History
Elizabeth Caballero and Jonathan Gettleman met in law school at the University of Arizona in 1999. Both found that they shared a mutual passion for fighting against injustice and serving the accused and the dispossessed. After graduating from law school, Elizabeth clerked with a federal magistrate judge and Jonathan clerked with a criminal defense attorney. Both experiences were transformative. This made them eager to cultivate their own practice, one that combined their passion to pursue justice while representing each client with respect and compassion.
In 2004, after living in Mexico, Elizabeth and Jonathan returned to Jonathan's home state of Pennsylvania to get married and practice criminal defense before pursuing their dream to practice law in Santa Cruz. Elizabeth and Jonathan moved to Santa Cruz in 2005 where Elizabeth practiced in dependency court for two years and Jonathan practiced with the California Rural Legal Assistance in the migrant farm worker division in Salinas, CA. In 2008, Jonathan opened up his own private practice, focusing on criminal defense, civil rights and employment law. After practicing as a public defender for 7 years with the law firm Wallraff & Associates, Elizabeth and Jonathan decided to join forces and open up their own law firm.
In 2015, Caballero & Gettleman Law Office, Inc. opened its doors. Since then, we have successfully litigated many criminal cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our civil litigants. But more than outcomes, we also focus on counseling our clients as they navigate an all too often confusing and stressful legal landscape. We try and explain in plain language the legal terminology so that each client understands the magnitude and full scope of the legal process. Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible universe of options in order to make the best informed decision. Elizabeth and Jonathan firmly believe that good options lead to just results.
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We at Caballero & Gettleman know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Attorneys
Partner
Elizabeth M. Caballero
After working for the alternate public defender law firm of Wallraff & Associates, to establishing a law practice with her law partner and husband, Jonathan Che Gettleman, Elizabeth has represented clients with diligence and compassion for 20 years. She seeks to treat each client with the attention and respect that each person and each case deserves. Elizabeth is well versed in a wide range of legal proceedings: she has litigated over 15 jury trials (criminal and civil), numerous bench trials, countless motions and appeals. She understands the legal process, the effect decisions can have on a case and offer sound advice based on years of trial experience.
Education
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2001
Pomona College
B.A., English Literature, 1999
School of International Training- Kenya, 1997
Activities & Affiliations
• Federal Bar Association, Northern District of California Chapter, Member
• Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Bar, Board Member
• Surfing, skateboarding, soccer, and travel
Bar Admissions
California
Northern District of California
Arizona (Inactive Status)
District of Arizona
Partner
Jonathan Che Gettleman
Jonathan is passionate about the law and the pursuit of justice. Jonathan first worked for the California Rural Legal Assistance in Salinas where he represented migrant farm workers, honing his civil litigation skills. In 2008, Jonathan opened his own practice in Santa Cruz with a focus on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Jonathan has argued and won several appeals, tried jury trials (both civil and criminal), and has argued numerous motions. Jonathan strives to effectively communicate with and counsel his clients in order to achieve the best possible results.
Education
University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2002
University of Miami
B.A., Psychology & English Literature, 1998
Activities & Affiliations
Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Bar
Federal Bar Association
Martial Arts, surfing, soccer, running
Bar Admissions
California
Northern District of California
Pennsylvania
Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Western District of Pennsylvania