Alumni Spotlight: Monica Mendes Kalunian

When were you an attorney at Tressler?

I started at Tressler as a law clerk in the Summer of 2006. I began working at the firm as a full-time associate in September of 2007. I left the firm in July 2013 to join Selman Breitman LLP. 

Tell us about the current work you do at Selman.

As a partner at Selman, I represent insurance companies in contribution, declaratory relief, and bad faith actions involving a variety of complex insurance coverage issues in the areas of commercial general liability, errors and omissions liability, and excess and umbrella coverage.   I also provide coverage advice and monitoring of underlying actions for complex claims, including construction defect and professional liability.  Additionally, I counsel companies on claims-handling issues, alternative dispute resolution, risk management, and litigation. 

How did your experiences at Tressler prepare you for your current role?

Since I began my legal career at Tressler, my experience at Tressler provided me with the foundation for my work and development in the area of insurance coverage. I learned the basics from people who had a strong level of attention to detail, which gave me the firm basis from which to grow my skill set and my practice. 

What advice would you give to current associates moving up the ranks at Tressler?

Approach every assignment as an opportunity to invest in yourself and develop your skill set as a lawyer. Take the initiative and don’t be afraid to volunteer to work on a case that may take you outside your comfort zone. This will both benefit the firm and also prepare you for the unexpected client inquiry and for having to make a last minute appearance in court. 

Over the past few years, I’ve been given more opportunities to work with young lawyers on my cases. One of the things I sometimes find challenging is finding the time to provide the same level of guidance and mentorship I received as a young lawyer at Tressler.  

What was your most memorable experience at Tressler?

My most memorable experience at Tressler was when the California Court of Appeal granted my Petition for Writ of Mandate. I was given the opportunity to take the lead on handling that file and it was the first time that I had worked on that type of appeal. Those types of petitions are rarely granted by the Court, so when it was granted, I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment. 

Tell us about the personal and professional satisfaction that you get from your work.

Since I handle insurance coverage claims across the nation, there is a lot of variety in the work that I do, which keeps things interesting.  I enjoy interacting with clients and helping them navigate through the claims handling process, as well as through the course of a litigation matter. 

Any updates on your professional and/or personal life you would like to share?

This past year was an eventful one for both my professional and personal life. I made partner at Selman and got married. It will be a tough year to beat!