In Praise of Kali Perkins

Emerald Law founder Edie Lerman had this to say about long-time ELG attorney Kali Perkins…

I’m nominating Kali for hometown hero: Champion for Justice, Advocate for the Underdog. At Emerald Law Group, we don’t just work with attorneys—we work with warriors. And Kali Perkins is exactly that.

When I first met Kali, she wasn’t just another young lawyer. She was on a mission—traveling the country, training under the legendary Tony Serra, one of the most renowned and fearless criminal defense attorneys in the world. She wasn’t just studying law—she was in the trenches, learning how to fight for the powerless, challenge the system, and win. It was clear from the start: Kali wasn’t here to take part. She was here to change lives. And that’s exactly what she does—for minorities, for the underserved, for the forgotten, for those who have no voice.

Whether she’s in the courtroom, taking on impossible cases and proving the doubters wrong, or at the local animal shelter, fighting for abandoned and abused dogs, Kali never backs down. She is fearless, brilliant, and relentless—a force of nature who refuses to let injustice win. Her generosity, compassion, and work ethic inspire everyone around her, including me. Ukiah is lucky to have her. Our clients are lucky to have her. And I’m beyond lucky to have her on our team.

Thank you, Kali Perkins, for being a true Hometown Hero—a champion of justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a warrior for what’s right.

— Edie Lerman, Emerald Law Group