Marcie Gardner is devoted to the vigorous representation of adults and juveniles accused of all types of crimes, ranging from complex murder cases to simple traffic tickets (and everything in between!). As one of the few attorneys in the area with extensive experience in both adult criminal and juvenile delinquency defense, her practice’s dual focus has also led Marcie to develop a unique expertise representing students facing public school expulsion hearings. Through her juvenile practice, Marcie learned that very few attorneys were familiar with the ins and outs of the California Education Code. Because expulsions are occurring with increasing frequency, she felt compelled to learn these procedures to help her juvenile clients outside of the courtroom. Marcie also helps clients clear up any convictions on their criminal record.
Areas of Practice
- Adult Criminal Defense
- Juvenile Delinquency Defense
- DMV Hearings (for DUI’s or Negligent Operator)
- School Expulsion Hearings
- Expungements, Certificates of Rehabilitation, Petitions for Factual Innocence
Marcie’s Philosophy
Marcie accepts each case understanding that it is not just a “case” for her clients – it can be a potentially life-changing, nerve-wracking experience for them. For clients who want or need to go to trial, Marcie pursues a “no stone unturned” defense. For clients who prefer to resolve their cases before trial, she attempts to find creative solutions while keeping her clients’ priorities in mind. Marcie has experience in courthouses throughout San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. She has built a solid reputation and maintained good relationships with judges, court staff and deputy district attorneys in these areas. By retaining Marcie as your attorney, you know exactly who your attorney is and can be confident she will use her experience, reputation and training to your benefit.
Education
1997, J.D., University of California at Davis Graduated top 5% of her class (Order of the Coif) 1994, B.A., University of Redlands Graduated Magna Cum Laude Co-Creator of College’s first Mock Trial Program, leading the team to national recognition
Past Employment/Internships
2003-2010, Partner, Connally & Gardner LLP Marcie tremendously enjoyed this successful Rancho Cucamonga-based criminal defense partnership. For seven years, she worked tirelessly on behalf of hundreds of clients. Marcie represented adults and juveniles facing criminal prosecution in all types of cases. She also represented students facing expulsion proceedings in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. 1997-2003, Associate, Los Angeles Office, Kirkland & Ellis, LLP At Kirkland & Ellis, Marcie was involved in cutting-edge, complex civil litigation. Her practice was geared to defense of corporate clients. She balanced out her career with pro bono cases, including guardianship matters, litigating federal civil rights matters and assisting with the investigation and drafting of a habeas petition for a death row inmate. These pro bono matters reminded Marcie that her true passion was to fight for people whose liberties were at stake. While grateful for the high-caliber legal work she had at the civil firm, she felt her career would be much more satisfying if she could help people facing the prospect of jail or prison rather than working on cases where company profits were the bottom line. 1994-1997, Law School Internships Clerk at the Federal Public Defender’s Office, Volunteer Mediator at the Sacramento Mediation Center, and clerk at the Prison Law Office. For the latter, Marcie advocated for administrative relief for prisoners across the state who suffered many types of injustices while incarcerated.
Professional Associations/Memberships
Founder and first President, ieLAW (Inland Empire Legal Association of Women) Member, San Bernardino County Bar Association Volunteer Arbitrator for Attorney/Client Fee Disputes Member, Western San Bernardino County Bar Association Member. California Public Defender Association
Bar Admissions
California States Courts, 1997 United States District Court, Central District of California, 1997.
Publications and Features
“Working For Women.” IE Business Magazine (7/2010). Marcie was featured and quoted in the magazine for her work with ieLAW. “Person of the Week.” Featured in the San Bernardino Bulletin (3/2010). “Key Comparisons of Adult Criminal and Juvenile Delinquency Defense.” Published in San Bernardino County Bar Association Bulletin (9/2007) and Western San Bernardino County Bar Association Bulletin (7/2007). “Representing Students at Expulsion Hearings.” Published in San Bernardino County Bar Association Bulletin (12/2008) and Western San Bernardino County Bar Association Bulletin (11/2008).
Community Involvement
Finally, Marcie’s ties to this area are deeper than her law firm practice. A firm believer in community outreach, she founded and became the first President of ieLAW, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated, in part, to advancing the interests of women in the community. In just a few years, ieLAW has sponsored numerous events to help struggling members of this community. For example, ieLAW has hosted holiday parties at a local shelter for abused or runaway teens, held mock trials at disadvantaged elementary schools, and organized food drives for the needy. Several years ago, Marcie also developed a volunteer organization for students at a local elementary school, which she still spearheads to this day. Through this group, she has assisted students in a wide variety of community projects, such as: funding a sick child’s wish through the inspiring Make-A-Wish Foundation; writing holiday cards to soldiers; donating Halloween candy to charitable groups; gathering hundreds of books, DVD’s and stuffed animals for hospitalized children; gathering needed items for the Inland Valley Humane Society; and donating over 800 pairs of shoes to the Haiti earthquake victims. Moreover, Marcie is a Board Member of a local Educational Foundation.