Severson and Werson

Elena Kouvabina is an associate practicing in Severson & Werson’s Financial Services Litigation group.  Ms. Kouvabina defends financial institutions against consumer and class actions in state and federal courts.

Prior to joining Severson & Werson, Ms. Kouvabina practiced at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in San Francisco.  She represented clients in complex litigation matters, including securities litigation, commercial litigation, and trade secret litigation.

Ms. Kouvabina received an LL.M. degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a Diplôme D’études Approfondies (Master of Advanced Studies) in Business Law from the University of Paris-II Pantheon-Assas.  She also holds a B.A. in law from the University of Paris-II Pantheon-Assas.

Ms. Kouvabina is admitted to practice in California and New York.  She is fluent in Russian and French.

Ms. Kouvabina's primary area of legal practice is Financial Services Litigation.

Ms. Kouvabina's specific experience includes:

Financial Institution Litigation: Representation of financial institutions, primarily mortgage lenders, auto finance companies, and loan servicers, in suits raising a variety of lender liability claims.  

Business and Commercial Litigation: Prosecute and defend actions arising from complex business transactions, fiduciary relationships, partnerships, suretyships, employment termination, and business torts.  

Class Actions: Representation of mortgage banking companies, auto finance companies, and financial institutions in class actions raising claims based on statutory violations, unfair business practices, breach of contract, and fraud.

Biographical Information:

Employment History: Joined Severson & Werson in February 2011; Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, San Francisco, California, Associate, Litigation Department, 2005-2011; Bird Marella, LLP, Los Angeles, California, Law Clerk, Litigation Department, 2003-2005.  

Education:
Master of Law, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, 2003.
Diplôme D’études Approfondies (Master of Advanced Studies), Business Law, University of Paris-II Pantheon-Assas, 2002.  
B.A., Law, University of Paris-II Pantheon-Assas, 2001.

Admitted to Practice:  New York, 2004; California, 2005.

Professional Affiliations: California Bar Association, New York Bar Association.

Publications

• “Do Top-Up Options Violate California’s 50/90 Rule?”
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• "Current Topics on Securities Litigation," 42nd Annual Institute on Securities Regulation Handbook, Practicing Law Institute, 2010.