Page 13 - Final Inspirational Women Issue

Inspirational Women

HERE ARE SOME OF US
Twho are born knowing Jonah A. Toleno
exactly what we should be
doing for a living. It’s almost
as though we emerge from
the womb with a purpose LEGAL POWERHOUSE
and our abilities manifest in
such a manner as to fulfill that By Jaime V. Habert
purpose. Jonah A. Toleno is one
of those people. Currently prac- While assisting the clerks with come through enough valleys
ticing with Shustak, Reynolds, filing and their miscellaneous and mountains of my own to
and Partners, Jonah has made tasks, Jonah learned that her know that what I bring to the
a name for herself in her field interests in reading, writing, table is valuable.”
and has numerous accolades and helping people would This confidence is key to
to that fact. She holds an "AV" make her a natural fit for law. achieving the many accom-
(Preeminent) ranking under the Initially looking to pursue plishments that are found in
Martindale-Hubbell attorney criminal law, Jonah found civil Jonah’s resume. Jonah uses
rating system, with a 5.0 out of litigation a better fit for her. her experience and passion
5.0 overall rating in Securities After practicing in business to represent individuals and
Law, General Practice, and litigation for several years, financial services businesses
Business Law. Martindale-Hub- she joined her current firm in a wide range of arbitration,
bell reserves the "AV" ranking as a partner, and 11 years litigation, and advisory mat-
for those attorneys whose later, is still a driving force ters. If you ask her, however,
peers rank at the highest level behind their regional success. the biggest accomplishment Photos Courtesy of Jonah A. Toleno
of professional excellence and She is licensed to practice comes with the role of Mom.
who adhere to the highest pro- in California and Arizona. With her daughter, Danielle
fessional standards of conduct, Her practice is focused on and her son, Christian who
ethics, reliability, and diligence. financial services law, securi- admire her impact on their
She was named a "SuperLaw- ties arbitration and litigation, community, it’s highly likely
yer” by SuperLawyers in 2017 business litigation, and alter- we will be hearing more
and 2018, a “Top Attorney” in native dispute resolution. As about the Toleno offspring!
Litigation by San Diego Maga- a member of numerous bar I had to ask Jonah if either
zine in 2017, and a “Best of the association, Jonah lends her of her children had expressed
Bar” recipient in the San Diego voice to speaking engage- an interest in the field of
Business Journal every year ments for local law schools law? “They inspire me more
from 2014 to 2017. Earlier this and association events. As a than they ever will be able to
month, The San Diego County speaker, Jonah has much to comprehend. They are fun,
Bar Association honored her discuss; as an accomplished witty, active in myriad sports,
with the Community Service woman, but also, as a Filipino and always pushing me to
Award for Commitment to American. Jonah has had to reach for the stars even as I
Diversity. overcome a lot of obstacles to ask the same of them. They
Her list of accomplish- get where she is today. have talked about the possi-
ments is impressive, but what “I work in the male-dom- bility of being attorneys but own career, and after speak-
is even more so is how Jonah inated field of securities and are exploring lots of options ing with her, I had to know if
came to be at the top of her financial services, and people still. I do think they would be she had any advice for us up-
industry. You could say law don’t always expect to see a excellent lawyers because and-coming career women.
was in her blood. Her moth- diminutive, brown-skinned they care deeply about peo- “Be open to possibilities and
er, Adel, a courthouse clerk woman on the other side of ple and justice. Of course, my different experiences. Don’t
in San Diego and criminal the table or even when they husband, Doug, and I would sell yourself short. You never
division records clerk in Ala- meet me as their lawyer for be so proud if either of them know what amazing opportu-
meda County, helped to build the first time. I get underesti- became one, but at the end of nity might be awaiting you if
Jonah’s interest in law by mated all the time. Like many the day, I want them to be ful- just remain open to it.”
encouraging her to volunteer female attorneys, I have been filled and healthy, whatever For More Information
at the courthouse. As a volun- mistaken for the court report- that looks like in their careers.” Please visit their site at
teer, she was able to observe er or the assistant. It used to It is quite obvious to us http://www.shufirm.com/ or
trials and jury selections. bother me, but now, I have that Jonah is fulfilled in her call (619) 696-9500

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