Your team
Dawn Dunbar, Esq.
Dawn Dunbar is widely recognized as one of California’s foremost restraining order attorneys. For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to courtroom advocacy, litigation strategy, and the representation of individuals involved in high-stakes restraining order proceedings. Today, attorneys throughout California and across the United States regularly consult with Dawn regarding complex restraining order matters, relying on her extensive experience, practical insight, and deep understanding of this highly specialized area of law.
Dawn attended the University of Arizona, where she studied Sociology and Communication and initially envisioned a future in academia. Her career path changed after hearing civil rights attorney Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center speak about using the law as a tool to protect individuals and effect meaningful change. Inspired by that experience, she attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
While in law school, Dawn clerked in the Hate Crimes Unit and gained firsthand exposure to criminal prosecution. Although she valued the experience, she quickly realized her passion lay elsewhere. Drawn to advocating for individuals rather than the government, she found her calling in criminal defense and has spent her career fighting for clients facing some of the most difficult and stressful moments of their lives.
Following graduation, Dawn worked extensively in criminal defense, spending years in courtrooms throughout Southern California. The demanding nature of criminal practice allowed her to develop exceptional trial skills, master cross-examination techniques, and gain an advanced understanding of evidentiary issues and courtroom procedure. As she began representing criminal clients in related restraining order proceedings, she discovered a unique aptitude for the highly specialized world of protective-order litigation.
Since approximately 2005, Dawn has devoted a substantial portion of her practice to restraining order matters, including Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs), Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs), Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (WVROs), and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs). Over the years, she has handled hundreds of contested hearings and developed a reputation for meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and exceptional courtroom advocacy.
Dawn is particularly known for her mastery of Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, one of the most procedurally demanding and fast-moving areas of California law. She thrives in the accelerated timelines, complex factual disputes, and evidentiary challenges that often accompany these cases. Her ability to quickly assess a case, identify critical issues, and develop effective litigation strategies has made her a sought-after resource for both clients and fellow attorneys.
Clients appreciate Dawn’s direct communication style, thorough preparation, and unwavering commitment to their cases. Whether she is seeking protection for a victim, defending against unfounded allegations, or navigating a particularly complex dispute, Dawn approaches every matter with the same level of dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail.
After more than 23 years of practicing law, Dawn remains as passionate about advocacy as ever. Her experience, reputation, and singular focus on restraining order litigation have established her as one of California’s leading authorities in the field and a trusted advocate for clients facing life-changing legal challenges.
Christopher Chaney, Esq.
Christopher Chaney is a California attorney whose practice focuses on restraining orders, criminal defense, and complex civil litigation. Since beginning his legal career, Chris has represented clients throughout California in both state and federal courts, with a particular emphasis on protective order proceedings, including Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs), Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs), Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (WVROs), and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).
A Southern California native, Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in Archaeological and Anthropological Studies before obtaining a master’s degree from Boston University and his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. During his studies, he pursued advanced negotiation training through programs at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he had the opportunity to study conflict resolution and negotiation strategies in complex, high-pressure environments.
While in law school, Chris served as a Certified Law Clerk with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. There, he gained valuable courtroom experience working on criminal prosecutions, grand jury investigations, and preliminary hearings. His assignments included the Airport Courthouse serving West Los Angeles and later the Major Crimes Division at the Hall of Justice in Downtown Los Angeles, where he assisted prosecutors handling serious and complex criminal matters.
Chris’s experience in both prosecution and defense has provided him with a practical understanding of how allegations are investigated, presented, and challenged in court. That experience has proven particularly valuable in restraining order litigation, where cases often involve competing narratives, credibility determinations, digital evidence, and parallel criminal or family law proceedings.
Over the years, Chris has represented both petitioners and respondents in hundreds of restraining order matters throughout California. He has worked with clients from all walks of life, including business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, law enforcement personnel, and public figures. His approach focuses on careful preparation, practical problem-solving, and developing case strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.
In addition to his restraining order practice, Chris handles criminal defense matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony allegations in both state and federal court. His background in negotiation, litigation, and case strategy allows him to help clients navigate difficult legal situations while remaining focused on achieving practical and effective results.
Chris is an active member of the State Bar of California and multiple federal court jurisdictions. He is also a member of the California Lawyers Association Criminal Law Section, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Evan Frank, Esq.
Evan Frank is a highly skilled negotiator and accomplished courtroom advocate who brings a commanding presence to every case he handles. With extensive experience in restraining orders, civil litigation, and personal injury matters, Evan has developed a reputation for resolving complex legal disputes through strategic advocacy, meticulous preparation, and effective negotiation. Clients facing difficult legal challenges benefit from his ability to analyze intricate issues, identify practical solutions, and achieve favorable outcomes both inside and outside the courtroom.
After graduating from Southwestern Law School in 2011, Evan spent more than a decade working as a litigation paralegal and workers’ compensation hearing representative for a prominent Ventura County law firm. During that time, he gained invaluable experience managing complex cases, representing clients at hearings, and negotiating resolutions. His exceptional negotiation skills led him to achieve a firm-wide record for the most successful negotiations completed in a single day, a testament to both his preparation and persuasive advocacy.
In March 2024, Evan joined our firm as an attorney, bringing with him years of hands-on litigation experience and a deep understanding of civil law. His background provides a unique advantage in restraining order proceedings, civil disputes, and personal injury matters, where careful legal analysis and strategic planning are essential. Known for his exceptional legal drafting, attention to detail, and client-focused approach, Evan develops tailored legal strategies designed to address the specific facts and challenges of each case.
Whether negotiating a favorable settlement or advocating before a judge, Evan is committed to protecting his clients’ interests and delivering results. His combination of litigation experience, negotiation expertise, and unwavering dedication to client advocacy has made him an integral member of our firm and a trusted ally for those facing serious legal disputes
Austin Godinez, Esq.
Austin Godinez is an attorney who brings a sharp analytical mind, relentless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to every case he handles. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and commitment to client advocacy, Austin has earned a reputation for providing thoughtful, strategic representation in even the most challenging legal matters. His combined experience in criminal defense and restraining order litigation makes him particularly well-suited for complex cases that require both meticulous preparation and strong courtroom advocacy.
A graduate of The Colleges of Law in Ventura, California, Austin gained valuable courtroom experience while clerking with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. During his time there, he argued motions in open court, conducted extensive legal research, drafted memoranda on complex legal issues, and assisted attorneys with case strategy and trial preparation. This hands-on experience provided him with valuable insight into courtroom procedure and the practical realities of litigation.
Before entering the legal profession, Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Humboldt State University. His scientific background instilled a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving and gives him a unique advantage when handling cases involving forensic evidence, technical records, digital evidence, and complex factual investigations.
Austin has developed significant experience in both criminal defense and restraining order matters, where he is known for his thorough preparation, strong oral advocacy, and ability to remain composed in high-stakes situations. Clients appreciate his responsiveness, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to protecting their rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Whether defending a client against criminal allegations, navigating a contested restraining order hearing, or addressing a complex civil dispute, Austin approaches each matter with diligence, professionalism, and determination. His combination of courtroom experience, analytical skill, and client-focused advocacy makes him an invaluable member of our firm and a trusted advocate for those facing difficult legal challenges.
Tara Gallogly, Esq.
Tara Gallogly brings more than twenty years of courtroom experience to restraining order litigation. Having represented clients in over a thousand criminal cases throughout her career, Tara possesses a unique ability to identify weaknesses in allegations, analyze witness credibility, and effectively challenge evidence in high-stakes contested hearings.
Many restraining order cases involve allegations that overlap with criminal investigations or potential criminal exposure. Tara’s extensive criminal defense background provides her with valuable insight into these situations, allowing her to evaluate cases from multiple angles and develop strategies that protect her clients both inside and outside the courtroom. Her experience handling domestic violence allegations, assault accusations, harassment claims, and other sensitive matters gives her a strong foundation for navigating the complex issues that frequently arise in restraining order proceedings.
Tara is particularly skilled at preparing clients for testimony, analyzing documentary and electronic evidence, and identifying inconsistencies that can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Her calm, methodical approach helps clients navigate what is often one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.
Clients appreciate Tara’s hands-on style and dedication to personal attention. She understands that restraining orders can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including family relationships, employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing, and constitutional rights. As a result, she approaches every case with the seriousness and preparation it deserves.
Whether representing a petitioner seeking protection or a respondent defending against allegations, Tara brings decades of litigation experience, strong courtroom advocacy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible result. Her extensive trial background and deep understanding of credibility, evidence, and cross-examination make her a valuable advocate in contested restraining order proceedings.
Lindsey Chaney, Esq.
Lindsey Chaney is a California attorney dedicated to providing compassionate, strategic, and results-driven legal representation. She earned her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and brings a unique blend of legal knowledge, business acumen, and real-world experience to every client she serves.
Before entering the legal profession, Lindsey built a successful career in corporate Human Resources, where she developed extensive experience in communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and client service. This background gives her a distinct advantage in understanding the personal and professional challenges clients face during legal disputes, allowing her to approach each matter with empathy, professionalism, and practical insight.
During law school, Lindsey completed multiple criminal defense externships, gaining valuable courtroom and case-management experience while working alongside experienced attorneys. These opportunities strengthened her advocacy skills and reinforced her commitment to helping individuals navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Lindsey has developed significant experience in restraining order matters and possesses a thorough understanding of the legal and strategic issues involved in both obtaining and defending against protective orders. She is skilled at guiding clients through emotionally charged disputes, carefully preparing each case and advocating aggressively to protect her clients’ rights, safety, and interests.
In addition to her legal education, Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, providing her with a strong foundation in organization, strategic planning, and analytical thinking. Known for her meticulous preparation and attention to detail, she approaches every case with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.
Whether representing a client in a restraining order proceeding, assisting with a criminal matter, or helping someone navigate a complex legal challenge, Lindsey is committed to delivering exceptional service, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy. Her combination of legal skill, professional experience, and genuine compassion makes her a trusted advocate and an integral member of our firm.