Elana Midda

In a previous career, Elana Midda found herself sitting uncomfortably in a deposition as part of a litigation brought against her employer. It would not be the last time she found herself in an adverse situation, but it would be the last time she would ever feel uncomfortable in a legal environment.

"I remember thinking 'this isn't right.' My employer hadn't prepared me for the deposition, and it was a rather unnerving experience," recalls Elana. "I didn't 'realize it at the time, but I think that experience set the tone for my law career and the importance of thorough preparation."

After finishing at the top of her class at New York City Technical College, Elana moved west to Southern California seeking employment in the radiologic technology field and better weather. "The weather in Southern California beats the weather in the Bronx!" She would spend the next 10 years working in radiology as an X-Ray technician before going back to school.

Elana earned a BA in computer science from California Lutheran University before enrolling in an accelerated program at Southwestern University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate in two years. She says her decision to pursue a career in law was based on a life-long passion for helping people, a strong belief in serving God and others, and a need to make things right.

"Through the years I'd seen and experienced people taking advantage of other people and I wanted to help change that," says Elana. "I saw the opportunity to help by becoming a defense attorney."

She became a civil defense attorney specializing in litigation and worked for several firms in Southern California starting in 2005. She earned a solid reputation for being a tenacious trial lawyer winning numerous defense verdicts for her clients. "I am always passionate about what I do." Along the way, she worked in some Workers' Comp cases as an in-house attorney for State Farm Insurance. When she saw a position come up with Benthale, McKibbin and McKnight, she decided to make the move to full-time Workers' Comp.

"I was familiar with the firm and thought it would be a good fit for me. After interviewing with Ed Benthale, I knew I'd be joining a dynamic work environment with great opportunities for both personal and professional growth."

Elana now works in the Riverside Office and is building a strong portfolio of clients.

"We are pleased to have Elana join our team in the Riverside Office," says Ed Benthale, Founder and Principal of BM&M. "Elana brings a wealth of experience in both civil litigation and Workers' Comp and she has the winning attitude that will fit right in with this office."

Away from work Elana spends time with her husband hiking, gardening and taking in Angels and Charger's games. She's also an accomplished violinist and composer who plays regularly with various faith based ensembles.