Pauline M. Martin

Biography

      With more than two decades of litigation experience, Pauline Martin handles all areas of family law, as well as a range of clients’ other legal needs, including:

      • general commercial litigation
      • employment and partnership disputes
      • insurance coverage
      • contract litigation

      Her commercial litigation experience, especially in partnership dissolution and employment-related matters, adds a unique perspective to her family law practice. In both civil and family law, agreements exist that affect the rights and obligations of the parties. Pauline understands that important promises are made in relationships, whether by a spouse, an employer, or a joint venture partner. Through the course of the relationship, people can breach their duties or promises to each other. When they cannot reconcile or settle their differences peacefully and there is a formal desire to part ways, litigation becomes necessary. Whether in a civil or family dispute, the effects of litigation are equally serious and can have a negative effect on finances, businesses, and personal and professional reputations.

      Prior to joining Blank Rome, Pauline was the co-founder of Sonoma Risk Insurance Agency, LLC in Los Angeles, where she helped develop the patent-pending insurance product, “Contract Litigation Insurance” (“CLI”), which covers the risk of paying an adversary’s attorneys’ fees in a contract dispute. CLI was hailed by the legal community as a “game changer” in contract litigation.

      She also previously worked at various boutique and large-scale law firms, focusing her practice on commercial litigation matters and family law. Pauline has extensive experience in both the war room and the court room, preparing complaints and responsive pleadings; handling large-scale discovery and document productions; arguing motions before the court; and preparing for and participating in trials and arbitrations. She has managed all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, as well as all forms of alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

      During law school, Pauline served as the editor of the UCLA Law Review and was an extern for the Honorable David Kenyon (retired) in the U.S. District Court.

      She is proficient in French and fluent in Armenian.

        Recognitions

        • 2014, “Women Leaders in the Law,” listed in Los Angeles Times
        • 2005-2007, “Rising Star,” listed in Southern California Super Lawyers

        Affiliations

        Memberships

        • Armenian Bar Association
        Professional Activities

        Pauline is actively involved in the community, having previously served as the president of Step Up on Second, LLP, Santa Monica’s largest nonprofit mental health organization. Through her decade-long commitment to Step Up on Second, she assisted in the implementation of large-scale housing projects in Santa Monica and Hollywood, which have provided much needed homes to homeless individuals with severe and chronic mental illness.

        She is also an active member of the Armenian Bar Association’s Section of Litigation, Tort Section, and Insurance Practice Section, as well as past vice-chair of its Labor and Employment Committee, Young Lawyers Division.

        Credentials

        Admissions

        • California

        Education

        • University of California, Irvine, BA, magna cum laude
        • University of California, Irvine, BA, summa cum laude
        • UCLA School of Law, JD
        Languages
        • Armenian
        • French