Everett Dorey

📣 Please join us in welcoming Michael Angelini the Everett Dorey team! Michael is an attorney at Everett Dorey, specializing in civil litigation including personal injury, premises liability, product liability, complex litigation, and appellate advocacy. Michael has extensive experience drafting motions and responses, researching complex legal issues, preparing appellate briefs, and arguing matters in court.  Michael is an Orange County native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative International Studies from San Diego State University, and earned his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law. While at St. John's University, Michael served as a judicial intern for the Hon. Salvatore Modica at Queens County Supreme Court. He also practiced law in New York, with a primary focus on litigating personal injury claims. Welcome Michael!

Seymour Everett, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Everett Dorey, recently served as an instructor at Masters in Trial, presented by the ABOTA - Orange County at UC Irvine Law School. During the one-day mock trial, Sy conducted the cross-examination of the plaintiff and delivered the closing argument, demonstrating how effective questioning and persuasive storytelling come together in the courtroom. We are proud to recognize Sy’s involvement and his commitment to sharing practical trial skills with the legal community.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Everett Dorey honors the rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples. We recognize the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of listening to their voices, learning from their experiences, and respecting their traditions. Today and every day, we support dignity, inclusion, and respect for all.

📣 Please join us in welcoming Francisco Chinchilla to the Everett Dorey team! Francisco is an attorney at Everett Dorey, specializing in civil litigation including personal injury, premises liability, complex litigation, contract disputes, and representing governmental entities. Francisco earned his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from Texas State University. During law school, Francisco served as an Executive Board Officer for the Catholic Law School Society and was a member of the Hispanic Law School Association. He also earned a Certificate in Spanish for Lawyers and was a member of the Texas Legal Society. Francisco has substantial experience representing clients in civil litigation matters, including property tax valuation lawsuits, real estate disputes, and contract litigation. He is skilled in managing large litigation caseloads from inception to resolution, handling court appearances, written discovery, motion practice, depositions, and mediations. Francisco is also fluent in Spanish, German, and English, allowing him to serve a diverse client base effectively. Welcome Francisco!

📣 Please join us in welcoming Shannon Benbow to the Everett Dorey team! Shannon is a Partner at Everett Dorey with more than 20 years of litigation experience in California and Washington. Her practice focuses on general liability, high-exposure defense litigation, complex cases, and employment matters. Shannon defends companies of all sizes and across industries in employment disputes, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour issues. She also counsels employers on general labor and employment issues, including hiring, discrimination, termination, and accommodation. Shannon is experienced in all phases of litigation, including pre-claim investigation, trial, and appeal. She is conversant in Spanish. Throughout her career, Shannon has successfully defended clients in a wide range of high-stakes disputes at both the trial and appellate levels. She has supervised a national surety bond litigation program across multiple states, obtained dismissals of class action claims in multiple matters by moving to enforce class action waivers in arbitration agreements, and has maintained a consistent track record of successful summary judgment motions. Shannon has won judgment for the defense in a $1 million breach of contract claim, moved to compel arbitration of a $5.7 million dispute (affirmed on appeal to the Ninth Circuit), and secured a defense verdict on a constructive termination claim following complaints of unsafe working conditions. She led a five-year defense of a race discrimination suit, including two appeals and a successful summary judgment motion. Welcome Shannon!

Everett Dorey attorneys Samantha Dorey, James Truxaw, and Christopher Harvey recently co-authorized an article in the Orange County Lawyer discussing impact of Wolford v. Lopez on firearm carry and implications for California’s commercial property owners: After Wolford v. Lopez: Firearms, Signage, and Liability for California Property Owners.   In Wolford v. Lopez, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law restricting licensed concealed carry-on private property unless the owner expressly allowed firearms. Because California has a nearly identical provision, the decision could have significant implications for property owners, retailers, restaurants, and shopping centers across the state. For further reading of the discussion authored by Dorey, Truxaw, and Harvey, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gmU-_2Yb

🌎 This October, Everett Dorey recognizes Global Diversity Awareness Month and the value that different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas bring to our workplaces and communities. We believe stronger teams are built when people are respected, valued, and given the opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives. Throughout this month, we celebrate the diversity that strengthens our profession, our communities, and the people we are privileged to work alongside.

Everett Dorey is proud to celebrate attorneys Sarah Sakr and Omer Ilter who have been selected to receive 2026 Top Lawyer Awards from the Orange County Coalition for Diversity in the Law Inc (OCCDL) at the recent OCCDL Awards Gala at the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art! This well-deserved recognition reflects Sarah and Omer’s outstanding legal work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.   We also extend our congratulations to all of this year’s honorees and had a great time celebrating their achievements at the OCCDL Awards Gala. Everett Dorey is proud to sponsor this year’s event and to be a member firm of OCCDL. The OCCDL works to achieve cultural diversity through recruiting, retaining, advancing, and promoting law students and attorneys throughout Orange County, CA.   Congratulations, Sarah and Omer!

This past Sunday, September 27th, Everett Dorey proudly joined the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (OC-ALA) friends, family, and colleagues for the Susan G. Komen’s More Than Pink 5K Walk. Together, the community walked in support of Susan G. Komen’s mission and shared vision to end breast cancer. It was a meaningful morning filled with remembrance, hope, and solidarity for everyone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer. We’re grateful for the opportunity to come together in support of such an important cause and to help reinforce a powerful message: no one should face this journey alone.

Over the weekend, Everett Dorey’s annual Firm Picnic brought together attendees across multiple states and offices for a day of connection, laughter, and friendly competition! Our day was filled with high energy and fun for all ages. From volleyball and bingo to our field games and raffle prizes, it was a great time seeing the teamwork and camaraderie that define our firm extend beyond the office. Thank you to everyone who traveled, participated, and helped make the day so memorable! We’re grateful for opportunities like this to connect, celebrate, and spend time together with our team.🎉