Taylor F. Williams-Moniz is a partner with Donahoe Young & Williams LLP, directing her practice toward civil litigation, including real estate, business transactions and bankruptcy matters, as well as probate, estate planning, and landlord/tenant issues. Ms. Williams-Moniz was admitted to the California Bar in 2011, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court (Central and Eastern Districts of California), Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association, and San Fernando Valley Bar Association. Taylor serves on the Board of Directors of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association as Trustee, and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association as President.
Ms. Williams-Moniz graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 2008. While completing her undergraduate studies, Ms. Williams-Moniz studied abroad in Sicily, Italy at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences and focused on the Italian Mafia. Ms. Williams-Moniz received her Juris Doctor in 2011 from Pepperdine University School of Law. While in law school, Ms. Williams-Moniz clerked for the Governor of Texas. In addition, Ms. Williams-Moniz served as Associate Editor of the Journal for Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law. Prior to joining Donahoe & Young LLP in September 2012, Ms. Williams-Moniz practiced civil litigation with another firm in Los Angeles.
Ms. Williams-Moniz volunteers with Reading to Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading. She also volunteers monthly with the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. She also enjoys running, yoga, wine tasting and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.
How did you get started in your career?
After law school the market was ‘decent.’ Thankfully I received a job offer from a solo-practitioner whose practice included pretty much all areas of the law. It was a great first job so that I could get my feet wet and gain experience actually practicing law. When that attorney moved his practice to Oxnard in 2012, I joined Donahoe & Young LLP in Santa Clarita.
How has your business grown?
DY&W’s Valencia office started with one partner, Mark T. Young, an associate, myself, and an office manager, Sherry Young. In 2012, DY&W (formerly Donahoe & Young LLP) began slowly adding associates and staff. DY&W now has three partners, four associates, and seven staff members. DY&W has also expanded its practice to include immigration, high-level tax related estate planning as well as more complex business matters. We are very proud of our grown and our ability to help the Santa Clarita community.
How does your firm help the Santa Clarita Community?
DY&W has had an office in Santa Clarita since 2007 and is extremely involved in the community. DY&W is actively involved in Bridge to Home, VIA, a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Business Group, and the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley Bar Associations. DY&W has a wide range of practice areas including real estate transactions and litigation, bankruptcy, estate planning, probate and related litigation, immigration as well as general business matters. The majority of DY&W’s partners and employees live in or around Santa Clarita.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Gregg is a pilot with Sky West airlines. We have to awesome dogs, Flynn and Felix, and a little one on the way (due August 2021).
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
One of the many things I enjoy about my career is that no two days are alike and no two clients are alike. This keeps things interesting and challenging, which I appreciate. I also get great satisfaction helping my clients navigate difficult situations.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Salt Creek, of course (ahi salad, no tomatoes and no potatoes is my go to). I also frequent Azul Tequila, the Local and Marstons. For a night out, we love Larsens.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked in the community since September 2012. I feel like I live in Santa Clarita as I spend so much time there!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a toss up- I would say my partner Mark Young and Phil Nordella. Mark is an excellent attorney but also just a fun/quirky guy who is extremely involved in the community. Phil is the ‘mayor’ of the SC real estate market and also an extremely fun and charismatic guy.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bora Bora. My husband and I didn’t get a honeymoon due to Covid- we had plans to go to Bora Bora.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Who can pick one movie? Big, the Usual Suspects and Pride and Prejudice. I don’t watch a lot of TV, so I would say anything on HGTV or the Food Network.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
1) TFS. Think, filter, speak. My dad taught me that and I use that advice daily. 2) Work the problem. Don’t get overwhelmed- there is always a solution.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to open/invest heavily in an animal rescue sanctuary.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Van Morrison Pandora station.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Wine 661. I went there as sort of an accident before an interview (sorry, Mark) and I’ve been frequenting it ever since.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Hanks. He seems wise, grounded and must have great stories. I would take him to Salt Creek and sit outside.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The community is small but mighty. Overall the residents are happy, willing to help each other and take pride in the community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Happy, healthy, fulfilled at work, hopefully with 2 kiddos and enjoying life with my husband.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My original career path was theater/dance/opera.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ortigia, Sicily, Italy. I lived there in College. I can’t wait to go back.
