SPIWAK & IEZZA - Key Persons
Lisa Spiwak was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Pitzer College in Claremont. While an undergraduate, she also completed a portion of her studies at the London School of Economics and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Upon graduation from Pitzer College, Lisa was accepted at Southwestern University School of Law. She spent a portion of her law school education at the University of London in London, England studying international trade and finance and maritime law and received her Juris Doctorate degree from Southwestern in 1986.
After practicing as a commercial litigation attorney for five years, she and Nick Iezza started Spiwak & Iezza, LLP in 1992. In that same time period, Lisa applied and was accepted into the Temporary Judge Program through the Los Angeles Municipal Court. She completed the course work and received certification for completion of the training course for temporary judge work. Between 1992 and 1998, Lisa sat on the bench of the Los Angeles Small Claims Courts as a Judge Pro Temp.
Since 1992, Lisa has headed up Spiwak & Iezza, LLP. Her firm has become the preeminent California law firm for commercial collection litigation and a leader in the industry. They represent financial institutions, leasing companies and various large multi-national corporations in the collection of their commercial debt and all aspects of creditor rights litigation.
Lisa is also a published author, having written numerous articles for various business and legal publications. She has repeatedly won awards in her field and was voted one of the 25 most influential women in collections in 2016.
In addition to her legal career, Lisa is an active member, and part of the Executive Committee, of the Middle Market Affinity Group and Valley Distributors and Manufacturers of ProVisors. Lastly, Lisa does a tremendous amount of charitable work on behalf of animal rescue organizations.
Education
Southwestern University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1986
Pitzer College, 1983
Rachael Cordover Distefano was born in Brazil and raised in Agoura Hills, California. Her undergraduate studies were done at the University of California at San Diego where she majored in political science. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998.
Rachael went on to study law at Loyola Law School where she received First Honors Award for the highest grade in Legal Research and Writing and also served as research editor for the Entertainment Law Review. She received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in June, 2002. Rachael is licensed to practice law in all of the State courts of California. In addition, she has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts in the Central District.
Rachael has spent her career handling matters in litigation. She has substantial experience in discovery, law and motion and trial preparation. She also has experience with California state civil appeals.
Rachael enjoys endurance sports, with a focus on cycling. She is also an avid skier and spends many family vacations on the slopes.
Richard Petersen was born and raised in Glendale, California. His undergraduate studies were done at the University of California at Los Angeles where he majored in economics. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983.
Richard went on to study law at Loyola Law School. He received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in June,1988. He was admitted to practice law in the State of California in December of that same year. Richard is licensed to practice law in all of the State courts of California. In addition, he has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts in both the Southern and Central Districts.
Richard has spent his entire career handling matters in litigation. He has extensive experience in discovery, law and motion and trials. He also has experience in civil appeals and has written and argued many successful appeals before the Appellate Courts of the State of California.
His social interests include weight lifting, tennis and racquetball. He also enjoys all outdoor activities.
Education
Loyola Law School, Juris Doctor, 1987
Steve graduated with honors from Duke University in 1982, where he double-majored in economics and psychology, and he received his Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law in 1985. Steve was admitted to practice law in New York in 1985 and in California in 1987.
Steve has more than 35 years of experience both in private practice and as general counsel for a publicly traded company. He has extensive experience handling all aspects of litigation from inception through trial and appeal, having won many jury and bench trials and having successfully written and argued numerous appeals before the Appellate Courts of the State of California.
His social interests include skiing, golf, and pickleball.
Education
Boston University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1985
Duke University, B.A., cum laude, Economics and Psychology, 1982