Siannah Collado

Siannah Collado, a distinguished trial attorney, joined Stalwart Law Group in January 2024, specializing in diverse cases, including personal injury matters such as motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury, complex spinal injury, sexual assault, school bullying, and wrongful death. 

Notably, Siannah’s courtroom achievements include a groundbreaking $41.6 Million verdict in a Santa Monica bench trial, showcasing her legal prowess and dedication to securing justice. In a recent high-profile trial, she successfully represented a victim of severe bullying, obtaining a $1 million verdict and implementing preventive measures within the school system.

Beyond her legal triumphs, Siannah’s commitment to community extends to animal welfare. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her daughter, Désirée Elyse, supporting their beloved USC Trojans and LA Dodgers and sharing moments with their cherished dogs, Lexie and Blitzen Blaze. Siannah’s passion for animal rescue and fostering dogs is encapsulated in her dream project, “Stray Outta Compton,” aiming to rescue, spay, and neuter pets in the area at a low cost for responsible dog owners.

Summing up her diverse interests, Siannah embodies the fusion of an animal lover, dedicated USC Trojans supporter, and ardent Dodger fan, and is on a mission to visit all 30 MLB stadiums with her daughter. This multifaceted approach reflects not only her legal excellence, but also a rich and purposeful personal life.

Background

Born and raised in San Pedro, California, to Panamanian immigrant parents, Siannah Collado embodies a distinguished legal career, complemented by a rich academic journey.  Her parents recognized the importance of her education and after Siannah graduated the sixth grade moved to Panama.  Siannah’s pursuit of excellence began at St. Mary’s School in the Panama Canal Zone, where she graduated as Valedictorian and Class Vice President.

Siannah was keen to pursue a university education in the states and moved back to California, where she attended El Camino College in Torrance, CA.  Siannah’s natural desire to help others and be a voice for the others became a reality when she served on Student Government and was elected as  the student representative on the Board of Trustees.  Graduating with an A.S. in Business Administration, she then transferred to USC, where her commitment to advocacy flourished as the founding member/coordinator of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund – Scholar Chapter. She earned a B.A. with honors in International Relations, after which, she worked at the Law Offices of William Beverly to seek clarity in whether she should pursue her desires to teach or go to law school.  Either way serving and helping others was the way forward and she ultimately did both.

Siannah’s pivotal decision to enter the legal realm led her to Southwestern University in 2004. Actively involved in the Student Bar Association, Latino Law Student Association, and Black Student Law Association, she achieved notable success, winning 2nd place at Nationals with the Moot Court team and leading the first BLSA Mock Trial Team to 1st place in the Regional competition and eventually becoming a professor teaching Criminal Law at her alma matter. 

Following law school and while awaiting Bar results, Siannah was selected as a Fellow with the Los Angeles chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) through a competitive application process. During this prestigious fellowship, Siannah gained invaluable litigation experience by shadowing attorneys at both plaintiff and defense firms and then-Judge Victoria Chaney, who has since become a Justice in the Second District California Court of Appeal. The ABOTA Fellowship, emphasizing practical litigation skills over research and writing, provided Siannah with a comprehensive understanding of litigation from the perspectives of plaintiffs, defendants, and the court. 

Subsequent to completing her ABOTA Fellowship, Siannah Collado was hired and excelled as a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney.  Her exceptional aptitude garnered swift recognition, propelling her to the Torrance Branch – V.I.P. (Victim Impact Program) within two years. In this role, akin to SVU, she adeptly handled intricate cases involving domestic violence, adult and child sexual abuse, and murders. Her outstanding performance not only earned acclaim but also led to a promotion to Grade III in 2012, underscored by a rare “Far Exceeded Expectations” evaluation.  While working at the Compton branch she handled a variety of cases involving murders and gang-related matters. 

Beyond the courtroom, Siannah’s commitment extended to a decade of teaching Project LEAD, educating inner-city 5th graders about the criminal justice system. Her teaching impact reached Centinela Elementary School in Inglewood and Rosa Parks Elementary in Lynwood. Additionally, Siannah coached a moot court team at Southwestern Law School, showcasing her dedication to fostering legal talent.

In 2016, Siannah left criminal law and entered civil litigation where she has successfully tried 16 cases and became a member of ABOTA in 2023.  A goal that she had set during her fellowship.  

In her mentorship role, Siannah actively guided local youths aspiring to pursue careers in the criminal justice system. Her early career serves as a testament not only to legal expertise but also an unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and community service, epitomizing the highest standards of professionalism and her willingness to always ‘pay it forward’.