Providing premier legal services to Northern California and Nevada for more than 50 years. Each of our attorneys has honed their skills to utmost degree possible, rewarding the firm and its clients with highest competency and ethical status (AV) by the most prestigious peer rating publication in the industry.
If you let someone drive your car, would you potentially be liable should they get into an accident and cause injuries? The answer is: yes. Blake McKenna was a pedestrian lawfully crossing the street in the San Diego area when he was struck by a car driven by Ann Rogers. Rogers' vehicle had been hit by a car owned by Lance Beesley's corporation, Smoothreads, Inc. and driven by Ronald Wells who had run a red light.
If you let someone drive your car, would you potentially be liable should they get into an accident and cause injuries? The answer is: yes. Blake McKenna was a pedestrian lawfully crossing the street in the San Diego area when he was struck by a car driven by Ann Rogers. Rogers' vehicle had been hit by a car owned by Lance Beesley's corporation, Smoothreads, Inc. and driven by Ronald Wells who had run a red light.
Services
For 50 years Porter Simon has delivered premier legal services to the Truckee, Lake Tahoe and Reno region. Each of the attorneys in our five practice groups have honed their skills to utmost degree possible, rewarding the firm and its clients with highest competency and ethical status (AV) by the most prestigious peer rating publication in the industry.
Porter Simon prides itself on its involvement in the Truckee-Tahoe area. Many of our attorneys and staff have served as directors and members of virtually every local community organization. We feel our involvement in the community gives us a unique understanding of local affairs and enables us to more effectively represent our clients as well as contribute our expertise to community affairs.
The attorneys at Porter Simon are guided by a common principle: Porter Simon Means Business. Whether handling land use and real estate matters, creating estate or business plans, or representing businesses or accident victims in court, we take our clients' legal affairs seriously-through experience and innovation we achieve results.
Lou has acted as a mediator or arbitrator in civil matters including construction defects and performance disputes; business, real estate and real property matters, and torts including personal injury, libel, trade secret misappropriation, sexual harassment and hostile work environment. Throughout the years, he has represented clients and/or has had trials in all of the above referenced fields.
Kathy Dwyer has been with the firm for over 20 years and is Paralegal to Jim Simon, the firm's managing shareholder and senior litigator, partner Ravn Whitington and David Wolfe in civil litigation, including real estate, construction, business, personal injury and wrongful death matters. Alyson Goates joined the team in 2018 and assists the entire litigation team as Personal Injury Case Manager.
Reviews (10)
Eliza McNulty
Dec 23, 2021
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We had a great experience with Ethan Birnberg. We were doing a private real estate transaction (off market sale) for the first time ever and Ethan helped with all the paperwork, including getting us connected and coordinating with an escrow agent. It was a small and simple job, which could have resulted in us being treated like a low priority, but that wasn’t the case - Responsiveness and timeliness were awesome!
Eric B.
Nov 28, 2021
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Gayle and I had last updated our Estate/Trust papers in 2016 when we lived in the Bay Area. We subsequently moved to Genoa NV in late 2020 and this year decided that our paperwork needed an update. We asked about for Estate Attorney recommendations, then took the advice of our friends Jim and Marti, who used Kelley Carroll at the Law Firm of Porter Simon. They have offices in Truckee and Reno.
We contacted Kelley, made an in person appointment (at the Truckee office) and then proceeded to send him that last 2 revisions of our Estate/Trust documents. What Gayle and I really appreciated about
We contacted Kelley, made an in person appointment (at the Truckee office) and then proceeded to send him that last 2 revisions of our Estate/Trust documents. What Gayle and I really appreciated about
Laura OrindaTahoe
Sep 24, 2021
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Real estate attorney Ethan Birnberg from Porter and Simon is experienced, professional, and a good human being. The three words most people do not associate with those in the field. My case involved a real estate sales transaction that involved two family members. He has seen it all, both explosive battles and good outcomes. During the entire process, Mr. Birnberg manage to respond to every email promptly which is hard to do juggling multiple cases. Because he so responsive, I was able to move our case along very quickly with the other party and attorney. Mr. Birnberg knows too well the delicate
Thomas Terrill
Aug 07, 2021
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Mike D.
Jul 31, 2021
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I had a consultation with Ethan Birnberg to review a real estate issue that was complex to me but perhaps not all that uncommon in the Tahoe area. The issue involved parcel of land near Tahoe, the TRPA, and a possible encroachment by a neighbor. Ethan's experience and understanding of real estate disputes, purchase and sale issues, TRPA coverage and encroachment issues greatly clarified the situation for me. He provided an overall strategy and some negotiation tips to resolve my situation. I can now take steps with confidence and clarity. I will work with Ethan again in the future if necessary
Greg Martin
Feb 15, 2021
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James Tufts
Jan 26, 2021
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Porter Simon came highly recommended as I entered into the acquisition of an existing business in Truckee, Ca. I met and worked with Ethan Birnberg from beginning to end of the transaction and found Ethan and his colleagues to be thoughtful, thorough and professional throughout the entire process. Ethan is a great communicator, so he and I were consistently on the same page which was invaluable as the negotiations became difficult (as they most always do). Ethan also did a great job at tailoring his work product to my needs and the specifics of the deal which kept his efficiency high and the transaction
David Antonucci
Jan 17, 2021
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We are truly appreciative and very fortunate to have representation and all the fine work by the Porter Simon team. We simply could not have handled our claim without them. Porter Simon very good at keeping us informed on progress and always sought our input before making a major decision. But more than that, the team's level of personal support and commitment to our case was the most meaningful to us. We believe we got a fair settlement that exceeded our expectations.
Shawn Montgomery
Oct 27, 2020
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Had to get advice ASAP for a home sale in CA (we're in WI) -- left an email late on Fri--Claire Olson set us up with an attorney Monday morning! Ethan Birnberg was very knowledgeable, prompt and able to give us the information (and peace of mind) we needed to get the deal done. I would recommend the firm, Claire and Ethan specifically and will use them again in the future should I need to.
Bill Burns
Aug 10, 2020
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I reached out to Porter Simon to help me with a real estate legal matter and quickly heard back from Ethan Birnberg. Ethan was knowledgeable about the matter, very professional, conducted a no-pressure discussion of the issue and possible avenues I could use if I retain the firm. Ethan listened as I explained my goals and concerns and helped me understand whether the approach I initially thought I'd take was a good course of action.
I feel confident based on my interactions with Ethan that I can turn to him and the firm if I need legal services in the future.
I feel confident based on my interactions with Ethan that I can turn to him and the firm if I need legal services in the future.
