The former Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California and a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, Hilary Potashner is highly regarded by the bench and bar alike. Recognized by judges and peers for her "unwavering commitment to high-quality, client-centered representation," Hilary applies this full-service approach by listening attentively, developing a strong working relationship with each client, and ensuring their perspective is clearly depicted through every stage of litigation. She uses a strategic blend of tenacity and creativity to excel at negotiation and prevail at trial. Having built her reputation as a skilled courtroom advocate, Hilary is being honored by the Los Angeles County Bar Association Criminal Justice Section as the 2020 "Defense Attorney of the Year."
Throughout over 25 years of practice, Hilary has tried dozens of cases to verdict and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She has developed a deep familiarity and impressive credibility with state, federal, and appellate courts, and her wealth of experience serves at the advantage of her clients. Hilary successfully defends individuals facing charges in both state and federal court in a wide range of matters, including conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and other white collar cases. She also represents public and prominent figures and entities in pre-indictment investigations.
In her civil practice, Hilary represents individuals and entities in high-stakes commercial litigation and appeals. Her experience includes representing both plaintiffs and defendants in intellectual property and contract disputes, civil forfeiture, misrepresentation, negligence, civil theft, and garnishment cases. Her appellate victories include the recent SEC v. Yang et al. decision in which she secured reversal of a $15.5 million judgment in favor of her clients, and the recent KST Data, Inc. v. DXC Technology Co. et al. decision in which she secured reversal of a summary judgment and a $5.24 million judgment in a commercial contract dispute.
Hilary's impact in the law extends outside her practice to her involvement in committees and professional organizations. Through her former role as a lawyer representative for the Ninth Circuit and current roles on the Ninth Circuit Jury Trial Improvement Committee, the Systems Builders Committee of the National Association for Public Defense, the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and as a member of The Chancery Club of Los Angeles, Hilary collaborates with judges and other influential lawyers to effect systemic change in the law. She also serves on the Steering Committee of Just the Beginning—A Pipeline Organization, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the advancement of young adults from underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession.
Hilary joined Larson LLP after years of public service, having started her career in the state court as deputy public defender for the County of San Diego and then serving in the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California for nearly two decades. She was twice appointed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as the Federal Public Defender for the Central District and was responsible for leading the largest defender's office in the country. As the chief defender, she oversaw the representation of thousands of individuals facing federal charges in magistrate and district court.
Additionally, Hilary was instrumental in creating one of the first federal diversionary courts in the country, the Central District’s Court Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) program. This program successfully launched due in part to her effective collaboration with the Central District Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services. As described at the time by U.S. Circuit Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw, who chairs the Ninth Circuit’s Standing Committee on Federal Public Defenders, "as the Federal Public Defender, Hilary has led by personal example, maintaining high morale within the office during the government shutdown, creating a non-capital habeas unit, working effectively with our courts and other stakeholders, and contributing on a national level. She has set a very high bar for anyone to follow."
Significant Prior Representations:
Larson LLP is recognized as one of the “Most Admired Law Firms: L.A.’s Top Firms to Work For” of 2020 for consciously working toward creating a diverse, positive, and supportive environment to help drive the firm’s success.
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled on Nov. 17, 2020, that Larson LLP's client did not waive affirmative defenses when it did not file an answer to the plaintiffs' amended pleadings in KST Data Inc. v. DXC Technology Co. et al.
On Nov. 17, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed and remanded the district court’s ruling in KST Data Inc. v. DXC Technology Co. et al., a $5.4 million commercial contract dispute, securing another appellate victory for Larson LLP.
Partners Steven E. Bledsoe, Stephen G. Larson, and Hilary Potashner are among the 2020 “Leaders in Law” nominees.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed and remanded the SEC’s $15.5 million judgment on Aug. 6, 2020 in favor of Larson O'Brien’s clients in SEC v. Yang et al.
The national coalition of law firms aims to create large-scale, coordinated pro bono projects that address systemic racism.
Partners Stephen G. Larson and Hilary Potashner were selected to the “Leaders of Influence: Litigators & Trial Lawyers” list for 2020.
Mayor Eric Garcetti's pro bono initiative is composed of top Los Angeles law firms providing free legal services to residents facing hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partners Kori L. Bell and Hilary Potashner have been named among the Top Women Attorneys of 2020.
Larson O'Brien welcomes high-profile defense attorney and former Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California
University of California, Hastings College of Law, J.D.
Duke University, A.B.
California
New York
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S.D.C. Central District of California
U.S.D.C. Southern District of California