Chelsea Epps joined California State University's Office of General Counsel in April 2017. Chelsea is University Counsel for California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She previously served in a similar role at California State University, Bakersfield and California State University, San Marcos. In addition to her responsibilities as University Counsel, Chelsea also serves as a member of the Office of General Counsel External Relations Team and a resource attorney for Intellectual Property, Records Access, Conflict of Interest matters, Trademark, Copyright, & Tech Transfer, EH&S and Campus Safety.
Prior to joining the CSU, Chelsea was a partner in the Intellectual Property, Business Litigation and Corporate/Securities sections of Rutan & Tucker, LLP, and a member of the firm's Cybersecurity, Apparel and Appellate practice groups. At Rutan, Chelsea represented entities and individuals in a number of substantive areas, including breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition, real property disputes, intellectual property and publicity rights, privacy and data security, marketing and advertising law, FTC compliance, licensing, e-commerce, product distribution, and social media and online best practices. Chelsea litigated disputes in both state and federal courts and in adversary proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Chelsea also handled various pro bono matters, including representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. Chelsea is admitted to practice law in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California.
Education:
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center (2008)
- Center for Applied Legal Studies clinic (successfully obtained asylum for Cameroonian refugee after arguing case before federal immigration judge)
- Certificate in Refugee and Humanitarian Emergencies
- Pro Bono Pledge Honoree (completed over 75 hours of pro bono legal services)
- B.A., Sociology and Law and Society, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004) (high honors)
Honors:
- Southern California Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2016-2017)
- OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Honoree (2015)
- Recipient of Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for contributing more than 50 hours of pro bono legal services to the Public Law Center (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014)
- Successful representation of asylum applicant featured in video presentation at the Public Law Center's Volunteers for Justice Gala (2013) and Association of Business Trial Lawyers Dinner Program (2015)
Publications and Speaking Engagements:
- “Is Your Website Privacy Policy Compliant? An overview of California laws concerning website privacy policies and practices," Orange County Business Journal, October 2016
- Speaker, “How to Advertise and Conduct Legally Compliant Online Sweepstakes, Contests and Promotions," Rutan & Tucker, LLP, In-House MCLE, August 2016
- Speaker, “Best Practices for Online Marketing and Brand Building," Rutan & Tucker, LLP, In-House MCLE, April 2016
Contact:
Phone: (562) 951-4500
Fax: (562) 951-4956
cepps@calstate.edu
Support Staff:
Elizabeth Horta