Saku E. Ethir  earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at California State University Long Beach in 1995. Saku then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate (JD) at Western State University College of Law in 1999.  Saku was admitted to the California State Bar in 1999.

 Prior to joining Lackie, Dammeier & McGill APC, in 2001, Saku worked for another police defense firm from 1999-2001 adding to her experience in arbitrations, administrative hearings, mediations, court appearances, depositions, internal affairs interrogations, and Skelly hearings.  During this time Saku gained significant experience in the police disciplinary process; gained significant familiarity with the the Peace Officers Procedural Bill of Rights.  During this period before Saku joined LDM she was involved in handling the now infamous Rampart related cases for Boards of Rights; participated in seven Rampart related Boards of Rights with "Not Guilty" Verdicts in all seven; represented Rampart officers in internal affairs interrogations.

Saku joined Lackie, Dammeier & McGill APC in March of 2001 and is among the senior associates in the Firm. Saku is a police defense specialist, handling administrative cases from inception through the appeal process.  At LDM she has successfully litigated numerous wrongful termination cases and demotion cases involving allegations of dishonesty, excessive force, sexual harassment, traffic related incidents, and multiple other department policy violations and penal code violations. Saku has been successful in getting discipline suspensions reduced or overturned in many cases for Officers. She has also been successful, via City Personnel Boards decisions, Los Angeles Civil Service Commission decisions and Arbitrator decisions, in getting countless officers reinstated to their positions, and made whole as to wages and benefits, following their terminations. 

Saku is also known in the firm as the go to attorney for issues involving denials of CCW Endorsements for retired officers. She has been successful in several Appeal Hearings challenging Police Chiefs' denials of the endorsement.

Another area of expertise Saku has is in the area of Restraining Orders. On numerous occasions, in Court, Saku has successfully opposed attempts by civilians to obtain Restraining Orders (RO) against officers.

Saku's track record as an LDF panel attorney is among the top, if not the best, in the State when it comes to fighting termination cases involving police officers.  With her fierce dedication to her clients, it is no surprise she is among the top selected attorneys in the State in fighting disciplinary cases.

Email Saku at Saku@policeattorney.com