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