Our People

Jessika K. Johnson

Associate

Jessika K. Johnson is an associate with the firm and practices in the areas of general civil litigation, land use and real property law.


Education Background

Ms. Johnson received her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003 where she was in the honors program. She earned her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 2007. In 2005, Ms. Johnson was a visiting student at the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) School of Law, where she was a visiting member of the California Law Review. While in law school, Ms. Johnson was president of the Tulane Law School Student Bar Association during the 2006-2007 academic year. In addition, Ms. Johnson was a member of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law, served as a Graduate and Professional School Association representative to the University Senate, and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.  Further, Ms. Johnson obtained a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate accreditation (LEED® GA) by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2009.

Employment Background

Prior to joining Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, Ms. Johnson worked in the Legal and Compliance Department of an investment company in San Francisco. She also interned at the Los Angeles and San Francisco offices of a national law firm. Ms. Johnson was a summer associate at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek in summer, 2006.

Representative Matters

  • Represents clients in all manner of contract disputes
  • Routinely represents landowners, developers, lenders, users, and contractors in connection with development and construction activities of all types, including a wide range of real estate disputes and litigation
  • Negotiates with various agencies at local, state and federal levels regarding all aspects of development projects
  • Advises in the preparation of environmental impact reports and the development of strategies for compliance with federal, state and regional environmental legislation, in particular the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
  • Processes development entitlements including general plan amendments, master plans, specific plans, subdivision maps, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances and coastal permits
  • Engaged by Independent Review Organization (“IRO”) to perform duties under Corporate Integrity Agreement involving pharmaceutical company
  • Counsels clients on issues concerning the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act
  • Represents employees in a variety of matters, including wage claim disputes and wrongful termination actions

Professional Affiliations & Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
  • San Diego County Bar Association (Environmental Law/Land Use Law and Real Property Law sections)
  • LEED® GA accreditation
  • Urban Land Institute - 2010 Young Leader Board Member

Community Affiliations

  • Junior League of San Diego

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • Publication, “Rreshpja v. Gonzales; The Sixth Circuit’s Failure to Consider Gender’s Place in Asylum Claims,” 14 Tul. J. Int’l & Comp. L. 623 (2006)

Professional Awards & Honors

  • Recipient of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law “Best Case Note” Award (2006)
  • Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) “Excellence for the Future Award” in legal profession (2006)
  • Louisiana recipient of the Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips Law School Merits Award (2007)
  • Recipient of the Tulane Law School Student Bar Association Presidents’ Award (2007)