Meet Our Criminal Defense Team

D.J. Rausa

D.J. Rausa has specialized in consumer bankruptcy since 1994. He has twice served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Bankruptcy Forum; D.J. has helped thousands of San Diego residents seek debt relief with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

After new bankruptcy rules went into effect in 2005, D.J. was one of the first lawyers in San Diego County to shape the interpretations of the new code. His cases continue to influence interpretations of recent federal changes. A lecturer on bankruptcy and foreclosure law, D.J. has been asked to speak on bankruptcy law topics for media outlets such as San Diego business radio talk shows and groups such as consumer credit counselors and real estate professionals.

D.J. maintains memberships in the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the California and San Diego Bankruptcy Forums. He also serves as a panel mediator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California and was recently appointed to serve on the Local Bankruptcy Rules Committee.

An avid cyclist, D.J. spends much of his free time as a coach for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, which raises funds for blood cancer research, education and patient services. He and his wife enjoy life on the bay as well as rock hounding trips to the desert, scuba diving, and vacations for cycling and running events.

Shannon R. Smith

Shannon R. Smith is an attorney for the criminal division of the Sevens Legal Law Firm. Mrs. Smith brings 8 years of experience as a criminal attorney to the benefit of her clients. Mrs. Smith began her legal career as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender for the county of San Diego. While working as an APD she handled hundreds of cases and over 75 Bench Trials.

In 2005, Mrs. Smith went into private practice as a criminal defense attorney specializing in DUI cases. Over the past 6 years she has handled hundreds of DUI and criminal cases in San Diego County. Mrs. Smith has undertaken numerous hours of DUI training, attending many training seminars and including being certified to administer Field Sobriety Tests. Mrs. Smith is well respected in the San Diego legal community including among Judges and Prosecutors for her legal knowledge, professionalism, and friendly demeanor.

Mrs. Smith earned her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego and completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Oregon.

Samantha Greene

Samantha Greene is an attorney for the criminal department of Sevens Legal. Mrs. Greene brings 10 years of experience as a criminal attorney to the benefit of her clients. Mrs. Greene began her legal career working as a small criminal defense practice in San Diego.

In 2011, Mrs.Greene went into private practice as a criminal defense attorney specializing in both felony and misdemeanor matters.  Mrs. Greene is well respected in the San Diego legal community, including among Judges and Prosecutors for her experience and professionalism. 

Mrs. Greene earned her law degree from the University of San Diego, School of Law in San Diego and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Perla Ruiz

Perla Ruiz joined Sevens Legal as a Paralegal in September 2010. As a member of the Bankruptcy department, she works directly with all attorneys’ in preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions. Perla is committed in exceeding Sevens Legal’s standard of excellent customer service.

Perla was born and raised in beautiful Santa Barbara. She moved to San Diego to pursue her education at San Diego State University, where she received her degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Political Science. Perla completed her undergraduate degree at Oxford University, England where she studied International Law. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Perla attended the University of San Diego’s Paralegal Program. Perla Graduated from USD Program in winter of 2009.

Perla lives in Mission Valley with her dog Patches and her two cats. During her free time she enjoys shopping, practicing yoga, taking Patches to dog beach, visiting her family in Santa Barbara and traveling the world. Perla enjoys cheering on her favorite sport teams, including the New York Yankees, 49ERS, and the Chicago Bulls and most importantly cheering on SDSU athletics.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela is Sevens Legal's marketing manager and criminal defense paralegal. In these dual roles, Pamela is in the unique position to positively reach the public and generate clientele, while simultaneously handling the clients' cases once they sign up. Pamela works on both sides of the business process, ensuring that clients are receiving consistent, quality legal services for their respective needs.

Pamela graduated from San Diego State University in 2004 receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Political Science. After graduating, she worked as a Manager at an Educational Center. During this time she was called for jury duty and placed to serve as a juror for a criminal trial. After this experience, she applied and attended the University of San Diego's Paralegal Program, graduating with honors. Her exceptional education has translated well in the legal field, as she competently handles a variety of criminal defense matters. Regardless of your potential case, Pamela has the experience to assist the attorney's in reaching a positive resolution. Additionally, Pamela is extremely personable, providing an element of comfort for clients through the difficult legal process.

Pamela was born and raised in Southern California. She loves to travel and see new places. She has lived in Thailand and traveled the Pacific Rim by ship. When Pamela is not at work you will find her on the beach, surfing, playing softball, attending Padres games, and spending time with her family and friends.

Faye McDonald

Faye McDonald began working as a Paralegal in 2009. As a Bankruptcy Paralegal, she works with clients from beginning to end to ensure that all of the necessary documents are collected; she prepares bankruptcy petitions, and ensures that timelines are adhered to. Faye prides herself on her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring that every case is given adequate time and consideration.

Faye was born in San Francisco but spent most of her youth in Orange County with her parents and two brothers. Upon graduation from high school, she moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University. Faye graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of Political Science in 2004.

Faye lives in San Diego with her husband Greg and their daughter. Faye spends all of her free time with her family enjoying local attractions like SeaWorld, the Zoo, and Disneyland.

Colleen Doyle

Colleen Doyle is the Business Development Manager as well as a legal assistant at Sevens Legal . She helps to facilitate community outreach and works to expand the name and image of the firm. She also helps to maintain relations with the firm's venders. Her responsibilities include the intake of new clients and helping to exceed client expectation.

Colleen grew up in Fresno, California. After High school she went to the University of California, Riverside where she graduated with a degree in American History. During her time at UCR Colleen worked as a middle school English tutor and was President of the Zeta Lambda chapter of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She was also a member of the scholastic honor society Order of Omega.

Colleen is a recent resident of San Diego and couldn't love it more. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family. As a baseball fan she takes every opportunity to watch the padres. She also loves to take advantage of all the wonderful museums and history that San Diego has to offer.