Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Zena M. Kalioundji
Partner
Zena M. Kalioundji is the founding Partner of Binder Kalioundji LLP. She knows what it takes to succeed. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Minors in Humanities and Law and Sociology from the University of California, Irvine, Zena was one of a handful of students who completed the accelerated 2-year law program at Southwestern Law School.
Zena started her legal career with one of the largest law firms in the San Fernando Valley, quickly making a name for herself in the legal community. She has received the distinguished honor of being named a Super Lawyer-Rising Star by Thomson Reuters for the years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. During her tenure at the firm, Zena's passion for the law, novel legal strategies, and overall care made her a go-to for her clients. She developed a specialty for employment, workers' compensation and real estate law.
At Binder Kalioundji, Zena has taken her many years of experience to create a more focused and client-based law practice.
David S. Binder
Partner
For the past 20 years, Mr. Binder has represented management in all aspects of employment law including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, accommodation, interactive process, wrongful discharge, wage and hour claims, whistle blower, and breach of contract.
Mr. Binder's practice includes representing employers before all Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards in California. Mr. Binder's expertise includes all aspects of workers’ compensation claims, including Labor Code §132a claims, Serious and Willful petitions, and Subrogation Actions.
Mr. Binder has a wide range of experience representing employers before state and federal administrative agencies including the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, California Labor Commissioner, Employment Development Department, and CalOSHA.
On a regular basis, Mr. Binder provides advice and counsel to employers in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship including accommodation, interactive process, discipline, terminations, policies and procedures, compensation, FMLA and CFRA leave, and compliance with federal and state laws.
EDUCATION
J.D., Loyola Law School, 2000
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1994
EXPERIENCE
California Coalition on Workers' Compensation
(Member 2015-2020)
Claims Litigation Management
(Member 2015-2020)
VBS Day School
(Board of Trustees 2014 – 2020 / Legal Vice-President 2018-2020)
Madison L. Halsey
Senior Counsel
Madison L. Halsey is Senior Counsel at Binder & Kalioundji, LLP in its Chatworth, California, office. Her practice focuses on representing Employers, Insurance Carriers, and TPA’s before all Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards throughout the State of California. Ms. Halsey is also an experienced civil litigator and handles subrogation and contribution claims that often develop from her handling of workers’ compensation claims. In addition, Ms. Halsey defends clients in a variety of liability and employment matters. Ms. Halsey is a well-rounded and seasoned litigator whose experience allows her to bring a broad perspective to her work.
In the workers’ compensation arena, Ms. Halsey has a wealth of experience handling complex litigation including death claims, life pension, and 100% PTD exposure claims. Ms. Halsey has successfully taken cases to trial with exceptional results. Her ability to think creatively and critically combined with cost saving strategies and high closure rates make her the go to person when clients need to get things done.
After graduating from Southwestern Law School, Ms. Halsey began her career defending workers’ compensation claims at one of the largest law firms in Los Angeles. She continued her interest in the area of workers’ compensation and employment law and honed her skills at two other large defense firms in the San Fernando Valley. Ms. Halsey joined Binder & Kalioundji, LLP in 2022, recognizing the growth opportunities in addition to the benefit of more direct and intimate client contact. Ms. Halsey lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband and twin children. Her hobbies include Dodger baseball, camping, grilling, and home renovations.
Kimberly Johnson
Associate Attorney
Kimberly Johnson is an Associate Attorney at Binder & Kalioundji, LLP. Kimberly Johnson is a creative, analytical, service driven attorney. Ms. Johnson’s creativity is evident by her having obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio/Television/Film Production: Communications from Purdue University. Ms. Johnson also has a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting. Ms. Johnson has always had a passion and a drive to help people seek justice. This desire would not rest until she became a lawyer.
Ms. Johnson obtained her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Her journey to practicing law has not been easy, but her dedication, resilience and tenaciousness is what has always carried her through. Ms. Johnson is currently applying her skills, dedication and perseverance to her new position as Associate Attorney at Binder & Kalioundji, LLP. Her experience has taught her what it takes to obtain justice for her clients.
Alex Kiek
Paralegal
Alex Kiek joined Binder Kalioundji LLP after graduating from CSUN with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Law. At CSUN, he achieved membership on the Dean's List. In 2022, Alex achieved a degree in Paralegal Studies from UCLA- Extension (ABA Approved). Alex is an integral member of the firm.
Binder & Kalioundji LLP brings something new to the table.