We had the opportunity to interview Allison Stone, our senior associate attorney from our Los Angeles office. Allison Stone is a top-rated civil litigation attorney practicing in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, government liability and premises liability in California. From 2017 to this year, Super Lawyers recognized Allison as a Rising Star among Southern California attorneys.

Allison Stone has been practicing as a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney since she graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in May 2010. With a decade of litigation experience, Allison is committed to fighting for individuals injured due to the negligent and unlawful acts of others. 

—

Hi Allison, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. You were nominated as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for the 4th consecutive year. Tell us what this means to you? 

Thank you so much. It is truly an honor. I am very grateful to be recognized by my peers, particularly because there are so many extremely talented lawyers in California.

Your legal work has recovered more than $40 million in settlements and verdicts. Can you tell us more about this achievement? Does any case stand out for you?

I am very proud of my work and always strive to get the best possible results for my clients. I enjoy settling cases for my clients and bringing them a sense of closure. As a Rising Star, I believe I have much more to contribute and hope to continue to make a positive impact on my clients’ lives. 

You graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a B.A in Psychology and Law & Society. Did you always have plans to become an attorney? Who was your biggest inspiration? 

I did not always plan to become an attorney, but the legal field has always interested me.  My father, Neil, is a retired educator, my mother, Susan, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and my late cousin, Josh, was a public defender. All of them worked hard to better the lives of others, which has always been a tremendous inspiration for me.

You played for UC Riverside’s Big West Division I soccer team and graduated magna cum laude. What was the key to achieve balance in a school and sports schedule? Can you share some ways of staying active now, especially with current COVID-19 restrictions.  

I think the keys to achieving balance, both as a Division I collegiate athlete and now professionally, are discipline, staying organized, and simply putting in the work.  I find that these principals have been beneficial for me to find some balance while still honoring all of my commitments.    

With COVID restrictions, my workouts are now all at home as opposed to my in-person classes, which I do miss. I have found some great online workout platforms and teachers including @corneliusjonesjr, and Dryp By Soha (@sohapanah), which I would describe as high-intensity yoga sculpt classes that I can’t recommend highly enough. I think staying active, especially now, is so important, for both our physical and mental health.

Because of COVID-19, many industries are changing the way they operate. How do you see the legal industry changing? 

Everyone has had to pivot this year, and we have transitioned to doing remote depositions, mediations, and court appearances. Of course, we are all very much looking forward to going back to in-person appearances. However, I think this year has taught us that there are a number of routine meetings, appearances and hearings that can continue to be done remotely and effectively, and will save valuable time and resources. 

What has been the best advice (given to you by someone), which you would like to pass on to law students?

The best advice for me was the simple truth– It requires a lot of dedication, but keep your head down and you will do great.  Find mentors whom you respect and learn as much as they are willing to share.