Natalie Kordnaij is a powerhouse attorney at Carpenter & Zuckerman, widely recognized for her unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of those harmed by others’ negligence and wrongdoing. Her practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, sexual abuse and misconduct, premises liability, and dangerous condition cases involving both public and private property. Natalie is known for her fierce advocacy, meticulous preparation, and ability to secure high-value results for her clients.
With a reputation for going head-to-head with powerful defendants—including large corporations, insurance companies, and government entities such as the California Department of Transportation and unified school districts across California—Natalie brings relentless energy and strategic insight to every case. She has helped recover tens of millions of dollars in settlements and continues to fight for the rights of California’s most vulnerable individuals.
Before joining Carpenter & Zuckerman, Natalie was a trial attorney at a prominent personal injury firm in Calabasas, where she managed a demanding caseload of 40–50 complex cases from pleadings through trial. She has taken and defended more than 100 depositions, including parties, witnesses, and experts. She has successfully opposed motions for summary judgment, drafted and argued motions that resulted in sanctions against the defense, and has led negotiations in high-stakes mediations. Her ability to evaluate high-value cases, build strong trial strategies, and secure favorable outcomes quickly distinguished her as a rising star in the field.
Born and raised in Southern California, Natalie is fluent in Farsi and proudly serves clients from a wide range of backgrounds. She is deeply committed to giving back through community service and has volunteered with organizations including the Los Angeles Mission, Mary’s Kitchen, and the Blind Children’s Learning Center.
Outside of her legal work, Natalie enjoys international travel, practicing yoga, and has a special passion for exploring new cuisines and dining experiences. Her focus, discipline, and competitive spirit are evident both in and out of the courtroom.
Education
Natalie earned her Juris Doctor from Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she received CALI Awards for Excellence in Evidence and Transactional Practice. During law school, she was actively involved in the Chapman Women Lawyers Association and served as a BARBRI Student Representative.
She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Control, from Chapman University. While an undergraduate, she served as a research assistant and was involved in a project led by the Department of Homeland Security to help counter violent extremism.
