Attorney Profiles

Carolyn A. Makupson

Carolyn A. Makupson, founding partner of the firm, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Loma Linda University in 1970, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of La Verne in 1986. Prior to practicing as an attorney, Carolyn was an elementary school teacher for 13 years, a vice principal for two years, and a principal for one year.

Carolyn has served extensively as a Judge Pro Tem in Los Angeles county since 1996. She has also been appointed by the court as minors' counsel to represent the interests of children in contested custody matters.

Carolyn is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law through which she has also done substantial pro bono work. From 1995 to 2003, Carolyn served on the Executive Committee for the Los Angeles County Bar Family Law Section.

In addition to her years of experience litigating family law cases, Carolyn has also worked to develop an established mediation practice. She has received mediation training through the Woody Mosten Program and is a member of the Pasadena Collaborative Divorce Group.

She is a member of California Women Lawyers, Black Women Lawyers, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, and Pasadena Bar Association.

Carolyn resides in Pasadena with her husband and their Italian greyhound, Nigel. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.

Kristen M. Howard

Kristen M. Howard, partner at the firm, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University in 1996 and her Juris Doctor degree from American College of Law in 2000. Before becoming partner, Kristen worked as a law clerk for Carolyn A. Makupson and completed an internship with the Los Angeles District Attorney's office.

Kristen has served as a volunteer for the Los Angeles County Bar Pro Bono Domestic Violence Project and as a volunteer for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law Pro Bono Attorney Panel. She also served as a committee member for the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law Annual Gospel Brunch fundraiser. Kristen is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and Pasadena Bar Association.

Kristen resides in Pasadena with her husband, their twins, and their Italian greyhound, Basil.

Erika R. Scheideman

Erika R. Scheideman is an associate attorney with the firm. She received her bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations with honors from Pacific Union College in 2006, and her Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2009 where she was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity.

During law school, she completed an internship at the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law where she gained experience assisting clients with their family law matters. Erika clerked for the firm while in law school and returned to work after taking the Bar Examination. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, and Pasadena Bar Association.

Erika lives in Sierra Madre and enjoys traveling, running and reading.


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