Yona Elishis

Biography

Yona Elishis joined Pepperdine Law School as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Law in 2018 where she serves as a mediator in the Faith and Family Mediation clinic.  

Professor Elishis has been with the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of Los Angeles (JDAC) as a mediation consultant since 2015. JDAC functions as a non-profit organization that provides pro-bono services to individuals and couples navigating dual civil and religious process of divorce, with the goal of finding amicable, timely and cost efficient resolutions. Students in Pepperdine’s Faith and Family Mediation clinic work in the field with JDAC to complete their requirements.  

Professor Elishis obtained her law degree in 2004 from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and completed her final year of schooling in New York City at Columbia Law School. Professor Elishis went on to obtain her Masters in Law (LL.M) from NYU Law School with a focus on Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Professor Elishis practiced family law at the firm of McCarthy Tetrault in Toronto where she trained with many of Canada's highest profile divorce attorneys and worked diligently to help families resolve their legal disputes effectively and equitably. Prior to this, Professor Elishis practiced corporate law at the firm Paul Weiss in New York City.

In addition to her work at JDAC, Professor Elishis has started several creative venture’s including a successful children's clothing business where she is able to channel her artistic energies. She is also involved in various community projects and boards and most importantly raising her five children.