Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek: San Diego Law Firm

Sarah M. Shekhter

Shareholder

Practice Groups

Representative Matters

Representation of:

Landowner in a complex real estate dispute with a neighboring landowner that included 10 causes of action against the client, a cross-complaint, multiple government entities and potentially $1 million in liability resulting in a winning jury verdict
Individual formerly employed by Chicago Title who was implicated in largest Ponzi scheme in California history
Client in breach of contract case over attempted acceleration of $5 million payments on two promissory notes resulting in a bench trial victory
Owner and operator of ATMs inside cannabis dispensaries caught up in a lawsuit over RICO claims who won dismissal from the case
Client charged with felony money laundering resulting in full dismissal of indictment
Beneficiaries in trust contest resulting in favorable verdict at trial
Veteran facing numerous assault and weapons charges in self-defense case and obtained full acquittal of all charges at jury trial
Individual in federal civil RICO case seeking over $300 million in damages
National corporation against wage and hour claims
National real estate developer in federal class action asserting unfair business practice and violations of Business & Professions Code §§17200 (Unfair Competition Law)
Business owners in contract and business disputes
Trustees and beneficiaries in will and trust contests and related probate litigation
Clients in elder abuse matters, conservatorships, and related protective proceedings
Local developers, business owners and individuals in various real property litigation matters

Education

Sarah received her bachelor's degree in European History, Slavic Languages and Literature from Northwestern University in 2007. She earned her law degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) in 2011.

While in law school, Sarah had the privilege to serve as a judicial extern to the Honorable Joyce L. Kennard (now retired) of the California Supreme Court. She also served as an editor for the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly, in which she was published, and worked as a law clerk for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Employment Background

Prior to joining SCMV, Sarah worked as a public defender for seven years in both San Diego and Kern counties, representing indigent clients charged with criminal offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies punishable by life imprisonment. She tried over 40 cases to jury verdict, achieving acquittals in over 40%. She also has experience working at the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.

Professional Affiliations & Admissions

State Bar of California
Certified Specialist-Criminal Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA)
San Diego Chapter San Diego County Bar Association
Lawyers Club of San Diego
Association of Business Trial Lawyers, Community Outreach Committee
American Inns of Court, Louis M. Welsh San Diego Chapter
Jewish Bar Association of San Diego, Founding Board Member

Community Affiliations

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Board of Directors
Jewish Federation of San Diego, Board of Directors
Kindness Initiative, Board of Directors
San Diego High School Mock Trial Competition, Volunteer Coach
Voices for Children – Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Publications & Speaking Engagements

California Public Defender’s Association Trial Skills Academy, lecturer (2017-2018)
“Navigating Code of Civil Procedure Section 664.6,” co-author, Association of Business Trial Lawyers Report (August 2019)

Professional Awards & Honors

Top 100 Leaders in Law, San Diego Business Journal (2023)
Woman of Influence in Law, San Diego Business Journal (2023)
Top 40 Under 40, San Diego Metro Magazine (2019)