Experience

Youstina N. Aziz joins Nordberg | DeNichilo, LLP with a diverse legal background. She is an experienced litigator with more than nine years of practice and handles all aspects of litigation from pre-litigation and pleadings to complex motions, discovery, and trial. She has also served local public entities in an advisory capacity. In addition, she served as in-house counsel for a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization.

Youstina began her professional legal career by serving as a temporary law clerk in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California. Subsequently, she served as a rotating law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for two federal court judges. 

Thereafter, Youstina joined a California firm that specialized in representing cities and other public entities across the state. She focused her practice on litigation involving constitutional and civil rights issues, tort liability, election law, and real estate matters. Youstina’s careful analysis of the issues in each case, development of strong arguments and strategy, and straightforward, persuasive writing and advocacy have led to victories for her clients early on in litigation. She developed a niche in election law and, in an advisory capacity, assisted cities across the state through the process of transitioning from at-large to district-based elections.

In her role as Corporate Counsel, Director of Contracts & Records for a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, Youstina advised the CEO/Executive Director and senior management on the legal implications of new legislation, advised regarding personnel and HR matters, and collaborated with external counsel. She led various corporate efforts, including insurance renewal, management of corporate filings, and preparation of board resolutions, agendas, and minutes.

Working with public entities has given Youstina insight into navigating real estate issues related to zoning and land use. She has extensive experience working with public officials and personnel. She also gained an appreciation for the complex factors involved in real estate transactions and development projects. Youstina was drawn to the area of common interest developments because it utilizes both her litigation and transactional work experience. Youstina believes that community associations play a vital role in ensuring homeowners’ quiet enjoyment of their property, a fundamental property right.

Youstina earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2012 where she graduated in the top 15 percent of her class and served on the LLS Law Review. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of California, Irvine, graduating magna cum laude in 2009.

In her free time, Youstina enjoys reading, blogging, and spending time with her family and friends.