For over a decade, one of the California Veterinary Medical Association’s key member benefits has been its Legal Services Program, providing CVMA’s member veterinarians up to 30 minutes of free legal advice each month. Now, the CVMA is taking that benefit to the next level!

The CVMA is proud to announce that starting July 1, 2026, the CVMA’s Legal Services Program will be provided through Klinedinst PC, a premier California-based law firm with offices throughout the state and beyond. For over 25 years, Klinedinst has represented the veterinary profession on matters large and small—including through liability insurance policies brokered through Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC)—and has been the principal firm representing veterinarians in both license-related matters before the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) and in disputes before California civil courts.

Beyond that expertise, Klinedinst lawyers provide a full range of legal services to the veterinary profession, including employment-related counseling, business consulting, advice concerning practice purchases/sales/succession planning, criminal counseling, and regulatory guidance. And now, by joining forces with the CVMA, Klinedinst can provide you “soup to nuts” advice and counseling that helps not only address problems when they arise, but prevents them from arising in the first place.

With a team of seven lawyers dedicated to the CVMA Legal Services Program and offices located throughout California, Klinedinst will provide unparalleled responsiveness to your questions—and the substantive knowledge to address them. Appropriate areas of inquiry include any legal questions pertaining to clinical conduct, employment issues, business and succession planning, drug diversion, and most other areas relevant to you and your practice. Excluded areas of inquiry include domestic relations advice, family estate planning, and other personal items unrelated to veterinary practice or your veterinary business.

Meet the Klinedinst team!

Bonnie L. Lutz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.