Mountain Path
Carmela Birnbaum, Singleton Schreiber Photo

Overview

Carmela Birnbaum is a member of our personal injury and wrongful death division and a seasoned attorney who has helped hundreds of clients make recoveries in their personal injury cases. With more than a decade of experience, Ms. Birnbaum is dedicated to her clients and fights vigorously for their interests. She places a premium on communicating with her clients and providing clear guidance throughout the legal process.  
 
Early in her career, Ms. Birnbaum worked as a public defender with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, representing indigent clients in their criminal cases. During that time, she gained invaluable trial experience and developed an abiding passion for trial work. Ms. Birnbaum has continued to do trial work, achieving winning results alongside her colleagues.

Ms. Birnbaum earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, where she subsequently attended law school. While in law school, she held internships at the California State Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). 

Ms. Birnbaum is a member of several professional organizations, including San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association (SDLRLA), Latinas in the Law, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Society of Women Trial Lawyers, The North County Bar Association, and Consumer Attorneys of California.

She serves as a volunteer mentor for the Crawford High School Law Academy and as a law student mentor for Latinas in the Law. She also volunteers with the Notre Dame Club of San Diego. Along with several colleagues in the San Diego legal community, Ms. Birnbaum co-founded a professional and social support group for women attorneys.

In her free time, Ms. Birnbaum enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.

Case Results

  • $243 Million Verdict Against Tesla in fatal Autopilot crash

    A federal jury in Florida has ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages over a 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system. Brett Schreiber, Partner at Singleton Schreiber and lead counsel for the plaintiffs, emphasized Tesla’s negligence, stating, “Tesla designed Autopilot only for controlled access highways yet deliberately chose not to restrict drivers from using it elsewhere… Today’s verdict represents justice for Naibel’s tragic death and Dillon’s lifelong injuries.” This marks the first time the company has been held liable in a wrongful death trial related to its driver-assist technology. The crash killed Naibel Benavides Leon and left Dillon Angulo with permanent injuries. The ruling could have sweeping implications for future litigation and the broader autonomous vehicle industry.

  • Jury Awards $600,000 to Injured San Diego Veteran in Gym Negligence Case

    Singleton Schreiber secured a $600,000 settlement on behalf of a client who was severely injured at a local gym. While walking toward his favorite treadmill, another patron on a Stairmaster, moving with momentum and without looking behind him, crashed into our client. The impact caused our client to fall, breaking his hip and wrist, both of which required emergency surgery. Despite the gym initially downplaying its responsibility, the medical and liability evidence was compelling, and the defense agreed to settle the full amount before trial.

  • $1.3 Million Trip and Fall Settlement at Dentist’s Office for Severe Spinal Injury

    Singleton Schreiber secured a $1.3 million settlement for a woman who suffered serious spinal injuries in a trip and fall accident at a dentist’s office. The injury occurred when a large electrical cord was left unsecured on the floor near the dental chair, creating a dangerous hazard. After completing her dental treatment, the patient stood up and tripped over the cord, causing a severe fall that fractured her spine. As a result of the dentist’s negligence and unsafe conditions, she required life-altering spinal surgery and ongoing medical care.

Professional Affiliations

Membership

Volunteer Mentor, Crawford High School Law Academy

Volunteer Mentor, Latinas in the Law

Board Member, North Country Bar Association

Member, CASD, Women's Caucus

Co-founder, Justice Jewels

Member, Society of Women Trial Lawyers

Member, Latinas in the Law

Member, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association

Member, Consumer Attorneys of California

Member, North County Bar Association

News & Publications

News

Speaking Engagements

Education

University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley School of Law

Admissions

  • State of California

Languages

  • English

Firm News

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