Starting July 1st:
CVMA member veterinarians, RVTs, and students, are entitled to one-half hour of telephone consultation and research work per month with an attorney at no cost. This program is sponsored by the Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC).
The CVMA Legal Services program will offer services that will assist members in areas of the law related to veterinary practice. They are:
Services will not include:
Information coming soon on how to access your benefits with Klinedinst.
This program is generously sponsored by VISC
The CVMA is pleased to introduce the law firm of Klinedinst PC. For more than 25 years, Klinedinst has represented the veterinary profession in matters both large and small—including cases arising from liability insurance policies brokered through Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC). The firm has also served as the principal legal representative for veterinarians in license-related matters before the California Veterinary Medical Board and in disputes before California civil courts.
The firm’s lawyers collectively possess decades of experience and expertise in litigation; government relations and political law; construction; employment; bankruptcy; business transactions, including sales and mergers; real estate; tax; estate planning; and professional liability defense. The firm has also gained a national reputation in the health care arena.
Bonnie L. Lutz is a shareholder in Klinedinst’s Irvine office and a leader of the firm’s Veterinary Medical Law Practice Group. She represents veterinarians in litigation and administrative proceedings, bringing deep knowledge of the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act and decades of experience defending professionals and organizations across the animal-care industry.
Ms. Lutz helps veterinary clients navigate regulatory, disciplinary, and operational challenges with a practical, highly experienced approach informed by her defense of hundreds of CVMB actions.
Thomas E. Daugherty is a shareholder in Klinedinst’s San Diego office who represents veterinarians and animal-care organizations in employment matters. His practice focuses on advising veterinary employers on employment law compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution, as well as defending clients when litigation arises.
Mr. Daugherty helps veterinary clients proactively address workplace and operational challenges by developing compliant employment policies, advising on human resources best practices, and managing litigation efficiently when disputes cannot be avoided. He brings a practical, strategic approach designed to protect veterinary practices while supporting effective business operations.
Christine E. Howson is a shareholder in Klinedinst’s Irvine office with decades of litigation experience, including representation of veterinarians and animal-care professionals in complex disputes. Her practice brings together animal law knowledge with deep experience in business, real estate, and professional liability litigation.
Ms. Howson assists veterinary clients in navigating high-stakes litigation and operational conflicts, applying a seasoned, practical approach to resolving matters that impact both professional practice and business operations.
Chris M. Milas is a shareholder in Klinedinst’s San Diego office whose practice focuses on veterinary license defense, drawing from his background in professional liability defense and general liability. He represents veterinarians in administrative proceedings and related litigation arising from professional and regulatory matters.
Mr. Milas helps veterinary professionals protect their licenses and livelihoods by guiding them through disciplinary, liability, and compliance challenges with a thorough and defense-focused approach.
Lindsey N. Casillas is managing shareholder of Klinedinst’s Sacramento office and represents veterinary and animal care organizations in professional liability, employment, real estate, and intellectual property matters. Her practice addresses the full range of issues veterinary organizations face throughout all stages of business operations.
Ms. Casillas helps veterinary clients proactively manage risk, navigate employment and compliance challenges, and protect their intellectual property, emphasizing practical solutions that support sustainable and compliant operations.
James D. Snyder is a shareholder in Klinedinst’s San Diego office and chair of the Transactional Practice Group. He is a trusted outside general counsel to veterinary practices, animal welfare organizations, and professional associations, providing hands-on legal and compliance guidance across corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, licensing, contracts, and intellectual property.
Mr. Snyder helps veterinary and animal-care organizations navigate complex operational and regulatory challenges, establish governance frameworks, and implement practical policies that protect their businesses and missions. With decades of experience leading transactions, integrations, and compliance initiatives, he brings a strategic, business-focused approach that allows veterinary clients to focus on providing excellent care while remaining fully compliant with pertinent legal requirements.
Stacey A. Kartchner is senior counsel at Klinedinst and chair of the firm’s Criminal Law Practice Group, where she represents veterinarians and other licensed professionals in criminal, administrative, and licensure matters. Her practice includes defending veterinary professionals facing allegations that may impact their licenses, livelihoods, and professional reputations.
Ms. Kartchner supports veterinary clients through high-stakes regulatory, disciplinary, and criminal proceedings, bringing decades of courtroom and administrative law experience to matters involving investigations, hearings, and enforcement actions. She is dedicated to protecting the rights, licenses, and interests of veterinary professionals with a strategic, thorough, and client-focused approach.
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