Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation in Palm Springs
SBEMP LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York. Our founding members were partners in the largest law firm in the Inland Empire, each with a proven track record of substantial success. We formed SBEMP to concentrate exclusively on providing clients with superior legal representation and first-class service at competitive pricing. The foundation of our firm is hard work, creative and aggressive advocacy, and an unwavering focus on the needs of our clients. Our goal in every matter is to achieve the best possible result in a cost-effective manner. Our versatile portfolio extends beyond transactional work to encompass the complete spectrum of labor and employment legal concerns, ranging from routine matters to complex employment litigation and collective bargaining negotiations.Our dedicated and highly skilled attorneys offer expert legal representation across a range of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, estate planning, and public agency law. We proudly serve clients in Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and throughout the Coachella Valley. Our reputation is built on being one of the most experienced and respected Palm Springs law firms, with over 15 years of experience in litigation and business transactional areas. Our attorneys have successfully tried over 100 cases to judgment or verdict and have participated in hundreds of arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
Services
Family Law
Civil Litigation
Estate Planning
Labor and Employment Law
Trust and Probate Litigation
Corporate Law
Real Estate Law
Public Agency Law
Intellectual Property
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in complex legal cases.
- Our attorneys have successfully tried over 100 cases to judgment.
- We offer personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's needs.
- Our team includes specialists in family law, litigation, and estate planning.
- We provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
Services
Family Law
Our family law attorneys specialize in high-net-worth divorce cases, child custody, and estate-related family matters. We provide tailored legal strategies to protect clients' interests while minimizing emotional stress. Our team leverages extensive experience in complex asset division and spousal maintenance cases.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in complex civil disputes including business litigation, real estate conflicts, and personal injury claims. Our approach prioritizes cost-effective resolutions through mediation or arbitration while maintaining readiness for trial when necessary. Attorneys have experience in over 100 courtroom judgments.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized solutions for asset protection and wealth transfer. We specialize in revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, and advanced healthcare directives. The practice helps clients avoid probate while ensuring their wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable.
Labor and Employment Law
We advise employers on compliance with California labor laws and represent clients in employment litigation matters. Our services include wage and hour compliance, discrimination defense, and collective bargaining negotiations. Attorneys regularly appear before the National Labor Relations Board and state labor commissions.
Trust and Probate Litigation
Our probate litigation team handles trust contests, fiduciary duty disputes, and estate administration conflicts. We represent trustees and beneficiaries in complex probate matters involving will challenges, asset distribution disputes, and elder abuse claims across multiple states.
People
Marc E. Empey
Partner
Marc E. Empey co-founded SBEMP LLP after serving as a partner in the largest Inland Empire law firm. With decades of litigation experience, he specializes in complex business disputes and public agency representation. He maintains active involvement in local legal associations.
Carolyn H. Martino
Partner
Carolyn H. Martino chairs the family law department with 24 years of experience in high-asset divorce cases. She combines aggressive advocacy with strategic problem-solving to protect client interests in complex custody and property division matters.
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Partner
Valerie A. Powers Smith leads the estate planning practice, creating customized wealth preservation strategies for individuals and families. Her expertise includes trust administration and advanced tax planning techniques to minimize estate liabilities.
Vee B. Sotelo
Partner
Vee B. Sotelo specializes in employment law and civil litigation, representing clients before federal and state courts. She provides comprehensive compliance guidance while defending employers in wage and hour class actions and discrimination claims.
John Pinkney
Managing Partner
John Pinkney serves as managing partner with extensive experience in public agency law and municipal representation. He advises government entities on compliance matters and has represented clients in numerous high-profile land use and zoning disputes.
Questions
Does SBEMP represent public agencies?
Yes, we serve as general counsel to several Palm Springs public agencies and advise on Brown Act compliance, collective bargaining, and public law litigation.
What areas of law does SBEMP practice?
We specialize in family law, civil litigation, estate planning, labor and employment law, trust and probate litigation, and public agency representation.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve clients throughout the Coachella Valley including Palm Springs, Indian Wells, and La Quinta, with additional offices in San Diego, New Jersey, and New York.
How do I choose the right attorney?
Each attorney's contact information is available online. If uncertain, contact us directly for a recommendation based on your specific legal needs.
How will I be kept informed about my case?
We communicate major case milestones and critical updates directly, balancing transparency with cost-effective legal service delivery.
What are next steps for a consultation?
Call (760) 322-2275 to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced attorney in our Palm Springs office.
