Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation in Palm Springs
SBEMP is a full-service law firm with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York. Founded by former partners of the largest law firm in the Inland Empire, we combine decades of experience with a client-centric approach to deliver superior legal representation. Our attorneys specialize in areas such as family law, civil litigation, estate planning, labor and employment law, and more, serving clients in the Coachella Valley and beyond. With a proven track record of success in over 100 trials and hundreds of arbitrations, we prioritize creative advocacy, cost-effective solutions, and unwavering dedication to client needs. Our team includes seasoned partners, counsel, and associates who bring specialized expertise in their respective fields, supported by a network of professionals for complex cases.We maintain a strong commitment to community leadership and have earned recognition as one of the Inland Empire's top firms for business litigation and transactional counsel. Our practice extends beyond litigation to include transactional work with public and private companies, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. Clients benefit from our deep local knowledge, national reach, and resources to handle matters ranging from routine legal issues to high-stakes litigation. We emphasize clear communication, transparency, and proactive case management to ensure clients remain informed throughout every legal process. With decades of collective experience, SBEMP continues to build its reputation as a trusted legal partner for individuals and businesses seeking exceptional advocacy and strategic counsel.
Services
Family Law
Civil Litigation
Estate Planning
Labor and Employment Law
Trust and Probate Litigation
Corporate and Banking Law
Real Estate and Land Use
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Highlights and features
- 40 years of combined trial experience with 100+ cases taken to judgment
- Client-first approach prioritizing cost-effective, tailored legal solutions
- Multi-office presence with local expertise in Coachella Valley and beyond
- Comprehensive practice areas covering complex litigation and transactions
- Recognized as one of Inland Empire's top five firms for business litigation
Services
Family Law
SBEMP's family law practice handles high-net-worth divorces, child custody, spousal support, and complex asset division. Our attorneys provide strategic representation for adoption, domestic violence cases, and prenuptial agreements. We combine legal expertise with compassionate counsel to protect client interests during emotionally challenging times.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create tailored solutions for asset protection, tax minimization, and legacy preservation. We draft revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, and advance healthcare directives while guiding trustees through probate and trust administration processes to ensure client wishes are honored.
Civil Litigation
SBEMP represents clients in business disputes, real estate litigation, and personal injury cases. Our litigators handle complex matters including intellectual property disputes, construction defect claims, and employment litigation with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes through trial or alternative dispute resolution.
Labor and Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services including wage and hour compliance, discrimination defense, and collective bargaining. Our attorneys represent employers in administrative proceedings and litigation while offering proactive counsel to prevent workplace legal issues.
Trust and Probate Litigation
Our probate litigation team handles will contests, trustee removals, and trust modifications. We represent beneficiaries and fiduciaries in disputes involving estate accounting, elder abuse claims, and contested conservatorships while emphasizing resolution through mediation when possible.
People
Marc E. Empey
Partner
Marc E. Empey is a founding partner with extensive trial experience in complex litigation matters. He specializes in business disputes and public agency representation, bringing decades of legal expertise to SBEMP's practice.
Carolyn H. Martino
Partner
Carolyn H. Martino chairs the family law department with 24 years of experience handling high-asset divorces and complex family law matters. She provides strategic counsel for custody disputes and domestic violence cases.
Valerie A. Powers Smith
Partner
Valerie A. Powers Smith specializes in estate planning and probate law, creating customized trusts and wills to protect client assets. She guides families through complex estate administration processes with sensitivity and expertise.
Vee B. Sotelo
Partner
Vee B. Sotelo focuses on labor and employment law, representing employers in litigation and administrative proceedings. She provides compliance counsel on wage and hour laws and workplace discrimination claims.
John Pinkney
Managing Partner
John Pinkney serves as managing partner with leadership experience in corporate and banking law. He oversees SBEMP's transactional practice while maintaining a focus on public agency legal representation.
Questions
What areas of law does SBEMP practice?
SBEMP handles family law, civil litigation, estate planning, labor and employment law, trust and probate litigation, corporate law, real estate, and alternative dispute resolution.
Do you serve clients outside the Coachella Valley?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide with offices in Palm Springs, Orange County, San Diego, New Jersey, and New York.
How do you handle complex legal cases?
We combine trial experience with strategic advocacy, using pre-litigation planning or alternative dispute resolution when appropriate to achieve cost-effective results.
What makes SBEMP different from other law firms?
Our client-first approach, 40+ years of combined trial experience, and recognition as top Inland Empire counsel for business litigation set us apart.
