Dickson, Christy L.

Barbara Ravitz joined GMSR almost three decades ago, having finally found her niche after teaching clinical courses and legal research and writing at UCLA School of Law, practicing at a large litigation firm, and teaching high school French and English. A true Bruin, Barbara also got her undergraduate and law degrees from UCLA. Being an appellate lawyer in an appellate law firm combines Barbara's love of language, reading, research, writing, advocacy, teaching, editing and brainstorming.

Barbara handles appeals and writs in a wide variety of areas: business disputes, entertainment, antitrust, legal and medical malpractice, landlord-tenant and employment, to name a few. Her favorite book in the law library (yes, GMSR still has one) is 83 Cal.App.4th, which contains two published decisions she won on the same day in two unrelated cases, both reversing the judgments below: GAB Business Services, Inc. v. Lindsey & Newsom Claim Services, Inc. (2000) 83 Cal.App.4th 409 and Dickson, Carlson & Campillo v. Pole (2000) 83 Cal.App.4th 436.

Barbara enjoys the high esteem of her colleagues. She is a member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers – both highly selective organizations. She was also named as one of the "Top 75 Women Litigators in California for 2006" (one of only two appellate lawyers chosen), as a Southern California "Super Lawyer" for every year from 2005 to 2013, and as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" for Appellate Law for every year from 2006 to 2013. From 2001, when the California Supreme Court first appointed her until 2008, Barbara served on the committee that recommends judges for the State Bar Court. She has lectured and taught extensively on appellate-related topics.

Work does not occupy all Barbara's time. She volunteers at the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center as a lay facilitator in the Center's "Survivors After Suicide" program, and she sings alto in a premier choral group. She loves to read novels and discuss them with her book club, attend theater and concerts, garden and travel to unusual places. She has a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.