Charlyn Bender is an accomplished trial attorney with over 21 years of experience achieving successful outcomes in complex legal matters. She is a highly skilled investigator, adept at navigating sensitive workplace and organizational issues. Her extensive background includes handling high-stakes cases as a prosecutor and serving as a Police Oversight Commissioner for the City of Long Beach, where she gained invaluable experience conducting independent investigations into law enforcement practices and ensuring accountability.
During her 14 years as an Orange County Deputy District Attorney, Charlyn developed exceptional investigative skills, preparing and prosecuting a wide range of cases, including homicides, narcotics offenses, sexual assaults, and fraud. She collaborated closely with investigators, victim advocates, and experts to uncover facts, analyze evidence, and build compelling cases. This experience honed her ability to approach investigations with precision, impartiality, and a commitment to uncovering the truth, qualities she now applies to workplace investigations involving sensitive employment matters.
As a Police Oversight Commissioner, Charlyn has further demonstrated her expertise in managing nuanced investigations and audits involving public entities and high-profile individuals. She plays a critical role in assessing the conduct of law enforcement personnel, addressing community concerns, and providing recommendations for reform. Her work on the commission underscores her ability to approach investigations with fairness, diligence, and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks.
Charlyn’s role as Vice President and General Counsel for Madison Paving Inc. highlighted her legal acumen in compliance, contract analysis, and regulatory oversight. While her primary focus was on advising management and ensuring operational compliance, this experience complements her investigative and strategic skills, particularly in navigating the legal intricacies of employment law and corporate governance.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Charlyn is deeply committed to community service. She serves as a Board Member for the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, is on the Executive Committee for the Apartment Association of Southern California Cities, and is a member of the Board of Governors at Loyola Law School. Her academic credentials include multiple advanced degrees including an M.A. in Multicultural Education from CSU Dominguez Hills, Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, and an M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from USC- Marshall School of Business
A natural leader and confident public speaker, Charlyn excels in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. She combines her extensive experience in investigations with her passion for justice to provide clients with sound legal strategies and a commitment to integrity. Outside of her legal career, she is a devoted wife, mother, startup founder, and real estate investor, embodying a dynamic and well-rounded approach to her professional and personal endeavors.