Vona Ekpebe is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience handling a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including healthcare, insurance, and other general commercial disputes.

Her broad background, which includes significant experience as an inhouse attorney in senior roles makes her particularly adept at evaluating cases with an eye toward effective and efficient resolution. Vona has a demonstrated track record of giving solid and strategic litigation advice and of developing and executing strategies that address her client’s overarching legal and business objectives with significant cost savings. Whether it be identifying opportunities for early dismissal on a dispositive legal issue or securing a favorable settlement, she prioritizes seeking solutions that achieve her clients’ goals and expectations. Vona earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law (2005) and received her B.A. with High Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2002) where she studied Political Science. She is admitted to practice in the State of California, in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and in the United States District Court, Central District of California and Southern District of California.

Valerie Kraml serves as Managing Counsel at Ekpebe Law Group, where she leads complex civil litigation cases and manages our team of experienced legal staff. Valerie has practiced in diverse areas of law, including medical and professional malpractice litigation, business litigation, securities litigation, family law/restraining orders and probate/elder abuse. She has litigated numerous actions to conclusion throughout California. Because of her strong interpersonal skills and ability to master diverse practices areas, clients frequently call upon Valerie to assist with complicated issues, either through resolution or litigation. Valerie has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in general litigation.

Valerie has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-stakes litigation, combining her extensive legal expertise with a results-driven approach. Her leadership ensures that Ekpebe Law Group upholds its reputation for excellence, innovation, and client-centered advocacy.

Valerie is admitted to practice law in California, Idaho, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and Alaska, along with several United States District Courts. She received her J.D. from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of the Law). While at UC Law, San Francisco, she served as an extern for the Hon. James R. Lambden (Ret.) at the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District. Prior to law school, Valerie worked as a defense investigator for the County of Marin Public Defender’s Office, and she is currently a licensed private investigator with the State of California.

Cheryl Kinoshita is a skilled attorney in commercial litigation, who also has business experience in strategic partnerships driving innovation and growth.

Cheryl has represented companies with national and local operations in a wide variety of commercial matters.  Her experience as a federal appellate court staff attorney and federal judicial law clerk has allowed her to gain an understanding of the judicial decision-making process, offering clients insightful analyses and practical approaches to case resolution.  Cheryl also has business experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships, and she leverages her cross-disciplinary background to deliver solutions that support both legal and business goals.  Cheryl earned her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, and her B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of California, Berkeley.

Monica Sandhu is a skilled civil litigation attorney with over a decade of experience in civil litigation and a focused practice in defending elder care facilities and healthcare providers. Over the past three years, she has dedicated her practice to protecting the interests of long-term care providers facing complex allegations involving elder abuse, negligence, and regulatory violations.

Ms. Sandhu understands the nuanced and highly sensitive nature of elder abuse litigation. She brings a strategic and resolute approach to defending skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and care providers in both state and administrative proceedings. Her experience includes defending against claims of elder abuse, neglect of care, improper staffing, medication errors, and wrongful death—often under the intense scrutiny of families, media, and regulatory agencies.

She is adept at handling all phases of litigation, from early case assessment through trial. Her work includes preparing and arguing dispositive motions, managing discovery strategy, defending depositions of facility staff and administrators, retaining and preparing expert witnesses, and negotiating favorable resolutions when appropriate. Her clients trust her to provide not only strong legal representation but also pragmatic guidance in preventing and managing risk.

Before focusing her practice on elder abuse defense, Ms. Sandhu represented Fortune 500 clients such as Ford Motor Company and FCA US LLC in complex commercial litigation. Her broad legal background includes experience in employment law, family law, and business disputes, making her a versatile and highly effective advocate.

Ms. Sandhu earned her Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne College of Law and her undergraduate degree from UCLA. She is a member of the California State Bar (#297535) and is based in Riverside, serving clients throughout Southern California.