Mackenzie L. Johnson

Mackenzie L. Johnson is an Associate Attorney at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala and a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. Mackenzie is an integral part of the firm’s California sexual abuse team, frequently representing children, adults victimized as children, and adult survivors in institutional abuse.

Mackenzie serves as a uniquely qualified advocate for survivors, prioritizing connection and honesty above all else. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself and a bilingual attorney, Mackenzie genuinely empathizes and supports her clients in ways most attorneys cannot. She focuses on forging a holistic, client-centered relationship that empowers survivors to both have a voice and be heard. Her wealth of experience and passion for justice gives her the drive necessary to accomplish her client’s litigation goals, allowing her to fight ceaselessly on their behalf.

Since beginning her law career, Mackenzie has exclusively focused on the representation of survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and molestation against school districts, public entities, and private entities throughout California. Prior to Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, she gained significant experience as an Associate Attorney with firms specializing in high-stakes childhood sexual abuse cases—such as against the Roman Catholic Church, USC, and UCLA. Mackenzie has consistently secured six-figure and multi-million-dollar settlements on behalf of her clients including a $17,050,000 settlement against a California school district.

Outside of the firm, Mackenzie is a member of the Orange County Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division, the Orange County Women Lawyers Association, and the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. She is passionate about giving back, often volunteering at her local animal shelter–OC Animal Care–and giving back by attending women’s marches, advocating on behalf of oppressed and marginalized groups, and donating to charitable organizations. Additionally, as a law student, Mackenzie took part in the Bette and Wylie Aitken Family Protection Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to low-income, homeless, and undocumented survivors of intimate partner violence.

Mackenzie received a B.A. in International Relations, a B.A. in French, and a minor in Ethics, Justice, and Policy from California State University, Chico. There, she frequented the Dean’s list each semester and was a member of the International Foreign Language Honor Society, Phi Sigma Iota. Mackenzie graduated cum laude with her J.D. from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law with an emphasis in International Law. During law school, Mackenzie served as President of the Chapman Women’s Lawyers Association, President of the International Law Society, and as the Public Relations Director for the Student Bar Association. She also spent a summer abroad in Tel Aviv, Israel as an intern for the Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women.

Mackenzie officially joined PCVA in January 2025, excited to continue the fight on behalf of sexual abuse survivors. “At PCVA, I have the ability and opportunity to help more survivors, to make a bigger impact. Here, I can help more people achieve justice and seek closure on what is likely one of the most challenging experiences of their lifetime.”