JFK University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
(1998)
San Jose State University, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics.
(1989)
California Western School of Law, San Diego
Juris Doctor
University of Hawaii, Manoa
Bachelors of Arts, Communications
(1995)
Concord Law School of Perdue University
Juris Doctorate (2007)
Graduate Gemologist
Gemological Institute of America (2004)
Kelly has practiced as a senior labor and employment attorney, acting as lead litigation counsel on complex wage/hour litigation for over twelve years, on some of the most noted employment class action cases in the country. She is experienced in all areas of labor and employment matters, including, but not limited to: complex wage/hour, class action cases, PAGA, prevailing wage, NLRB union elections, collective bargaining, discrimination, harassment, EEOC matters, wrongful termination, workers compensation, OSHA, FCRA, FMLA and ADA matters.
Kelly is also experienced with providing advice and counsel for business clients, including, but not limited to reviewing policies and procedures for compliance with current law, drafting employee handbooks, human resources policies and procedures, negotiating and drafting executive employment contracts. She has also developed and implemented effective HR compliance training programs for businesses.
Kelly is passionate about coming up with creative solutions that allow employers to maintain the integrity of their mission, while seeking to retain one of their most valuable assets, their employees, whenever possible. She has extensively studied active listening and mediation techniques, which she applies to her own practice.
During her time away from work, she enjoys hiking with her husband, children and dog, tending to her mini-orchard, beading, painting and rock carving.
Robert J. Enos is an Attorney at Sims, Lawrence &, Broghammer, with more than 27 years of civil litigation experience in the areas of personal injury, premises liability, failure to disclose defects, habitability, wrongful eviction, boundary line disputes, and construction defect matters. Robert was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1996 and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts as well as the Federal Court for the Eastern Districts of California. In addition to his litigation practice, Robert has extensive experience with administrative matters before government agencies and municipalities.
Robert’s clients consist of businesses, contractors/builders, investors, insurance companies and private citizens with litigation claims in the State of California. The key to Robert’s success lies in his attention to detail, his ability to analyze and digest large volumes of technical data, and his ability to convey this information to the trier of fact.
His other qualifications include acting as a Dispute Resolution Conference mediator for the El Dorado County Superior Court since 2003, sitting on the Placer County Tax Assessment Appeals Board as a member from December 2008 to April 2012, then as chairman from April 2012 to April 2015, and acting as Secretary for the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Committee Member June 2007 to June 2009. He was also chosen in 2021, 2022, and 2023 as a Northern California Super Lawyer.
Representative Matters:
Prior to entering the practice of law, Robert Enos was a Legislative Aide in the California State Assembly from January 1989 to May 1995 and August 1995 to April 1996. From November 1994 to May 1995, he was a legal assistant to the Standardization Division Chief of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
Robert received his Juris Doctorate, in May 1995, from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento, CA, his Bachelor of Arts in Government, in May 1989, from California State University, Sacramento, CA, and his Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, in January 1987, from American River College,
In his spare time Robert is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his family. His favorite recreational activities involve the ocean, especially scuba diving and most recently underwater photography.
Robert has successfully settled, arbitrated, or prevailed at trial in many cases including the following:
Radanovich-Sousa vs. Carney, et al., – (Trial April 2021) Mariposa County 11406 – Successfully obtained dismissal during trial in matter involving enforcement of commercial easement rights.
Carney vs. Essa Hugh Carter, et al., – (Trial May 2019) Mariposa County 0010974 – Successfully obtained trial settlement involving failure to disclose defects in sale of commercial property.
Bermudes v. Moran – 34-2017-00218836 – (Trial January 2019) Obtained judgement verdict in case involving alleged breach of contract in sale of Auto Dealership.
3230 Broadway, LLC vs. Pfingst – 34-2018-00242585 – (2019) Successfully negotiated settlement involving foreclosure of commercial property.
In re Matter of the Virginia Reed Revocable Trust – 34-2016-00192185 – (Trial December 2017, April 2018) Obtained defense verdict in complex trust dispute including obtaining subsequent award of attorney fees in excess of $150,000.00.
Nazario, et. al. vs. Al Amarlou Family, Limited Partnership – 34-2014-00170807 – (April 2018) Successfully negotiated trial settlement involving class of eighteen adults and minors in action against owner of an apartment complex for breach of warranty of habitability.
Locke Management Association vs. Esch – 34-2011-00103789 – (March 2016/April 2021) California State Third District Court of Appeal issued a ruling upholding two previous judgments for attorney’s fees and costs after successfully defensed Cross-Complaint for civil rights violations and successfully obtained judgement for specific performance on behalf of the Historical Town of Locke resulting in an award of attorney fees in excess of $400,000.
Western Alliance Bank, an Arizona corporation, vs. SAL-PDC, LLC – 34-2016-00192983 – Successfully defended wrongful foreclosure and take-over of an assisted living facility valued at $31 million.
Lawrence v. Hutton – 34-2013-00151693 – (Trial July 2015) Successfully defensed complaint and prevailed on cross-complaint to quiet title to real property.
Burmaster vs. Flure – Binding Contractual Arbitration – (Arbitration December 2008) Obtained $593,000 award subsequently converted to a court judgement for plaintiff based on breach of fiduciary duty and fraud in a real estate partnership and joint venture.
Golden State Fisheries vs. Karaivanov – 01AS07902 (Trial June 2004) – Obtained $750,000 judgement for plaintiff in complex embezzlement and unfair business practice case.
Noah Hallam is an associate attorney with Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer. Noah’s practice predominantly focuses on insurance defense litigation, personal injury litigation, and general civil litigation.
Noah graduated from Sacramento State University with a B.A. in Philosophy. He was told that law schools love philosophy majors, so a course was set for law school and soon Noah earned his Juris Doctorate from the UC Davis School of Law.
While at UC Davis, Noah was a member of the King Hall Negotiations Team, competing at both local and state levels, and working alongside leading figures in the alternative dispute resolution community to learn more about the
evolving world of alternative dispute resolution processes.
When not working, Noah enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing video games, playing Dungeons & Dragons, watching movies, both playing and listening to music, and trying to convince anyone with a pulse to play Magic the Gathering with him.
St Mary’s College (1986)
San Francisco Law School (1991)
Mark is a graduate from St. Mary’s College in Moraga with B.A. in Political Science and a minor in History in 1986. He then attended San Francisco Law School and graduated with J.D. degree in 1991. Mark has been admitted to the California State Bar since December 1991.
Mr. Lobre worked two years at the civil defense firm of Strickland and Haapala in Oakland, before joining Allstate Insurance Company as an in-house trial attorney. Mark worked on all aspects of Allstate matters including, third party, first party, SIU, and homeowner’s matters. He tried over 14 cases to jury, arbitrated over 25 matters, and tried at least 10 bench trials. He was promoted to the role of Lead Counsel with Allstate in 2008 and worked over a total of 27 years handling matters on behalf of Allstate insureds.
Mark specializes in general civil insurance cases, involving personal injury matters currently. Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons when not working, and is an avid sports fan ( Giants, 49ers, and Warriors) enjoys trying new restaurants and going to concerts in San Francisco.
Jim joined Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer in 2024. His practice include Personal Injury, Insurance Defense and General Litigation matters.
Prior to working at Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer, Jim worked as a personal injury attorney. Prior to that he worked as a paralegal handling personal injury litigation for more than twenty years.
In his personal time, Jim enjoys kayaking, spending time with his wife, children and growing number of grandchildren.
Meera Sims joined the firm in late 2020 after being discovered as a puppy starlet in a small town in Idaho. She dreamed to be the next star under the bright lights in the Capital city. Alas, like all cute-as-a-button Schnauzer puppy stars, she discovered as she grew up grey-bearded ladies only have a home in the circus … but she did not want to be in politics, so she drifted from odd job to odd job—herding chickens, chewing on chair legs, barking at the wind, soiling carpets—anything to get by. But then fate shined upon her, and she was discovered again this time by Nike Lawrence, Chief of Security for the firm.
Meera was up to no good near the dumpster out back conspiring with varmints of ill-repute and Nike sought to lay down the law. Living on the mean streets of Roseville and with her stout German heritage,
Meera was not intimidated in the least by Nike, and despite the size difference, Meera used her wits and speed to quickly gain the upper paw in the tussle. Nike recognized talent and proving to be a plucky, energetic go-getter and with the firm growing quickly, Meera was brought on as Assistant Chief of Security for Internal Affairs where she thrived.
Daily she investigates each employee ensuring pats and scratches are not withheld. She’s discovered many hidden stashes of contraband treats in various offices though curiously she never seems to fire any of the scofflaws always saying more investigation is necessary. She can bring grown men to heel with four simple words: “Let’s take a walk.” With a piercing stare, eyebrows to shame a grizzled Soviet premier, and “the beard” you know she means to do her business once outside.
Yet, despite her wiry exterior and gruff look, she’s a wonderful, sweet puppy on the interior and we love her to death. “What a good girl, you are Meera!” is usually all that ever needs to be said to win her over.
Deborah joined Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer in 2020. Her practice includes Insurance Defense, Construction Defect Litigation, Personal Injury, and General Litigation matters. Deborah has worked on numerous complex litigation matters from inception through conclusion.
Prior to working at Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer, Deborah worked in the insurance defense personal injury area with Powers Miller. She also worked for many years in both personal injury and construction defect insurance defense with United Fire Group in-house counsel.
Deborah graduated from Lincoln Law School, Sacramento where she was instrumental in the formation of the Women’s Justice Society and was a published author in the Voir Dire. She is admitted to practice in the State of California and the United States District Court, Eastern District of California.
Deborah is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution which allows her to become involved in many activities benefiting the community and our local Veterans. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, wine tasting, cooking, gardening, traveling and genealogy.
Sharonrose has been legal counsel to businesses, realtors, owners, contractors, medical groups, individuals, and religious non-profits for over 25 years. She has recently joined the firm as Of Counsel. She has successfully represented her clients in state and federal courts and a wide variety of disputes and legal matters. Before joining the firm, Sharonrose managed a legal team in her own law firm for the last 20 years in a variety of real estate, construction, business, mortgage lender, church, personal injury, products liability, and other matters. She has been first chair in over 50 jury and court trials and numerous binding arbitration cases.
Her most recent success was to represent five churches to obtain emergency injunctive relief from the U.S. Supreme Court to reopen all houses of worship in Silicon Valley closed by the state and county throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. She is passionate about protecting the legal rights of churches and has unique insight into the internal affairs of religious organizations due to her personal and risk management background. Her father is the founding pastor of a church with campuses in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Her representative church clients include denominational and non-denominational religious non-profits. Her church litigation cases include child abuse, negligent supervision of minors, church splits, hostile takeovers, defamation, trustee and clergy malfeasance, mergers, constructions, real estate, and pastoral selection and succession. For over a decade she hosted www.protectthechurch.org, a legal resource for ministry leaders. She holds a Church Risk Management Certificate from Cambridge University, UK.
Sharonrose resides in the hills above the Town of Los Gatos and works at Sim’s downtown Los Gatos offices. In her free time she loves to travel, snow ski, and explore California’s coast. She has served on several local non-profits, including Chair of the Women Lawyers Section of Santa Clara County Bar Association, CASA (Community Against Substance Abuse) Under 21 Club, Los Gatos Youth Theater, and she was vocal director for local school musicals. Her three daughters are proud alumni of UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, and Brown University.
University of San Francisco School of Law, Juris Doctorate (2022)
Loyola Marymount University, Economics / Political Science (2019)
Kristen Lance is an associate attorney with Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer. Kristen’s practice focuses primarily on large loss and complex general liability matters with a particular emphasis in human services industry defense, commercial litigation, and construction defect litigation. Kristen has significant experience in legal research, writing, and motion practice.
Kristen earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she served on Law Review and as a teaching assistant for upper division contracts, constitutional law, and criminal law. Prior to law school, Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in both Economics and Political Science from Loyola Marymount University, graduating with high honors. While at LMU, Kristen was a Division I athlete, ranked nationally in Women’s Swimming.
When she is not working, Kristen enjoys going to Kings games, trying new food, wine tasting, traveling, skiing, and, most of all, spending time with her Golden Retriever, Bandon.
Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, CA (Juris Doctor, cum laude, 1989)
University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV (Bachelor of Science, with distinction, 1986)
Bryan L. Malone graduated from the University of Nevada-Reno (B.S. 1986) and Pepperdine University School of Law (J.D. Cum Laude 1989), and was admitted to the California Bar, U.S. District Court (Central, Eastern and Northern Districts) and U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit in 1989. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, DRI, and the Sacramento County Bar Association.
Mr. Malone’s areas of emphasis include medical/dental malpractice and other professional liability, premises liability, including entertainment venues, and products liability. Mr. Malone also advises and represents health care providers in both administrative actions and civil litigation.
Away from the office, Bryan enjoys traveling to Europe, spending time in his garden, and spoiling dogs at every opportunity.
Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, PA, Juris Doctor (2013)
Pennsylvania Western University, California, PA, Bachelor of Science, Business (2010)
McGeorge School of Law,
Juris Doctorate (1995)
Santa Clara University
B.S. Commerce (1991)
Kim is an experienced litigator who assists her clients by identifying problems, providing sound legal advice, and crafting solutions. She focuses her practice on school and education law, as well as human services and personal injury defense. Kim has a proven track record of getting successful results in both State and Federal courts.
Kim is passionate about her local community. She has served on the Rescue Union School District Board of Directors for over a decade, including multiple years in the role of President. She is also a member of the El Dorado County School Board Association, the El Dorado County Schools Finance Authority, and a past member of the Oak Ridge High School Site Council and Boys Team Charity (with her two sons.)
Sacramento State University, B.A in Philosophy
(1989)
McGeorge School of Law (2019)
University of California, Riverside (2014)
Anupe graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Law and Society. She earned her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law and is admitted to practice law in California.
Prior to joining Sims, Lawrence, and Broghammer, Anupe worked at a prominent workers’ compensation defense firm representing employers throughout all phases of the workers’ compensation process.
Anupe handles a wide range of general civil litigation matters including personal injury and construction defect claims. Her litigation practice includes both defense and plaintiff representation.
Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, Anupe is dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. She approaches each case with diligence, attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Anupe lives in Northern California and takes advantage of its diverse outdoor activities, vibrant cultural scene, and close-knit community spirit. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring national parks, attending music festivals, wine tasting in Napa, and traveling to different countries (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Austria, France, Netherlands). Anupe also enjoys running and yoga. She has completed several half marathons and a Spartan Race.
Professional Involvement and Memberships
Blaze joined Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer in 2024, focusing primarily on defending Human Service Industry matters, after spending over 17 years working at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. Blaze was a law clerk to the Honorable Arthur L. Alarcon of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, a career law clerk to United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd, and a career law clerk to United States Magistrate Judge Deborah Barnes.
During his time with the federal court Blaze developed experience with all aspects of federal litigation, specifically focusing on civil litigation including claims pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As a result of his experience Blaze is proficient in dealing with the complexities of federal civil procedure and discovery.
Blaze earned his law degree from the University of California Davis School of Law in 2006, where he worked as an editor on the U.C. Davis Law Review. He also attended the University of California Davis as an undergraduate with a double major in sociology and psychology. Blaze is licensed to practice in both Arizona and California.
Blaze is a Sacramento native. When not working, Blaze enjoys playing chess, watching horror movies, and spending time with his wife and two boys.
University of the Pacific,
McGeorge School of Law
Juris Doctorate
(1979)
Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science
(1976)
McGeorge School of Law
(1995)
Greg Estabrook is a civil litigation attorney with over 20-years of experience. He has worked for AV-rated law firms, national insurance carriers, and public entities. He specializes in construction defect litigation and personal injury litigation. Mr. Estabrook is a 1995 graduate of McGeorge School of Law and a U.S. Army veteran.
He enjoys his family, motorcycle riding, fishing, reading, and a variety of interests. He finds lawn gnomes annoying.
Golden Gate University of Law
Juris Doctorate
(1983)
Eastern Washington University
BA Political Science
(1972)
Santa Clara University
School of Law
Juris Doctorate
(2002)
San Francisco University
B.A in Psychology
(1999)
Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer represents design professionals in all aspects of risk management from contract review and negotiation to trial. We are the preeminent Northern California law firm representing design professionals from the San Francisco Bay Area to Lake Tahoe and from Fresno to Redding/Eureka.
We adhere to the foundation that a “stitch in time, saves nine.” We draft prime and subconsultant agreements which manage risks and protect our client’s interests, but which are fair to all parties. We review owner and contractor supplied contracts for risk management, indemnity, standard of care, insurance requirements and a host of other tricky provisions. This is done with an eye toward protecting the interests of your business and your personal assets all while meeting the needs of your clients. We have successfully negotiated countless contracts ranging from a few thousand to many millions of dollars. We balance the critical legal concerns with the practicalities of putting food on your table.
The firm has relationships with most errors and omissions insurance carriers so when you find yourself in a tight spot, in front of your professional board, or in litigation we have the litigation and trial experience to successfully navigate the trouble. We are always mindful of protecting business relationships as too many law firms simply want to fight to the last man and go for a risky “win” rather than doing what is effective and smart. Many lawyers foolishly misunderstand what it means to “win” and place their own interests ahead of their client’s interests. That said, we will efficiently and aggressively protect your interests.
Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer has successfully represented carrier and private clients in hundreds of matters involving Coverage and Coverage-related matters (i.e. indemnity, contract, and additional insured interaction). Our lawyers’ years of experience allow for identification and evaluation of Coverage issues that most Coverage attorneys may not fully understand.
Our Coverage Litigation experience includes first and third-party exposures. Our specialty is construction/contract-related indemnity and additional insured exposures. In these types of cases, we have successfully reduced the exposure through litigation and negotiations.We have excellent working relationships with most carriers. Our methods of rebuttal to carrier positions are borne more of education and cooperation than of an adversarial relationship. We pride ourselves in our ability to quickly identify whether the client needs negotiation or litigation. This ability to quickly identify the potential outcomes early in the process allows the client to make considered and informed decisions as to whether a cases should be mediated, arbitrated, or tried.
We successfully protect the interests of owners, developers, builders, contractors, design materials manufacturers and suppliers in a broad range of construction-related claims.
The firm’s construction attorneys represent clients in disputes arising from single-family dwellings to large commercial buildings and industrial facilities, including hospitals, office buildings, warehouses and planned unit developments. Specific experience includes resolving claims in excess of $10M and class actions involving in excess of 550 single-family residences.
Trial and binding arbitration experience includes claims involving complex drainage systems, excavation and geotechnical issues, as well as prosecuting claims involving a defectively-engineered roofing system.
Construction cases often involve many different areas of law. The firm has considerable experience in related fields such as environmental, contract, and product liability law.
Additionally, Sims, Lawrence & Broghammer is unique because it has extensive experience in construction-related insurance matters, including the management and interpretation of Self-Insured Retentions, additional insured endorsements, “wrap-ups”/Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs), and commercial general liability policies, because of this experience, we frequently represent contractors assigned by carriers where special care is needed due to significant reservations of rights issues.