Athena Roussos, a freelance lawyer in Montage’s network, published an article in the September issue of the Riverside Lawyer Magazine entitled “An Overview of Civil Causes of Action for Elder Abuse in California.” The article, which is on page 16 of the issue, provides a general summary of civil causes of action for elder abuse, including the types of elder abuse (physical, neglect, and financial), the elements that must be proven, and the relief available.  The article discusses how civil actions for elder abuse appear to be on the rise as the aging population in California is growing, and provides an excellent overview of elder abuse in California.

To read the full article, please visit page 16 of the Riverside Lawyer: An Overview of Civil Causes of Action for Elder Abuse in California.

Athena Roussos

Athena Roussos is a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from California State University, Long Beach.  She graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1997, finishing in the top 2% of her class.  In law school, Athena was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honor Society, and was an Associate Editor for the Syracuse Law Review.  During law school, Athena also externed for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.

After law school, Athena joined Snell & Wilmer where she practiced civil state and federal court litigation, including writs and appeals, labor and employment cases, trademark infringement, franchise disputes, construction defect cases, real property disputes, and product liability litigation.  Athena left Snell & Wilmer and joined Downey, Brand, Seymour & Rohwer LLP as an environmental law associate.  At Downey, Athena’s practice focused on environmental litigation and regulatory compliance.  Athena then joined Jay-Allen Eisen Law Corporation as a senior associate.   At Jay-Allen from 2002 through 2006, Athena focused her practice on writs and appeals.  Athena then joined the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law as a full-time lecturer.  At McGeorge, Athena taught Global Lawyering Skills.

Athena has been certified as a specialist in appellate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, and has over 15 published opinions.  In addition to her legal practice, Athena was a Commissioner of the California State Bar Appellate Law Advisory Commission from 2010-2013.  She is an Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law, a certified mediator with the Court of Appeal for the Third Appellate District.  She has also been a Board Member of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento, and an Officer of the Appellate Law Section of the Sacramento County Bar Association.

Athena affiliated with Montage Legal Group’s network of freelance attorneys in 2013, and assists law firms with civil rights and appellate projects.