12.19.24
Jury Verdict! Firm partners John Schena and Mark Bale just completed a six-week jury trial resulting in a complete defense of claims. The firm’s clients were accused of breaching an asset purchase agreement and misrepresenting the condition of a manufacturing business sold to an international conglomerate. The buyer of the business requested an award in excess of $15 million in damages, which was rejected by the jury. John and Mark spent several years in the trenches and are thrilled with the result right before the new year. If you have any questions about trial practice, please feel free to reach out to John Schena.
12.10.24
Congratulations to our newest attorney Sofia N. Carrasco, who was sworn into the Bar today!
Sofia is an associate on the firm's litigation team representing businesses and individuals in business litigation, employment, and contract disputes. Sofia also handles several appellate matters for the firm. Before coming to SSCSB, Sofia externed at the Southern District Federal Court and the California Court of Appeal, Fourth District. She also clerked in private firms with emphases in labor & employment law and insurance defense.
Sofia received her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. While in law school, Sofia was the Executive Editor of her Law Review journal and a research assistant for her professor's publications on human rights and asylum law. She also worked as a teaching fellow for several classes and worked for the Community Law Project legal clinic.
Please help us congratulate Sofia and her joining the team!
11.7.24
We are thrilled to have been named a top-tier law firm in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers and “Best Law Firms” rankings, the leading survey of lawyers worldwide! Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush was selected as an “exceptional firm” in San Diego for two practice areas - tort as well as labor and employment litigation. This is the fifteenth consecutive year the firm has been selected for this honor. We are so proud of our whole team for this honor bestowed by our peers!
8.15.24
We are thrilled to announce that our founding partner Dick Semerdjian has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America© (2025 Edition) in the field of Litigation - Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, as well as Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. The recognition highlights the top 6% of private practicing attorneys in the United States, and this is the 16th consecutive year that Dick has been selected as a Best Lawyer. Congratulations, Dick!
4.1.24
We are thrilled to announce three of our partners have been selected as top outstanding lawyers in San Diego County by Super Lawyers!
- Partner Dick Semerdjian has been named a 2024 “Top 50” San Diego Attorney in Business Litigation for the fifth straight year and has been a recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2007
- Partner John Schena is named a 2024 San Diego Super Lawyer in Business Litigation for the sixth straight year
- Partner Kristen Bush is named a Super Lawyer 2024 San Diego Rising Star in Business Litigation for the third year
The San Diego Super Lawyers selection process involves a multi-phase selection process which includes nominations, independent third-party research, peer evaluations and final selection.
Congratulations, Dick, John and Kristen!
2.1.24
We are delighted to announce the elevation of John Schena and Kristen Bush to named partners, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Effective February 1, 2024, the firm proudly embraces its new identity as Schwartz Semerdjian Cauley Schena & Bush (SSCSB). Additionally, we are pleased to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of attorney Mark Bale, who is being elevated to partner.
These advancements underscore our commitment to nurturing and promoting exceptional talent within our ranks. Managing Partner Ross Schwartz expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “John, Kristen and Mark have grown with our firm over the years and we are thrilled to see them assuming new leadership roles to help take the firm to a new generation in the San Diego community.”
John Schena is a seasoned trial attorney with an emphasis on commercial litigation, including fiduciary duty, trade secret, and employment matters. John has significant arbitration and trial experience, including first-chairing three jury trials over the last year. He is dedicated the communities in San Diego and Baja and provides expertise to local non-profits.
Kristen Bush is an accomplished business litigator, dedicated to representing individuals and businesses in a diverse spectrum of legal challenges, including contract disputes, professional liability matters, construction-related issues, and various other facets of business torts. Her expertise has garnered recognition at a national level, exemplified by her exclusive selection for the American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Leadership Academy, an honor that only 25 attorneys nationwide receive.
Mark Bale has over twenty-five years of experience litigating civil matters with an emphasis on business, commercial, real estate, construction, liability defense, and lender/creditor issues. He regularly represents clients in complex disputes in state, federal and bankruptcy courts throughout California.
Founding Partner Dick Semerdjian expressed his confidence in the newly appointed leaders, stating, “John, Kristen and Mark have built tremendous rapport with our clients and the San Diego community over the years, and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their new leadership roles.”
Congratulations, John, Kristen and Mark!