Karen P. Hewitt and Rasha Gerges Shields have been named to the Daily Journal's list of "Top Women Lawyers in California" for 2024. This is the second consecutive year that both women were named to the list.
Ms. Hewitt, a partner in the Business & Tort Litigation Practice, was selected for her work over the last year leading sensitive internal investigations for multiple companies involving allegations against senior executives, corporate governance issues, and other compliance matters. She is also the lead attorney in the defense of a major national retailer in opioid litigation, including multiple regulatory and enforcement proceedings, as well as litigation brought against the company by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in district court.
As Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day's California Region, Ms. Hewitt, who is based in the San Diego Office, leads a team of more than 250 lawyers across five California offices. This is the tenth time that Ms. Hewitt has been named to the Daily Journal's "Top Women Lawyers in California" list. Prior to joining Jones Day in 2010, she served with the DOJ for 18 years, including serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California from 2007-2010.
Ms. Shields is a partner in the Firm's State Attorney General Enforcement, Investigations & Litigation Practice and is based in the Los Angeles Office. She was selected for her first-chair trial and appellate counsel experience, and for her work over the past year leading an internal investigation for a publicly-traded Fortune 50 company relating to the misuse of company benefits by dozens of employees; and similarly leading a Fortune 500 company's response to governmental inquiries relating to labor practices.
Ms. Shields was also honored for her active involvement in the community, as an appointee to the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners by Mayor Karen Bass and in her appointed role by the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court to serve on the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal Prevention of Bias Committee.
Ms. Shields is a former federal prosecutor with nearly 20 years of trial and appellate experience in high-stakes civil and criminal matters, including DOJ and State Attorneys General enforcement actions. She also maintains an active pro bono practice and commitment to public service. Ms. Shields immigrated from Egypt and is a first-generation professional.
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