In 1998, Rita obtained a degree in Psychology from UCLA. After three months of training at the Sojourn Shelter for Battered Women and Children in Santa Monica, she obtained certification as a Domestic Violence Counselor and worked with victims of Domestic Violence, primarily children.
In 2003, she obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Western State University College of Law, and ranked third in her graduating class. She obtained Am Jur Witkin Awards in Domestic Violence, Constitutional Law, First Amendment, and Contracts. She also obtained the Distinguished Dean’s Honor List Award. While in law school, she enrolled in the Domestic Violence Task Force and after further training, obtained a certificate in Domestic Violence education.
As an intern at the Juvenile Dependency Court in Orange County, Rita assisted trial attorneys and appellate attorneys on cases involving Child Protective Services, where the only goal is protection of abused and neglected children.
Between 2002 and 2005, Rita taught various Law and writing classes at Western State University and Westwood College; and obtained the Excellence in Teaching Award from Westwood College in 2004.
From 2002 through 2004, Rita worked in the Domestic Violence division of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, where she assisted low income clients in Domestic Violence cases.
From 2004 through 2005, Rita operated a Family Law office as a solo practitioner.
In 2005, Rita joined Kaplan & Simon, LLP, where she exclusively handled complex high profile Family Law cases. She was trained by her superior, who was a certified Family Law specialist and an expert witness in Family Law cases. Rita has conducted countless trials, depositions, and hearings on matters including child custody, child and spousal support, move-away cases, contempt hearings, Marvin actions, restraining orders, as well as prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements.
In 2012, Rita joined the Law Offices of Marlo Van Oorschot, APLC.
Rita’s philosophy: If you opt for the “scorched Earth approach” to a divorce, you may find yourself embarking on a costly journey. Why spend an exorbitant amount of your funds on attorneys fees, when you can settle a matter and save your funds for your children’s future? It is crucial to have an experienced attorney who aggressively pursues your legal rights and protects your assets, but can also be mindful of the need to avoid unnecessary legal fees. I handle every case as if it were my own, and I genuinely care about the outcome. I have exclusively practiced Family Law, and acquired my experience by working for certified Family Law specialists. Being a Family Law attorney has not just been a career; it is what I enjoy. With a background in Domestic Violence, I have obtained restraining orders in cases which warrant the issuance of such orders; however, I have also defended clients in cases where an opponent party was attempting to obtain such orders solely for leverage. I will make every attempt to settle a case, but if the other party is not willing to compromise, I am prepared to go to trial.
Resume
Education
Undergraduate Education:
UCLA, BA in Psychology, Cum Laude, 1998
Graduate Education:
Western State University College of Law, J.D. Degree obtained in June 2003. Obtained Am Jur Witkin Awards in Constitutional Law, First Amendment, Sales (Contracts), and Domestic Violence. Also obtained the Distinguished Dean’s Honor List Award and ranked #3 in Graduating Class
Admitted to the Bar in December 2003; Passed the Bar on First Try
Domestic Violence Certification
In 1998, after three months of training at the Sojourn Shelter for Battered Women and Children in Santa Monica, I obtained certification as a Domestic Violence Counselor. As a volunteer, I worked with victims of Domestic Violence, primarily children. While in law school, I enrolled in the Domestic Violence Task Force and after further training, obtained a certificate in Domestic Violence education. I also took a Domestic Violence class and obtained an Am Jur Witkin Award, which is given to a student who achieves the highest grade in the class.
Legal Experience
Kaplan & Simon, LLP, Century City, CA, 2005-2011
Position: Family Law Attorney
Exclusively handled complex high profile Family Law cases from inception through resolution via trial or settlement, including but not limited to, conducting trials and evidentiary hearings, taking and defending depositions, preparing motions, OSC’s, discovery, pleadings, and deposition summaries. I represented clients in contempt hearings, restraining order hearings; and I represented clients in Juvenile Dependency Court.
Law Office of Rita Azizi, Beverly Hills , CA 2004-2005
As a solo practitioner, my practice predominantly consisted of Family Law cases. I also handled some criminal and civil cases, including personal injury cases.
Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Santa Ana, CA 2002-2004
Provided legal advice to low income clients in the areas of Family Law, Landlord-Tenant disputes, Social Security benefits, and other areas of the law; assisted clients in preparation of legal documents and attended Court hearings in Domestic Violence cases.
Juvenile Dependency Court, Lamoreaux Justice Center, Orange County 2002-2003
As an intern, I worked with trial attorneys and appellate attorneys of County Counsel in cases involving abused and neglected children under the Welfare and Institutions Code. I conducted research and prepared pleadings for the attorneys, and I observed trials.
Teaching Experience
Western State University – Taught law students how to master legal writing and taught them various subjects, including Criminal Law, Contracts, and Civil Procedure
Westwood College – Taught college students English Literature, Research & Writing, Psychology, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Success Strategies and other subjects. Obtained the Excellence in Teaching Award from Westwood College in 2004
Languages: I speak, read and write Spanish; I speak Farsi