KARISSA PIRALLA, ESQ.
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EDUCATED. EXPERIENCED. EFFECTIVE.
With over fifteen years of legal experience, Karissa Piralla brings a wealth of diverse professional skills to her clientele, instilling confidence in her ability to handle a wide range of cases.
A fierce advocate, Karissa capitalizes on her effective writing and presentation skills in all levels of representation, from trial court proceedings to appellate review. Her passion for legal research and an eye for detail ensures that she is thorough and decisive in helping clients achieve their legal goals.
Karissa is straightforward and analytical but strives to take an emotionally intelligent approach when working with clients. She understands the emotional toll that the legal process can take, and her priority is to support clients as they navigate what often seems like a confusing and stressful process. She aims to help them understand the law and their options while remaining responsive and available to answer questions.
Whether assisting people who want to resolve their family law matter amicably or advocating for clients in a high-conflict case, Karissa dedicates herself to treating everyone with the care and individual attention they deserve.
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
In 2004, Karissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of California, San Diego. Her coursework included numerous classes on child development, reflecting her enduring concern for children's well-being. This early interest in understanding and helping children would later inform her decision to enter the field of family law. During her college years, she also worked in an elementary school's special education classroom, where she assisted students with developmental and other disabilities, further solidifying her commitment to advocating for those in need.
Karissa's academic journey continued with a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2008. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and children's rights led her to spend a semester each at Trinity University in Dublin, Ireland, and the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Studying abroad further expanded her understanding of critical legal issues and solidified her appreciation for the many diverse cultures around the world.
Once admitted to the state bar, Karissa began her career as an indigent criminal defense attorney in the Central Valley. She then moved to the Central Coast to work as a judicial research attorney for the Monterey County Superior Court, where she assisted judges in numerous legal departments before transitioning to an appellate practice. During this time, Karissa volunteered at a women's shelter and recovery center dedicated to treating drug addiction and alcoholism.
Karissa entered the field of family law after becoming a stepmother and experiencing the challenges that arise following the divorce process. Her personal journey has given her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the emotional and legal complexities involved in the family law system. She and her husband, who also works in the family law sector, get to experience the joys and obstacles that come with having a blended family. They have four children ranging in age from thirteen to three. Both are grateful for the support they receive from their extended family. Karissa's father is a retired firefighter who loves being with his grandkids. Likewise, her mother, previously a high-functioning corporate executive, is always there to help.
As a uniquely well-rounded attorney, Karissa draws upon her varied background to effectively represent her family law clients. She understands the legal process from the outset of a case through appeal, appreciates the court's many administrative complexities, and considers the everyday demands of the judges she must appear before. However, her commitment to her clients and her practice doesn't stop there. Karissa is constantly striving to improve her skills as a legal practitioner and is currently studying for the family law specialist examination, demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
