WENDI GUNDERSEN
Helping clients navigate complex business decisions to drive growth and create value and addressing their estate-planning needs
I work with you to further your business and family goals through strategic legal advice. I help you take full advantage of the legal tools and positions available to you to maximize and create value when navigating key business decisions and relationships. I also help you make sure that your estate plan meets your long-term and family goals.
MORE ABOUT WENDI
I have experience involving various aspects of business law, from IPO due diligence to evaluating complex business contracts.
I work with you to make sure that you are aware of what your legal rights are in business relationships, so you can formulate and implement business strategies that put you in the best position possible to grow your business and create value. My experience in high-stakes litigation helps me see the pitfalls of certain contract language or agreements, pitfalls I can help you avoid. In addition, I pride myself on creative solutions that use lateral thinking to create legal solutions that further business goals in unique and efficient ways, especially when negotiations or business challenges seem to present insurmountable legal roadblocks.
I also work with you to make sure you have a business-succession plan that complements your estate plan. Whether your goal is simply getting value out of your business for retirement, building a multi-generational business, or simply arranging an estate plan I can help.
EDUCATION
I value excellence in education. And I put my educational experience at the service of my clients:
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Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, Pepperdine University School of Law (top 4 of my graduating class), Order of the Coif, and Dean's Scholar
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6 CALI Awards (highest grade in class), including International Commercial Arbitration, Real Property II, & Ethical Lawyering
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Winner of International Mega Moot held at the Royal Courts of Justice in London
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Extern for Bankruptcy Judge Bufford and District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman
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Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, University of Southern California in International Relations, with a minor in German Language and Culture
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Scion Scholarship (USC)
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National Italian-American Foundation Scholar (USC)
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VP of Scholarship for the USC Panhellenic Council
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Director of Scholarship and Assistant Recruitment Coordinator for the Alpha Phi Fraternity
My educational and life experience have taught me that there is more to the practice of law than just knowing the law. Indeed, a vital part of my job as an attorney is acting as a trusted counselor, who cares about my clients and their business and personal goals.
EXPERIENCE
Before starting my own practice, I was a litigation associate in the Los Angeles office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The firm placed 5th in gross revenue on The American Lawyer's 2016 Am Law 200 ranking.
At Kirkland, I represented a variety of clients in various matters, including patent, insurance, appellate, anti-trust, and real-property litigation. I also have experience obtaining international discovery. And I have worked in industries ranging from aerospace to solar energy.
Additionally, I gained corporate experience at the London office of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, including analyzing potential liabilities for managing and operating oil plants before an acquisition transaction.
I also have a strong commitment to pro bono, including having worked on a death-penalty appeal. I speak conversational German, basic Spanish, and basic Italian. I am licensed to practice law in California.
When my first child was born, I left Kirkland to spend more time with her. This gave me the opportunity to evaluate how I could work with clients to provide the value of my experience at large international law firm in a more efficient and personal manner. That is when the idea of G & G was born.
PERSONAL LIFE
I am married to Gunnar and have three children. When I am not advising clients, I enjoy spending time with my family. Before becoming an attorney, I was a competitive ballroom dancer and a competitive figure skater. I am the 1998 U.S. Figure Skating Championships Novice Ice Dancing Silver Medalist.