Griffith, Young & Lass

Attorney John N. Griffith

John Griffith has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2009. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist certified as an expert in the area of family law by the California Board of Legal Specialization.

Prior to opening Griffith, Young & Lass, he worked as the managing partner of one of the largest family law firms in North County San Diego.

John Griffth’s local family law practice has expanded quickly and his reputation for competent and ethical practice continues to grow as more and more residents of Carlsbad and North County experience the benefits of working with John and the entire team at GYL.

In his free time, he enjoys sports, skiing, and an occasional triathlon.

Attorney Catie E. Young

Catie E. Young excels in child custody cases and move-away trials. She has a unique approach to child custody cases and clients of Griffith, Young & Lass tend to gravitate toward her in these cases.

Since joining the firm, she has continuously brought her zeal and compassion to representing clients in child custody and domestic violence cases, and in December 2011, she became a partner at Griffith, Young & Lass.

Her professional career includes a wide range of litigation experience. To date, she has practiced civil litigation, business litigation, white-collar criminal defense, juvenile dependency, and national security clearance law. She has successfully represented clients in many areas of family law as well, including child support, child custody, divorce, and domestic violence.

Attorney Noelle J. Slattery

Noelle J. Slattery, Esq. has a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts/Acting from Emerson College in Boston and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. She specializes in high conflict litigation, but is equally adept at settlement. She has been practicing exclusively family law for sixteen and a half years, primarily litigating short and long trials. She plans to join the Minor’s Counsel panel in the near future, for which she has met the qualifications. 

Ms. Slattery is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. In her limited free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their large family.

Ms. Slattery currently works out of Griffith, Young & Lass' Poway location.

Attorney Eric Cowdery

Eric Cowdery earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before earning his JD from Golden Gate University as part of the Honors Lawyering Program. He was admitted to the California Bar Association in 2013 and has been working diligently in the field ever since.

Taking a personalized approach to each family law case, Eric Cowdery is committed to working with clients to help them through the often confusing and complex legal process of divorce.

He spends most of his free time attending hockey games with his children and playing bass guitar with his band.

Attorney Joshua Yee

Attorney Joshua Yee received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego. Joshua went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco.

During his time in law school, Josh worked in several areas of the law, including immigration, bankruptcy, and family law. His experience working with a local Certified Family Law Specialist solidified his desire to become a family law attorney.

Since becoming an attorney, Josh has exclusively practiced in family law. He has worked for several well-respected Certified Family Law Specialists and was responsible for assisting the attorneys in many cases, as well as handling some of his own clients.

Attorney Shaudi Malekzadeh

Shaudi is a Carlsbad family law attorney at Griffith, Young & Lass, advocating for the rights and interests of Southern California families in a variety of family law cases such as child custody, spousal support, and the division of community property.

Attorney Malekzadeh is committed to delivering effective legal representation to our clients, aggressively advocating for their legal rights, and offering compassionate legal advice.

Shaudi completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California San Diego, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Dance. Shaudi went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from University of San Diego School of Law in 2018.

During law school, she worked as a legal intern for the Family Law Facilitator’s Office. Shortly after, she passed the California bar exam and was admitted to the State Bar of California to practice law.

Attorney Lea Trojanowski

Lea Trojanowski is an attorney with Griffith, Young, and Lass, joining the firm in March 2021. Her pragmatic and level-headed approach to family law has allowed her to be successful in even the most emotional family law cases.

Lea has effectively represented clients in a wide range of family law proceedings but is particularly drawn to domestic violence restraining order cases. Lea, a native of Connecticut, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Masters of Science degree in Secondary Education from Hofstra University in New York.

Lea went on to pursue her Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law. While at California Western, Lea completed various internships in family, civil, and compliance law but found her passion for family law. Lea enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her Basset Hound Boomer, watching sports and spending time on the water in her free time.

Attorney Greyson Sharp

Greyson Sharp received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno. After attending CSU, Greyson received his Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May 2019 and was admitted to the California Bar Association in November 2019.

Greyson joined Griffith, Young & Lass in March 2021. Greyson volunteered for the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program at their Domestic Violence Clinic in Vista during his time in law school. Outside of work, Greyson enjoys practicing martial arts, rock climbing, and hiking.

Greyson’s practical, client-focused approach to family law enables him to provide high-quality services to clients across a wide range of practice areas, including divorce, domestic violence disputes, property division cases, child custody and support cases, and more.

Attorney Brittany Van Ryder

Brittany Van Ryder joined Griffith, Young, and Lass as a Bar Clerk in September 2022. She became an Associate Attorney at the firm in January 2023 after being admitted to the California Bar Association. While just starting in her professional career as a family law attorney, Brittany is committed to working hard to help advocate for Griffith, Young, and Lass clients.

Brittany completed her undergraduate education at the University of California, San Diego, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy. She then went on to pursue her Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego.

During her time in law school, Brittany interned at various nonprofits that focus on family law and specifically domestic violence. She also held many leadership roles and worked as a tutor in her 2L and 3L years.

In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, hiking, and trying different restaurants throughout San Diego.

Attorney Karissa Piralla

A San Diego native, Karissa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from UCSD and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. With over a decade of professional experience, she brings diverse legal skills to our firm.

Karissa is a fierce advocate for her clients. She capitalizes on her effective writing and presentation skills in all levels of representation, from trial court proceedings to appellate review. Combined with a passion for legal research and an eye for detail, she is decisive in helping clients achieve their legal goals.

Karissa is straightforward and analytical but takes an emotionally intelligent approach when working with clients. Her priority is to support people as they navigate what often feels like a confusing and stressful process. She aims to help clients understand the law and their options while remaining responsive and available to answer questions.

Whether assisting those who want to amicably resolve their family law matter or advocating for clients in high-conflict cases, Karissa dedicates herself to treating everyone with the care and individual attention they deserve.