TONIA T. TANGUAY, ESQ.

I grew up in Upstate New York as a member of a large extended family. Raised with a strong work ethic and having even a stronger will, the notion of being an attorney was talked about often.  I especially liked the idea of helping others.  I left the rural Finger Lakes area to attend University of Albany where I graduated in 1989 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Business.  Being in the State Capitol, I was drawn to government and started out as a legislative intern.  I then moved on to Washington, D.C. where I gained additional life and work experience interfacing with Capitol Hill. The experiences were valuable in many respects and ultimately led me back to the notion of being an attorney,

In 1992, I started the adventure of my lifetime.  I met my husband, I moved to California and I went to law school.  I graduated cum laude from Whittier Law School in 1995.  I was a member of Law Review, received an Amerijurisprudence Award for Excellence in Criminal Law and . . .

My early legal career involved working as an Associate with insurance defense firms focusing on matters of construction defect litigation, insurance and transactional law.  This trial based experience in this setting provided excellent training in investigation, analysis, advocacy and negotiation.  The broad range of skills required to advance and defend the range of claims involving construction, contract, insurance, real estate and business matters provided an essential foundation in advocating for Policyholders.

As I matured in the practice of law however, I sought to offer my services in a small firm setting.  This allowed me to represent the individual or the business owner in their legal needs bringing me back to my small town values.  I was fortunate to work with Nokes & Quinn, a Laguna Beach based law firm where I continued serving clients in litigation focused on construction, insurance and business matters.

It was then that I also decided to diversify my legal services in providing consultation for a start-up public adjusting firm.  For the next 20 years, I devoted my skill and support as a consultant and general counsel for this boutique adjusting firm.  With my legal training and background, the firm was successful in elevating its work product and resolving many, many complex and disputed matters.

I remain happily married with twin teenage daughters who I am proud to see have that familiar work ethic and sense of independence.

New Venture – Serving YOU Directly

As a further means of serving the community, I am now offering my services directly to YOU the Policyholder.

Retaining services directly with ACS to represent YOU at the claims stage, is a cost effective way benefit directly from my 25 years of experience and expertise.  As an attorney who has spent the last 20 years working exclusively on first party claims, I am uniquely equipped to assist in all aspects of residential and commercial claims.  As your Advocate, I am committed to assisting you in making certain that all rightful benefits are paid.

I am also able to provide services as an Appraiser or Umpire should your claim be postured for the Appraisal process.

I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your insurance claims.