Todd Gallinger is licensed to the practice of law in California and New York. He brings a wide breadth of legal and practice experience to his practice for the benefit of his clients.Todd has long focused on serving nonprofit organizations and engaging in public interest work, in addition to assisting families with their Estate Planning and Small Business legal needs.
Todd earned his Jurisd Doctorate, Cum Lause, from the George Washington University Law School. In addition, he has a B.A. in Religious Studies from University of California at Santa Barbara and an M.A. in Religion from the Claremont School of Theology, giving him a unique understanding of religious and cultural issues which impact families’ planning for legal issues.
In addition to his legal practice, Todd has held senior management and director positions with numerous nonprofit organizations, such as serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Nonprofit Partnership and as Director of Chapter Development with the Council on American Islamic Relations, where he served as primary trainer for the affiliate network’s 200 attorneys, executives, and directors. He has also litigated numerous immigration mandamus actions, including co-counseling with the American Civil Liberties and Asian Law Caucus on class-action lawsuits.
In his free time, Todd volunteers with numerous nonprofit organizations and loves spending time outside, especially with his two sons. He also has a deep interest in American archeology and a love of Jazz and Soul music. You can often find Todd leading a group on a hiking or climbing trip in the mountains, canyons and deserts of the American Southwest.
Merve Degirmencioglu is an attorney licensed to practice law in both California and Turkey, with a practice focused on Family Law and Personal Injury. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Marmara University, followed by an LL.M. in Private Law from Istanbul University in 2013. She later earned a second LL.M. from the University of Southern California (USC), where she deepened her knowledge of U.S. law.
Before beginning her legal career in California, Merve worked in shopping mall management and commercial real estate, where she gained experience in business operations, high-value commercial transactions with worldwide known brands, and litigation involving landlord-tenant, personal injuries and criminal matters. She also worked at highly respected Legal 500 law firms where she developed a strong foundation in litigation, client counseling, and international legal work.
Merve has litigated and mediated disputes across multiple areas of law. She authored an academic thesis on disputes arising out of the receivables of domestic and foreign professional soccer players through arbitration, showcasing her broader interest in alternative dispute resolution.
With her diverse background and international perspective, Merve brings a solution-oriented, strategic approach to her cases. She is known for her analytical skill, attention to detail, and dedication to guiding clients through complex and emotionally challenging legal matters with clarity and care.
Outside of her legal practice, Merve enjoys challenging hikes, spending time on the beach, electronic music, and traveling. She has an energetic, curious, and adventurous spirit – qualities that align with Pathfinder Attorneys’ commitment to guiding clients through life’s legal journeys with clarity and purpose.