Sarah M. Shekhter

Sarah M. Shekhter is a shareholder in Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek's Litigation Department and is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  Ms. Shekhter has extensive courtroom experience and has represented clients in complex civil and criminal matters in federal and state courts and has substantial trial experience.

Education

Ms. Shekhter received her bachelor's degree in European History and Slavic Languages and Literature from Northwestern University in 2007. She earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2011.

While in law school, Ms. Shekhter 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, Ms. Shekhter worked as a public defender for 7 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 percent. 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
  • United States 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
  • American Inns of Court, Louis M. Welsh San Diego Chapter

Community Affiliations

  • 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

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