I have wanted to be an attorney since I was six years old.
While in undergrad, I fell in love with business just as hard. I worked for a global consulting firm, advising Fortune 100 and 500 companies on strategy and operations for a few years after receiving my bachelor’s degree. This management consulting experience provided me with a practical understanding of how businesses actually work before I ever advised someone else on how to run theirs.
I started my first business, an e-commerce venture, in 2012. My lineage includes a long line of entrepreneurs and business owners, so ownership has always felt like part of who I am. Creating something that you are passionate about and protecting your business assets, is one of the most powerful ways to create a legacy for your family and the generations to come.
Over the course of my legal career, I have worked in both the private and public sector. I’ve protected the rights of clients and negotiated hefty settlements on their behalf as well as advised appellate judges on attorney discipline and ethics matters. My background in ethics has shown me exactly what happens when legal matters are not handled with care, and I am committed to a standard of excellence.
I started Tapley Law because I believe deeply in the power of ownership. And the mission of the firm is to help creators and founders build and scale their brands and businesses on a legally sound foundation from day one.
On a personal note, I am originally from Memphis and have called Los Angeles home for the past 11 years. When I am not working, you will usually find me traveling, trying a new restaurant, shopping, or spending time with family and friends.
STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, CA
State Bar Court Attorney/Court Counsel February 2019–Present
Provide accurate, relevant, and timely advice to appellate judges on the disposition of attorney disciplinary matters. Draft, review, and execute judicial opinions, court orders, and memoranda of a variety of professional ethics issues in connection with negligence, fraud, misappropriation, conflicts of interest, fiduciary responsibility, etc. Review and edit written work of attorneys, paralegals, and clerks. Provide guidance and assign work to legal interns. Lecturer on professional responsibility and ethics continuing legal education course.
LAW OFFICE OF TALYA A. TAPLEY, Los Angeles, CA
Business and Trademark Attorney October 2018–November 2024
Assisted small business owners and entrepreneurs with federal trademark protection. Drafted, reviewed and negotiated various commercial contracts. Designed and implemented legal training, handled day-to-day corporate affairs, and provided strategic business counsel.
CONSUMER PROTECTION FIRM, Pasadena, CA
Associate Attorney January–September 2018
Litigated heavy caseload and represented clients in a variety of consumer protection law matters. Drafted memoranda, pleadings, pretrial motions, motions to compel, mediation briefs, discovery requests and responses. Conducted document review of discovery and prepared for depositions. Appeared in court to participate in investigative conferences. Negotiated six-figure case settlements in favor of clients.
LAW OFFICES OF LITA ROSARIO, PLLC., Washington, D.C.
Legal Research Assistant February–May 2017
Drafted memoranda and assisted the Managing Partner on a broad range of legal issues, including entertainment and intellectual property law, with a primary focus on trademark and copyright law.
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Washington, D.C.
DOJ Honors Program Legal Intern, Division of Trading & Markets August–November 2016
Researched and summarized 25 years of SEC no enforcement actions brought under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 15–(a)(6) as part of potential revised rulemaking. Prepared notices of proposed rule changes. Reviewed complex unregistered foreign broker-dealer exemptions and wrote memoranda analyzing both broker-dealer reporting requirements and compliance with federal securities laws.
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT, Memphis, TN
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Bernice B. Donald May–July 2016
Conducted legal research, prepared bench memoranda, analyzed and edited the legal analyses in drafts of written opinions on a variety of civil and criminal cases. Topics included Truth in Lending Act, habeas corpus, constitutional rights, and employment discrimination. Attended oral arguments. Developed proficient knowledge of PACER and CM/ECF.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Washington, D.C.
Law Clerk, Asset Forfeiture & Money Laundering Division June–August 2015
Researched and drafted charging documents, prosecution memoranda, motions, sentencing memoranda, and forfeiture requests. Wrote a research memorandum on grand jury disclosures to claimant’s counsel in civil forfeiture action. Attended criminal trials.
ACCENTURE, El Segundo, CA
Senior Business Analyst September 2011–July 2014
Provided global consulting services to major corporations including: Bank of America, The Capital Group, British Petroleum and Southern California Edison. Implemented sustainable financial management systems for forecasting, monitoring, and budgeting project expenditures saving the firm in excess of $10 million. Received Manager’s Choice Award in 2013, upper management recognition based on outstanding performance and superior client relations; 4 out of 45 analysts selected.
Teaching Experience
PORTLAND FASHION INSTITUTE, Portland, OR
Instructor, AE201Apparel Business Legal Basics January 2023–February 2024
Developed course syllabus and evaluated student success through quizzes and interactive classroom polls, and delivered instruction in a virtual environment. Designed and taught as a seminar course focused on intellectual property protection in the fashion apparel industry.