The firm is pleased to announce that Ashlee Difuntorum has been named to the Los Angeles Daily Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” list for 2025. Each year, the prestigious list highlights the most accomplished young lawyers shaping the future of California’s legal community.
In her profile for the Daily Journal’s special issue, Ashlee was recognized for her work in business and commercial litigation, with a focus on entertainment industry disputes. Based in Los Angeles, she represents celebrities, influencers, and brands in contract disputes, arbitrations, and class action defense.
Ashlee shared that her fascination with the law comes from a lifelong curiosity about perspective and persuasion. “I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that there are several sides to the same argument,” she told the Daily Journal. “I enjoy helping others get their points across, and also helping them understand other points of view.”
The Daily Journal spotlighted Ashlee’s recent defense of a celebrity client in a refiled arbitration involving previously litigated and settled claims. The claimant represented herself, which required careful strategy. Ashlee and her team drafted a motion to dismiss that explained the facts and law in accessible terms, resulting in the dismissal of the action and a six-figure abstract of judgment in favor of her client.
“Many celebrities can become the target of cash-grabs simply based on who they are, so it felt important to defend this client where it was obvious the arbitration should have never been refiled,” Ashlee said.
The profile also noted Ashlee’s success in resolving class actions filed against celebrities, influencers, and brands over alleged failures to disclose paid partnerships on social media. “It’s a unique challenge to coordinate with several individual clients, class action representatives, and their counsel, but I’m proud that we’ve been able to do so successfully and efficiently,” she pointed out.
Ashlee credited her mentors for teaching her that effective advocacy begins with empathy. “There’s a way to zealously advocate for clients while still keeping in mind that we’re all human at the end of the day,” she shared. “In fact, I believe part of what makes me a successful litigator is being able to tap into what my clients–and the other side–actually want out of a dispute.”
Congratulations, Ashlee, on this well-earned recognition!
To read Ashlee’s full profile in the Daily Journal’s special issue, click below (subscription required).
Ashlee C. Difuntorum – Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal’s 2025 “Top 40 Under 40”
