Elise Sanguinetti

Elise R. Sanguinetti is a founding partner at Arias Sanguinetti Trial Lawyers, based in the firm’s Northern California office. She practices in serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and product liability cases. Elise is recognized as one of the top plaintiff attorneys in California, with an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been named a California Super Lawyer every year since becoming eligible.

Her leadership within the legal community is extensive. Elise has served as the past president of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), and the Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association. She is a member of the esteemed invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Her commitment to the legal profession has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Joe Tonahill Award from AAJ, the Marvin E. Lewis Award from CAOC, and the Woman Consumer Advocate Award from CAOC. Other accolades include recognition as a Top 50 Plaintiff Attorney and Top 100 Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, Best Lawyers (2021-Present), and Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers (2019-2026).

Elise’s impressive trial experience spans decades, including significant verdicts and settlements such as a $28 million settlement for a quadriplegic client injured in trucking accident, a $9 million verdict in a case against a school district for the harm done to a woman who was groomed and sexually assaulted multiple times by a music teacher during her senior year, and a $7.4 million verdict in a high-profile injury case. She has been involved in numerous high-impact cases that have shaped legal precedents and brought justice to victims of personal injury, wrongful death, and civil rights violations. Drawn to the law after studying Constitutional Law and recognizing how Supreme Court decisions can shape generations, Elise believes civil litigation serves an essential public purpose by holding corporations accountable and promoting safer products and communities. Her leadership extends beyond individual cases through relationship-building, advocacy, and national consumer protection efforts.

Her pro bono work has included providing free legal representation to survivors of the September 11 attacks and individuals seeking to remove racist language from California property titles. Elise has been appointed to influential roles, including the Judicial Council of California’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee and the National Judicial College‘s Board of Visitors. Her experience caring for her mother-in-law has further deepened her understanding of the emotional, physical, and financial realities many clients and caregivers face following catastrophic injuries.

She earned her J.D. at the University of San Francisco School of Law. Her long-standing career reflects a commitment to justice, civil rights, and the empowerment of plaintiffs across the country. Outside of work, Elise enjoys traveling, hiking, visiting national parks, and spending time with her family.

Contact Elise at elise@aswtlawyers.com.