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Chief Executive Officer

Morgan D. Ross

In 2016, Morgan established Counterpoint Legal, a general practice law firm which provides services in the following areas of Law:

In 2016, Morgan established Counterpoint Legal, a general practice law firm which provides services in the following areas of Law:

Criminal Defense
Juvenile Dependency/CPS/Delinquency Representation
Traffic/DUI
Family Law
Adoptions
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Guardianship/Conservatorship
Consumer Protection
Landlord-Tenant/HOA Issues
Personal Injury
Employment Law
Bankruptcy
Prior to starting his own law firm, he worked with Dependency Legal Group of San Diego (DLG) where he worked as a court appointed defense attorney in the child welfare system for five years and received multiple accolades during his stay.

2011. "Most Creative Closing Argument" bestowed on the individual in the firm of over 50 trial attorneys with the most creative summation at trial.

2012. One of the trial attorneys on the case of Tracy J. V. Superior Court (2012) 202 Cal.App.4th 1415. The case has been cited over 60 times by the California Court of Appeals in subsequent decisions.

2014. "Outstanding Attorney Award", awarded for outstanding legal service and job performance at the DLG throughout the year.

Morgan attended St. Lawrence University earning B.A. in government, with minors in both education studies and global studies. He then earned his law degree in San Diego at California Western School of Law in two years.

In his free time, he enjoys golf, socializing, friendly competition, and hiking. He also spends time teaching SAT & ACT preparation courses for local high school students as well as tutoring for various A.P. classes. Additionally, he has a passion for fitness and competing in physique contests which he discovered through his own weight loss journey, losing about 120lbs between winter 2013 and winter 2015. He participated in the WBFF World Championships in Las Vegas in August 2015.

Chief Operating Officer

Salena Garcia

Salena Garcia is the Chief Operating Officer of Counterpoint Legal, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the firm's operations, financial planning, and strategic development.

Salena Garcia is the Chief Operating Officer of Counterpoint Legal, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the firm's operations, financial planning, and strategic development. Since joining the firm as an intern in August 2021, Salena has worked her way up through the ranks, serving as a Paralegal and later as a Senior Paralegal before earning her position as Chief Operating Officer. Her journey reflects her dedication, leadership, and deep understanding of law firm management.

With extensive experience in legal billing, trust accounting, and operational efficiency, Salena ensures that Counterpoint Legal functions seamlessly. She helps manage support staff, streamlines internal processes, and implements financial strategies that drive profitability while maintaining the highest standards of client service.

Prior to her legal career, Salena honed her leadership and financial expertise in the retail sector, successfully managing teams, optimizing workflows, and improving bottom-line revenues. Her diverse background has equipped her with the ability to navigate high-pressure environments with precision and confidence.

A results-driven leader, Salena is committed to the success and growth of Counterpoint Legal, ensuring that the firm operates at peak efficiency while delivering exceptional service to its clients.

Senior Associate Attorney

Jillian Connery

Jillian Connery joined Counterpoint Legal in June 2021. She handles family law matters including divorce, child custody, support orders, adoption matters, and guardianships.

Jillian Connery joined Counterpoint Legal in June 2021. She handles family law matters including divorce, child custody, support orders, adoption matters, and guardianships. She is also court appointed through the Office of Assigned Counsel to represent minors and parents in cases involving the termination of parental rights.

Jillian is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During her time in law school, she participated in Mock Trial where she was a semi-finalist for her region of the Texas Young Lawyers Association National Trial competition. Additionally, she worked in the Veteran's Legal Assistance Clinic that provided free legal services to the veterans who lived at Veterans Village of San Diego. Jillian now donates her time back to Thomas Jefferson by helping to coach the Mock Trial team. Prior to attending law school, Jillian attended Endicott College in Beverly Massachusetts where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Jillian was born and raised in Massachusetts and moved to San Diego to attend law school. Jillian and her husband are animal enthusiasts, on top of their 4 special needs animals they also foster dogs through the Animal Pad. She is an avid reader and enjoys spending her weekends cooking and exploring San Diego with the dogs.

Attorney

Michael G. Wales

Michael Wales joined Counterpoint Legal in August 2024. Michael handles civil litigation matters including personal injuries, business litigation, deceptive business practices and Fair Debt Collection violations, and serves as general counsel to many businesses.

Michael Wales joined Counterpoint Legal in August 2024. Michael handles civil litigation matters including personal injuries, business litigation, deceptive business practices and Fair Debt Collection violations, and serves as general counsel to many businesses.

Michael graduated from Arizona State University College of Law in 1991. Michael has been licensed in, and practicing law in, Arizona and California State and Federal Courts for more than 30 years. As a former prosecutor in both Arizona and California, and a former judge in Arizona, as well as an experienced and highly successful trial lawyer, his trial successes have landed him a membership in the very exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and a recognition of excellence from Lawyers of Distinction®.

Michael's experience also includes being a trained accident investigator with the Houston Police Department, training in commercial truck and auto accident reconstruction while serving as a prosecutor, and experience in trying numerous complex cases involving everything from breach of contract to construction defect to vehicular homicide cases.

Attorney

Robert B. Salgado

Robert Salgado joins our legal team bringing a breadth of experience in the areas of consumer protection law, personal injury and general civil litigation.

Robert Salgado joins our legal team bringing a breadth of experience in the areas of consumer protection law, personal injury and general civil litigation.

Robert was raised in Yucaipa, California, and earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis, followed by his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Before entering the legal field, Robert spent four years as a political consultant, working on various local, state, and federal elections.

Robert began his legal career at a boutique firm, where he litigated personal injury claims, mass torts, defective medical device cases, and class actions. After several years at the firm, he transitioned to solo practice, gaining extensive experience in a wide range of cases, including Song-Beverly and other consumer protection matters. It was during this time that Robert discovered his true passion for consumer protection law.

Later, Robert joined a prominent national consumer protection firm, where he specialized in nationwide consumer and complex class actions as well as mass arbitrations. In this role, he honed his skills in navigating complex litigation, managing large volumes of cases, and coordinating multi-jurisdictional legal strategies. Robert's expertise in consumer protection law and his ability to effectively handle intricate legal matters contributed to numerous successful outcomes for clients across the country.

Now, as a member of our litigation team, Robert leverages his diverse legal knowledge and expertise to ensure our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their cases.

Attorney

Sean Jang

Dual-Licensed Attorney (California & Korea) | Experienced Litigator & Legal Advisor
Sean S. Jang is an accomplished dual-licensed attorney in California and Korea, providing comprehensive legal counsel and representation in both U.S. and Korean legal matters.

Dual-Licensed Attorney (California & Korea) | Experienced Litigator & Legal Advisor
Sean S. Jang is an accomplished dual-licensed attorney in California and Korea, providing comprehensive legal counsel and representation in both U.S. and Korean legal matters. With over two decades of experience, he has developed deep expertise in civil litigation, construction law, corporate law, criminal defense, real estate, family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, immigration law, and employment law.

Sean’s legal career began with his success in the Korean Bar Exam in 2002, one of the most selective and rigorous legal examinations at the time. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with magna cum laude from Pusan National University and later completed intensive legal training at the Judicial Research and Training Institute under the Korean Supreme Court, gaining hands-on experience through internships at courts, prosecutors’ offices, and leading law firms. Seeking further specialization, he pursued advanced legal studies at Pepperdine University School of Law, focusing on civil litigation, tort law, immigration law, real estate law, employment law, and wills and trusts.

Over the years, Sean has built a strong reputation for successfully resolving complex disputes across multiple practice areas. He has also been certified as a specialist in construction law and criminal law, reflecting his advanced knowledge and experience in these fields. Additionally, he has served as a bankruptcy trustee and civil case mediator for Korean courts, overseeing high-value financial restructuring and dispute resolution matters.
Beyond private practice, Sean has been a trusted outside counsel for government agencies and local municipalities, advising on key regulatory and administrative matters. He has also contributed his expertise to internal committees and legal advisory boards for various public institutions, helping shape legal and policy decisions.

In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, Sean was honored by the Seoul Bar Association in 2010 for his outstanding service and dedication.
Outside of work, Sean enjoys traveling to new and unexplored destinations. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and enjoys fishing, camping, and running.

Of Counsel

Susan Yea

Susan Yea is an Of Counsel attorney who creates estate plans for our clients. She has been licensed to practice law in the State of California since 2011

Susan Yea is an Of Counsel attorney who creates estate plans for our clients. She has been licensed to practice law in the State of California since 2011. Ms. Yea obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Berkeley, a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law with a specialization in Business Law (with distinction), and an LLM (Master of Laws) in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Ms. Yea has worked in tax service groups at Deloitte Tax LLP and Ernst & Young LLP helping clients with sophisticated US and international tax planning. She also worked in estate planning firms assisting families and individuals of diverse backgrounds with asset planning.

Currently, Ms. Yea is of counsel to Housing and Economic Rights Advocates, a non-profit group, providing estate planning services particularly to the underserved and underprivileged. Ms. Yea also volunteers as a pro bono attorney for Free To Thrive, a San Diego organization, assisting victims of human trafficking with vacating criminal records in various counties throughout California.

Senior Paralegal

Sami Sugita

Sami completed the University of San Diego's ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program in the fall of 2023. She began working at Counterpoint Legal as an intern through USD and was then hired as a full-time paralegal.

Sami completed the University of San Diego's ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program in the fall of 2023. She began working at Counterpoint Legal as an intern through USD and was then hired as a full-time paralegal. Sami primarily works with Attorney Jillian Connery, handling all family law matters. Before becoming a paralegal, Sami did her undergraduate schooling at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Studies. After graduating from UCSB, Sami chose to move back to her hometown of San Diego to begin her paralegal career and be close to family.
Civil Paralegal

Yazmine Jimenez

Yazmine joined Counterpoint Legal in September 2024 as a paralegal in the Civil Law Department, where she provides invaluable support across a wide range of civil law matters.

Yazmine joined Counterpoint Legal in September 2024 as a paralegal in the Civil Law Department, where she provides invaluable support across a wide range of civil law matters. Prior to her role at Counterpoint Legal, Yazmine worked at a boutique personal injury firm, where she managed an extensive portfolio of personal injury cases and oversaw the firm's Pre-Litigation Department.

Yazmine graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science with an emphasis in Public law and Bachelors of Art in History with an emphasis in Human Rights. Her academic background and practical experience have equipped her with a strong understanding of legal processes, client advocacy, and case management.

As the former chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee with the NAACP she has a strong passion for advocacy and enjoys spending her free time helping her community and spending time with family.

Legal Assistant

Lourdes Flores

Lourdes is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC San Diego, majoring in political science. As a legal assistant, she maintains constant communication with clients, understanding their needs by scheduling phone consultations with attorneys who best fit their criteria.

Lourdes is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC San Diego, majoring in political science. As a legal assistant, she maintains constant communication with clients, understanding their needs by scheduling phone consultations with attorneys who best fit their criteria. She sends follow-up emails and makes calls to ensure clients feel heard and supported, emphasizing the importance of their time. Lourdes takes detailed notes and enters all relevant information into the database, which the attorney reviews before the initial consultation.
Legal Assistant

Nallely Nungaray

Paralegal

Kiki Mitchell

Kiki Mitchell received a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Political Science from the University of California San Diego in 2024

Kiki Mitchell received a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Political Science from the University of California San Diego in 2024 and is a recent Fall 2024 graduate of the University of San Diego’s ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program. Kiki completed their internship through USD at Counterpoint Legal, where they were then hired as a full-time paralegal.
Paralegal

Faith Aplaten

Faith, a licensed attorney with a degree in Psychology, brings extensive experience in streamlining legal processes and improving case efficiency.

Prior to joining Counterpoint, Faith worked as a paralegal at a small family law firm, where she played a key role in streamlining legal processes and ensuring the efficient progression of cases. She is a licensed attorney in her home country and holds a degree in Psychology.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Faith is an active member of several civic organizations, including Junior Chamber International, and is deeply passionate about community work. Outside of her career, she enjoys traveling, with a particular love for visiting beaches.

Admin Assistant/Receptionist

Lanie Calingasan

Lanie has been with Counterpoint Legal since August 2020, handling client communications, administrative support, and marketing.

Lanie has worked with Counterpoint Legal as a virtual assistant since August 2020. She is in charge of answering incoming calls, providing assistance to new and existing clients, and aiding our paralegals and attorneys with administrative tasks such as scheduling and doing follow ups. Moreover, she also plays a role in our marketing through social media management, and web design and maintenance.

Before joining our team, Lanie garnered multiple experiences in human resources, sales and marketing, and office administration. Most recently, she was a brand ambassador and a marketing associate.

In her free time, Lanie loves travelling, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She aspires to see as much of the world as she can, but never without a camera and pastries in her purse.

Admin Assistant/Receptionist

Lei Purificacion

Lei is working with Counterpoint Legal as a remote admin assistant and receptionist. She handles incoming calls and assists accordingly.

Lei is working with Counterpoint Legal as a remote admin assistant and receptionist. She handles incoming calls and assists accordingly. She is also responsible for assisting our attorneys and paralegals with scheduling, doing follow-ups, bookkeeping, web design, marketing, and other administrative tasks.

Before joining the firm, she used to work in the call center industry as a customer service representative, which helped her to work under pressure and become efficient.

She likes looking and trying out unlimited restaurants in her free time with her partner. She also loves watching movies and tv series.

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