Our firm consists of two partners, including Patrick S. Smith, and Steven Beltran with affiliated (prior partners now semi retired) attorneys Thomas Beltran and Joseph D. Makenzie. 

 

Patrick S. Smith is a cum laude (with honors) law school graduate, a former law clerk to a United States District Court Judge, a former Los Angeles County Public Defender, and a former United States Dept. of Justice Attorney.  He focuses on representing children and adults with developmental and other disabilities who find themselves in trouble at school, in the criminal justice system, or in the juvenile courts.  Patrick also represents people without disabilities in these same areas. He has extensive trial and appellate experience in both state, federal and administrative courts.

 

The other partners in the firm practice in the following areas:

 

Thomas Beltran's practice focuses on Trusts and Estate Planning for all, including Special Needs Trusts for families with members with disabilities.  Thomas also litigates Administrative Law cases in the areas of Special Education, Regional Center Litigation and related areas.

 

Steven Beltran practices in the area of Government Tort Litigation.

 

Joseph MacKenzie practices Juvenile Dependency Law, Family Law, and has an Appellate Practice.

 

While our practices vary, we collaborate with other attorneys to meet the needs of all our clients. 

 

Pro Bono Work

Our firm endeavors to represent persons who cannot afford counsel. While we cannot take every case, we seek to connect such clients with "Public Interest" law firms whose mission of representing indigent clients is funded by various non-profits and other organizations.