Attorney
Haley K. Aanestad
Raised on the west coast in Dana Point, California, Haley embarked on her higher education journey at Chapman University in Orange County and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She also played soccer for the Panthers for four years and was named the team captain her senior year.
“Advocating for survivors of sexual abuse is what drives me to work hard and hold institutions, both large and small, accountable. The courage of our clients to come forward and speak up about the immense trauma that they have suffered never ceases to amaze me. It is because of these brave survivors that institutions and the powers at be are being held accountable for their systemic failures.”
Her passion for the sport led to several awards, including the Jack Duddy Leadership Award in 2016 and a team record for the most minutes played — 6,777. Studies continued at Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law where Haley competed as a Moot Court Board Member, received the esteemed Professor William Stallworth Award for Contract Law Course Excellence and finally graduated magna cum laude in 2020.
Haley has practiced in the area of childhood sexual abuse litigation since embarking on her legal career. First joining the firm in 2018 as a law clerk, Haley has gone on to represent survivors of sexual abuse in cases involving religious institutions, healthcare providers, universities, fraternities and public school districts. Currently, Haley is a part of the team handling the Northern California Roman Catholic Clergy Cases, JCCP 5108 representing over 100 survivors.
Verdicts & Settlements
- Jane GD Doe, et al. v. LAUSD, et al.(and related cases) - $24 million global settlement from Los Angeles Unified School District for sexual abuse perpetrated by former teacher Robert Pimentel;
- Part of the litigation team in Jane Doe v. the Regents of University of California and James Heaps, M.D.
Education
- Chapman University B.A. and B.S. 2016
- Chapman University Fowler School of Law, J.D. magna cum laude 2020
Professional Associations & Memberships
- State Bar of California
- CAALA
Honors & Awards
- Jack Duddy Leadership Award in 2016
- Professor William Stallworth Award for Contract Law Course Excellence
- Graduated magna cum laude in 2020.