Cynthia Swaminathan

“As a former prosecutor and first-generation immigrant, I know the strength it takes to speak up and demand to be heard. Representing survivors of sexual assault is work I carry with profound responsibility and respect. Every survivor deserves to be believed, to be protected, and to have an advocate who brings both compassion and courtroom skill to their side. I approach each case with care, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to pursuing real accountability.”

Before joining Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, Cynthia practiced personal injury law, where she handled complex cases involving significant injuries and high-stakes litigation. In that role, she led numerous depositions, participated in multiple mediations, and successfully achieved favorable settlements for her clients. Her experience managing cases from initial investigation through resolution gives her a practical understanding of litigation strategy and client advocacy.

Prior to her civil practice, Cynthia served for more than four years as a Deputy District Attorney with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. She prosecuted a broad range of misdemeanor and felony matters, including domestic violence, child abuse, sexual battery, attempted murder, robbery, and arson. She successfully tried several jury trials to verdict and developed a reputation for thorough preparation and strong courtroom advocacy.

Cynthia also gained early trial experience at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, where she worked during both her undergraduate and law school years and brought a jury trial to verdict.

Cynthia completed three and a half years of law school in Brazil before moving to the United States, building a strong foundation in civil law and legal analysis that continues to inform her approach to complex cases. She speaks fluent Portuguese.