FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

SOAR for Justice was founded by Dovie Yoana King, a mother, lawyer and survivor of domestic violence who is deeply committed to women's empowerment, equality and access to justice. She is an award-winning pro bono attorney honored by the State Bar of California and named an "Outstanding Attorney" by the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. Currently, Dovie volunteers her time as the organization's director while also serving as the assistant director of JD advising at Harvard Law School's Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising. She has authored numerous publications, speaks on panels and oversees SOAR for Justice's scholarship program, community education, policy and fundraising efforts. Dovie resides in Belmont, Massachusetts with her young son and puppy. She is an electedTown Meeting Member and Executive Board Member for the Belmont Democratic Town Committee serving as its Affirmative Action & Outreach Adviser. 

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

The SOAR for Justice  Scholarship Committee is comprised of accomplished attorneys licensed in California who are dedicated to the mission of the organization. The purpose of the Scholarship Committee is to review annual scholarship applications from students, make recommendations with regard to awards and assist with fundraising, outreach and educational efforts. Scholarship Committee members volunteer their time to SOAR for Justice without compensation. 

SARAH BRITE EVANS

Schwartz Semerdjian Cauly & Moot LLP

Sarah is a partner at Schwartz Semerdjian and has been practicing law since 2000, primarily working on employment law matters. Sarah serves as committee chair of The Lawyers Club, a bar group which aims to advance the status of women in the law and society. She is the mother of two young boys.

JD, Notre Dame Law School

BA, University of Southern California

CHRISTINE PANGAN

Legal Aid Society of San Diego

Christine is lead attorney and managing co-editor in chief for the San Diego Lawyer Magazine, authoring numerous articles on a variety of topics. Christine has extensive experience in domestic violence advocacy, formerly supervising a restraining order clinic.

JD, University of San Diego School of Law

BA, University of California, San Diego

DANIEL LAGUNA

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic- South Bay Courthouse

Daniel is an attorney and clinic supervisor at the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic located at the South Bay Courthouse. Daniel is experienced in all aspects of family law. He explains why he chose a career ion domestic violence advocacy HERE. 

JD, Thomas Jefferson School of Law

BA, University of California, Berkeley

KALEENA KEI

Pro Athlete Law Group

Kaleena is an attorney representing athletes in workers' compensation cases. She is a pro bono victim's rights attorney with experience assisting litigants with domestic violence restraining orders. Kaleena has volunteered for SOAR for Justice in the past, sharing her passion for advocating on behalf of survivors.

JD, Thomas Jefferson School of Law

BA, University of Hawaii at Manoa

DOVIE YOANA KING

Harvard Law School

Dovie is the founder and director of SOAR for Justice. She has two decades of experience assisting low-income workers and immigrants as a public interest attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow. Dovie currently works advising law students with regard to public service career opportunities. She is licensed to practice law in California, Massachusetts and formerly in New York (retired), and is a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

JD, Northeastern University School of Law

BA, Brown University

WENDY MUSELL

Stewart & Musell LLP

Wendy is a law partner at Stewart & Musell LLP. She is committed to helping public and private sector employees with their workplace and civil rights. Wendy is named among the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California.

JD, Northeastern University School of Law

BA, State University of New York, Purchase College

NISHA VYAS

Public Counsel

Nisha is the Directing Attorney for the Homelessness Project at Public Counsel, the nation's largest pro bono law firm. Nisha's work includes counseling nonprofit organizations and affordable housing providers. Nisha was named one of the Best Lawyers Under 40 by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

JD, University of California, Los Angeles

BA, University of California, Berkeley