Isabel Cesanto Safie

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to our attorney, Ms. Isabel Safie of BB&K, for her superb legal work and representation during our college Foundation's case involving CalPERS. From our initial consultation, it was clear that Ms. Safie possessed the insight, practical knowledge, and downright gumption to navigate the complexities of our case and lead us to what would ultimately be a favorable outcome for all parties. Isabel's understanding of the CalPERS pension system is unmatched, and her professionalism and friendly demeanor also go a long way toward creating a positive experience in an otherwise unpleasant and challenging situation. It is without reservation that I highly recommend Isabel and her firm.

Isabel is our attorney that we (the district), have been working with in a large and complex PERS case. She is extremely knowledgeable in this arena and she is very responsive on even minor questions that we have had. I have found her to be very professional, organized, reliable, and very good at explaining at complex issues that I had to deal with. When it comes to PERS issues, I trust her skills and judgement completely. Excellent, excellent, work!

I am the CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District that covers San Diego’s East County region. The District was referred to Ms. Safie by our General Counsel for her knowledge and understanding of CalPERS retirement laws. Ms. Safie’s approach to our case was thoughtful and compassionate. She handled the situation with intellectual precision while diplomatically and professionally engaging all parties. The outcome was a true “win” for everyone involved and was the direct result of Ms. Safie’s efforts. Our District will be forever grateful.

Isabel is one of the best attorneys in California. Our agency hired her to solve an IRS issue that dealt with benefits. She explained everything in a non-attorney language that helped me understand exactly what needed to be done. She provided options too. She communicated well throughout the whole process. And, she made sure she was on our case until it was solved. If you are looking for an attorney who likes to produce results - then, look no further. I’m confident Isabel can solve your legal issues too.

I am the General Manager of a Community Services District, a California local government agency. The District retained Isabel C. Safie 4 years ago to guide us through the process of reducing the CalPERS Unfunded Liability that has grown to a threatening amount over many years. Her expertise and learned advice is enabling the District to work toward a reasonable solution which is still a work in progress. The issues were far too complex for us to manage, and Isabel Safie guides us along with her knowledge, expertise and creative advice. Additionally, she assisted us with a solution to an HR issue involving CalPERS. Isabel Safie guided us through the highly complicated process at CalPERS and the results have been 100% successful. Isabel Safie is very easy to work with, takes care of the client and gets results!

Ms. Safie was recommended to me by General Counsel as an expert on the Public Employees Retirement Law. She is not only knowledgeable of PERL, her understanding was more comprehensive than the employees at the pension agency. Isabel was able to 1) help my agency navigate the complicated pension process; 2) cut through the red tape at the pension agency; and 3) explain to me and to the governing board the situation and the options available to us in clear, easily understandable language. I am forever indebted to Ms. Safie for her counsel during that time.

Our organization has worked with Isabel Cesanto Safie over many years. She is consistently professional and diligent in addressing issues. Most recently she was instrumental in resolving a very complex situation that saved the District a protracted legal fight. I appreciate her ability to collaborate on the best approach to various HR matters. Her knowledge and experience is evident in her recommendations and resolutions.

I contacted Ms. Safie to represent me regarding a retirement issue upon a recommendation and retained her immediately as she was well versed with CalPERS issues. She was thorough in her handling of my case and always accessible. Ms. Safie handled my case with record speed and I received a favorable outcome. She made me feel comfortable, discussed her proposed strategy, which was realistic and fair. I highly recommend Ms. Safie and her law firm!

From my initial phone consultation, Isabel relieved my stress and reassured me. She was responsive and supportive during the process of my case and I couldn't have hoped for a better resolution. I would recommend her 100 times out of 100.

Isabel safie was my guiding light I felt my world was coming apart and she had to speak to my son. She was always there for us whenevercwe called her. She made us feel we could take a breath Because of her i started to sleep at night. She was wonderful and settled my case as soon as she could. I would recommend her highly