Rachel Garrard is an Appellate Specialist, certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, and head of the Appellate Department at Gomez Trial Attorneys. In her role, Rachel not only handles the firm’s writs and appeals but also lends her writing talent and appellate expertise to the firm’s trial teams through major motion work, pre-trial motions, trial briefs, motions in limine, post-trial motions, and more. She also provides appellate consulting prior to and during trial and aids in preserving nuanced issues for appeal.

Prior to joining Gomez Trial Attorneys, Rachel spent her career focused on appeals. She is known in the community for her intellect, analytical mind, and clear writing style, which have contributed to her success in both trial courts and on appeal. She has handled high-profile writs and appeals in both state and federal appellate courts, including primarily the California Court of Appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the California Supreme Court.

In her spare time, Rachel provides pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Perhaps most significantly, she represented a child from Guatemala who fled his country to escape unspeakable gang violence and abuse. She, along with Gomez Trial Attorney Jamie Ritterbeck, helped her client obtain political asylum, a life-changing result not easily accomplished, and thereafter undertook representation of his younger brother, who is seeking the same relief.

Rachel also serves her community by volunteering at a monthly Civil Appellate Self-Help Workshop, a free workshop for unrepresented individuals focusing on the appellate process, court rules, and appellate procedure; and at a bi-monthly Name and Gender-Marker Change Clinic, a free clinic at the San Diego LGBT Community Center that provides assistance with official name and gender-marker change documents.

Rachel was recently recognized for her passion and dedication with a Pro Bono Publico Award from Casa Cornelia. Rachel has been named Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch in Appellate Practice and has been recognized as a Woman of Influence and Top 40 Under 40 by the San Diego Daily Transcript and San Diego Metro Magazine. She is the Vice President of the San Diego Appellate Inn of Court and Co-Chair of the Amicus Briefs Committee of Lawyers Club of San Diego.

AFFILIATIONS

·         State Bar of California

·         Certified Appellate Specialist (Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, on September 1, 2022)

·         San Diego County Bar Association

·        Tom Homann Law Association

·         Consumer attorneys of San Diego 

·         Lawyers Club of San Diego, Amicus Briefs Committee, co-chair, 2021–2023

·         American Inns of Court, William B. Enright Chapter

·         San Diego Appellate Inn of Court, Exec. Committee, 2018–2022; Vice President, 2022–2023

·         Women Leaders of GTA, Founding Member, 2023

RECENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

·         Women in Trial, California Western School of Law, Women’s Law Caucus and Moot Court Honors Board, April 13, 2022 

·         The Changing Landscape of Employment Law: Arbitration, PAGA, and Appeals, Association of Corporate Counsel, May 12, 2022

Gomez Trial Attorneys is excited to be able to help even more people. If you feel you have a potential appeal, call or email us today.