sports fan and currently handles a broad range of complex workers’ compensation cases, including the very specialized and highly litigious National Football League litigation in our State, as well as safety officer cases involving multiple legal presumptions relating thereto. Jesse is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. In his personal life, Jesse has a habit adopting shelter animals and taking in strays with alarming frequency.
KATHLEEN ROBERTS
KATHLEEN ROBERTS Partner, has over 30 years of experience representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation cases. She is a certified specialist and graduated from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She loves the challenges of taking a case to trial and winning as well as beneficially settling cases. She specializes in complex litigation and in taking on and solving problem cases. She loves fishing and traveling with her husband and dog. She always wanted to be an astronomer but couldn’t do the math. So, she settles for being an avid stargazer.
ALEX SHAPIRO
ALEX SHAPIRO Senior Associate Attorney, graduated from Occidental College, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in Diplomacy and World Affairs. Alex went on to work at the United Nations headquarters in New York, NY, assisting its Charter and Research Branch in establishing the International Criminal Court. He graduated from University of Miami School of Law, where he was a member for the University of Miami Business Law Review and graduated cum laude. He also served as a summer intern for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office in the Major Crimes Division. Alex has over a decade of experience as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, which includes successfully defending high exposure cases, overseeing complex structured settlements, prevailing in court on post termination, independent contractor and good faith personnel action affirmative defenses. Alex strongly believes in achieving justice for his clients and zealously advocates for the employers and insurance carriers in California’ workers’ compensation system.
VAHE TCHOUKADARIAN
VAHE TCHOUKADARIAN is a Partner at Thomas Kinsey, LLP. He received his bachelor’s in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine and was a Scholar Athlete on the UC Irvine Men’s Rowing Team. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. He is a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. Vahe has been voted a Super Lawyer Rising Star for several years. He has obtained numerous “Take Nothings” throughout his career. He is a passionate, zealous advocate that any client would want on their side. Mr. Tchoukadarian is fluent in the Armenian language. He is involved in numerous philanthropy projects that provide aid to impoverished families throughout the world. Vahe loves to play and watch basketball, having played for his high school, and is a Los Angeles Clippers fan.
