Our PEOPLE

Jackie founded Soteria Law with a singular mission: to hold corporations accountable for their impact on the environment and human health. Her unique background combines extensive corporate experience with a deep understanding of science and business, making her a formidable advocate for justice in these critical areas.

Corporate Insider Turned Advocate: 

For two decades, Jackie navigated the complex world of corporate America, assuming roles in government affairs, regulatory and compliance, in-house counsel and general counsel for some of the biggest names in the oil & gas, energy, and consumer goods industries. This insider experience provides her with unparalleled insight into corporate decision-making processes and potential vulnerabilities.

 Jackie's unique combination of corporate experience, scientific knowledge, and passion for justice makes her a powerful ally for individuals and communities seeking to hold bad actors accountable. Under her leadership, Soteria is quickly making its mark as a respected force in environmental and health-related litigation. 

Her scientific background in human physiology and biochemistry gives her a distinct advantage in cases involving health impacts from environmental pollutants or harmful consumer products.

From Boardroom to Courtroom:

After years of witnessing firsthand the often-devastating effects of corporate negligence on both the environment and public health, Jackie made the bold decision to switch sides. She now leverages her corporate knowledge and scientific expertise to fight for those harmed by the very industries she once represented.

Commitment to Change:

Beyond her legal practice, Jackie is deeply committed to driving positive change in society. She serves as acting Executive Director and sits on the board of an up and coming non-profit dedicated to leveraging the legal system to put pressure on those harming people and the planet. 

A Powerful Ally for Justice:

"My years in corporate America showed me how decisions that affect millions are made behind closed doors," "Now, I'm dedicated to bringing those decisions into the light and ensuring that corporations are held responsible for the harm they cause. Every case we take on is a step towards a healthier, more just world."

• J.D., Santa Clara University School of Law
• B.S., Human Physiology, University of Oregon
• Bar admissions: California 

  Renee brings a wealth of courtroom and litigation experience to our firm.  With an undergraduate degree in biology, Renee’s passion for the sciences, including human health and environmental justice is what brought her to seek a career in the law.  

A Voice for the Vulnerable:

Straight out of law school, Renee represented landowners and individuals in natural resource, environmental law and compliance, spill and contamination, and mineral leasehold matters.  With a passion for advocating for the underdog, Renee’s career took her down a rewarding path where she spent nearly a decade fighting for justice for the most vulnerable in our population.  She has gone up against some of the most powerful national and international businesses and institutions and those intent on victimizing others.

Fearless Advocate:

Renee is known nationally for her representation of survivors of sexual abuse, violent crimes, human trafficking, as well as the families of children who lost their lives due to bullying.  She took on Defendants such as the Catholic Diocese, religious institutions, and churches, foster care agencies, national and international corporations, mentoring organizations, and schools.  She is also deeply committed to the anti-human trafficking movement, having focused her practice on advocating for survivors of both labor and sex trafficking. She fought tirelessly against businesses and institutions that profited from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.  

She sat on the board of directors of a non-profit that works closely with government agencies to shift systems and improve public policy.

Justice without Compromise:

Prior to her work representing crime victims and injury survivors in civil court, Renee was a Senior Deputy Prosecutor. As a prosecutor, Renee served as an appellate attorney, arguing appeals in the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme courts, and spent time working in a private civil firm, representing plaintiffs in complex civil litigation matters including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, anti-discrimination, failure to accommodate for disabilities, and white collar and embezzlement cases.  She also served as a member of the Adult Mental Health Court and Juvenile Drug Court treatment court teams offering diversionary and treatment-based programming for non-violent offenders, and as a reviewing attorney for complex Elder Financial Abuse crimes.

Science meets Law:

With her science background, over a decade of litigation experience, and her passion for human health, the environment, and advocating for the most vulnerable individuals in our community against companies, government actors, and those who have victimized others, Renee knew that Soteria Law was a perfect fit with its mission to hold corporations accountable, influence policy change, and empower communities to demand a cleaner, healthier world.   

• J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
• B.A., Biology, Boston University 
• Bar admissions: Colorado, Pennsylvania, Maryland