Navigating the Complexities of a Tax Credit Audit

Kirk Pearson, Esq.Partner

Kirk Pearson is a committed partner at LS Carlson Law, focusing his practice on advocating for homeowners in Homeowners' Association (HOA) disputes. With a distinguished career as a litigator and trial attorney, Kirk has consistently demonstrated his dedication to protecting the rights of homeowners facing various legal challenges.

Kirk's legal prowess extends across multiple practice areas, including business disputes, contractual disputes, construction defects, premises liability, personal injury, professional liability, product defects, and real estate disputes. His extensive experience spans the entire spectrum of litigation, encompassing crucial aspects such as pleadings, discovery, mediation, settlement negotiation, arbitration, law and motion, trial, and appeals.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kirk has made a significant impact throughout California, handling cases in both state and federal courts from Northern California to Southern California. His versatility shines as he successfully represents clients, whether as plaintiffs or defendants, consistently securing favorable outcomes for a diverse range of corporate and individual clients.

Kirk Pearson earned his undergraduate degree in English from Brigham Young University, a testament to his strong communication skills, which are invaluable in legal practice. Subsequently, he pursued his legal education at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, where he stood out as a Literary Citation Editor on Pepperdine's Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship, and the Law. As the President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society during Pepperdine's hosting of the public arbitration hearing for Floyd Landis following his positive doping test during the 2006 Tour de France, Kirk's passion for litigation, particularly in the realm of sports doping violations and the arbitration process, was ignited.

Outside the courtroom, Kirk enjoys a fulfilling life in Orange County with his wife and three children. In his precious moments of free time, he revels in the great outdoors, partaking in activities such as skiing, mountain biking, camping, hiking, and fishing.

Kirk Pearson's unwavering dedication to homeowners' rights and his extensive litigation background ensures that homeowners receive exceptional representation in HOA disputes.

Phong Tran, Esq.Partner

Phong Tran is a partner at LS Carlson Law, based in the firm's Aliso Viejo office, where he is dedicated to his practice in business and commercial litigation, real estate, homeowner association disputes, and other complex litigation matters. With a profound focus on safeguarding the rights of homeowners, Mr. Tran is renowned for his exceptional knowledge in Homeowners' Association (HOA) disputes.

Education and Legal Experience: Phong Tran's journey in the legal field began with a strong educational foundation. He grew up in San Diego and attended the University of San Diego, where he achieved his undergraduate degree in Business Economics, graduating summa cum laude. Subsequently, Mr. Tran earned his law degree from the prestigious UCLA School of Law.

During his time at law school, Mr. Tran had the privilege of serving as a judicial extern for then-district court Judge Richard A. Paez, who now holds a distinguished position on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. This experience deepened his understanding of the judicial process and further honed his legal skills.

Before joining LS Carlson Law, Mr. Tran garnered significant experience representing shareholders and investors in securities fraud class actions and other complex litigation matters. His multifaceted legal career also includes a stint as a prosecutor, initially as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of California and later as a Deputy City Attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. In these roles, he effectively prosecuted and tried numerous cases, showcasing his dedication to justice.

Outside of the legal arena, Mr. Tran finds solace and recreation in various pursuits. He is an avid surfer, demonstrating his adventurous spirit in the waves. Additionally, he enjoys playing tennis and indulges his intellectual side by delving into the world of crime fiction and detective novels.

Phong Tran's unwavering commitment to advocating for homeowners in HOA disputes, coupled with his extensive legal experience, enriches the LS Carlson Law team and underscores his dedication to providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing a wide range of challenges.

Jeffrey Kominsky, Esq.Partner

Jeffrey Kominsky is a Partner at LS Carlson Law, leading the firm's Florida office as the Chair of the Litigation Practice Group. Hailing from Florida, Mr. Kominsky is widely recognized for his exceptional track record in representing homeowners in their battles against Homeowners' Associations (HOAs).

Mr. Kominsky's legal career is distinguished by his unwavering commitment to homeowners facing disputes with their HOAs. With a focus on civil litigation, particularly in the realm of business and real estate disputes, he has honed his skills to become a formidable advocate for homeowners' rights.

Over the years, Mr. Kominsky has amassed a wealth of experience in handling complex civil matters. His practice encompasses a wide range of issues, including breach of contract, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and civil theft. His deep understanding of these areas is a valuable asset when representing homeowners who require astute legal representation.

Mr. Kominsky's legal accomplishments have garnered national recognition and earned him coverage in prominent media outlets. His clients' stories have been featured in notable publications such as U.S. News & World Report, CNN, ESPN, the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, and the Palm Beach Post. These accolades underscore his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for homeowners.

Before entering private practice, Mr. Kominsky gained valuable legal experience through internships with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C. and the Civil Rights Section of the Office of the Ohio Attorney General. His unique background also includes an internship with the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked closely with former Vikings owner, Red McCombs. His passion for sports law and business law continued to thrive as he founded and chaired the Inaugural Sports Law Symposium at The Ohio State University during his law school studies.

Mr. Kominsky's exceptional legal work has earned him consistent recognition as a "Florida Rising Star" by Super Lawyers in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This recognition reflects his impactful contributions to the legal field, particularly in advocating for homeowners' rights.

Jeffrey Kominsky's dedication to homeowners' causes and his extensive experience in representing them against their HOAs are at the core of his legal practice. His unwavering commitment to achieving justice for homeowners makes him an invaluable member of the LS Carlson Law team.

David Lehr, Esq.Partner

David Lehr is a distinguished partner in the Florida office of LS Carlson Law, and his legal career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to Community Association Law, Transactional Law, and Litigation. Within these realms, he has been an ardent advocate for homeowners facing disputes with their Homeowners' Associations (HOAs).

Mr. Lehr's practice is distinguished by his dedication to representing homeowners in their battles against HOAs. With a focus on civil, commercial, construction, and securities litigation, he brings a wealth of experience to the table when protecting homeowners' rights.

Over the years, Mr. Lehr has become an accomplished litigator, serving as counsel on complex litigation cases not only in the State of Florida but also in venues across the country. He has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in all phases of pre-litigation and litigation, including mediations, arbitrations, trials, and appeals.

Mr. Lehr's academic journey is marked by excellence. He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and embarked on a dual educational path, culminating in a joint Juris Doctorate degree and Masters in Taxation Law from the University of Miami School of Law. During law school, he had the privilege of interning at the Internal Revenue Service, Large Business and International Division. His academic prowess is evident as he graduated Cum Laude and was recognized as a member of the Dean's List.

Mr. Lehr's exceptional legal work has not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized as an "Up & Comer" by the Florida Legal Elite in 2016 and 2017, and as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers from 2018 to 2022. These accolades highlight his significant contributions to the legal field, particularly in advocating for homeowners' rights.

David Lehr's unwavering commitment to homeowners' causes, his extensive litigation experience, and his exceptional legal skills make him an invaluable member of the LS Carlson Law team. He stands ready to provide homeowners with the diligent and effective representation they deserve.

Ryan Davies, Esq.Partner

Mr. Davies is a seasoned professional with a rich history of legal expertise, marked by his dedication to representing homeowners facing disputes with Homeowners' Associations (HOAs).

After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Mr. Davies pursued his legal education at the Willamette University School of Law in Salem, Oregon. During his time there, he showcased his prowess as a legal scholar and a skilled writer.

Since obtaining his law degree in 1997, Mr. Davies has built a remarkable career that includes representing some of the automotive industry's largest institutional lenders, such as Ford, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota. Over the years, he honed his skills in representing clients in a diverse range of complex business and real estate disputes.

In 2019, Mr. Davies brought his wealth of experience to LS Carlson Law, joining as a litigation associate. With over two decades of solid business and real estate experience, Mr. Davies has emerged as a distinguished member of the firm’s special motions, appeals, and projects team. His commitment to protecting the rights of homeowners in their battles against HOAs is a testament to his dedication to the clients he represents.

Mr. Davies' extensive legal background and dedication to advocating for homeowners in HOA disputes illustrate his commitment to providing diligent and effective legal representation at LS Carlson Law.

Linda Honey, Esq.Senior Associate

Ms. Honey was born in South Korea, grew up in Orange County, and resides in Oregon. She received her undergraduate degree in political science at UCLA and her law degree at Southwestern Law School in 2005. Ms. Honey received her legal master’s in Taxation from Chapman University School of Law in 2010.

After obtaining her law degree, Ms. Honey gained invaluable experience in civil litigation and contract disputes. She handled all phases of litigation including successfully representing clients in trial.

Drawing upon her litigation experience, Ms. Honey now practices exclusively in the area of taxation and estate planning. Ms. Honey focuses on solving tax and estate issues and helping her clients navigate through difficult and specialized areas of tax and trust law. Whether it’s eligibility for special tax credits, filing requirements, audit representation, or appeals, Ms. Honey has helped her tax clients through various stages of controversies before the IRS and other tax authorities, including the SBA. She uses her expertise to advise her business clients on various tax issues and business succession planning. She also helps individuals and their families by creating and implementing estate and tax plans to accomplish their goals by minimizing potential taxes and liabilities and maximizing inheritances. Ms. Honey is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate.

Applying her experience from business litigation and tax controversies, she approaches every tax or estate issue with the goal to protect her clients, their assets and minimize costs and liabilities.

Keith Lehman, Esq.Senior Associate

Keith Lehman is an accomplished associate based in the Boca Raton, Florida office of LS Carlson Law. His legal career is characterized by a steadfast commitment to representing homeowners in Homeowners' Association (HOA) and Condominium Association (COA) disputes.

Born in New York but raised in Florida, Mr. Lehman has deep ties to the Sunshine State. He graduated with Honors from the University of Florida, setting the stage for his academic and legal achievements.

Keith's legal journey took him to Florida State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. During his time in law school, he gained invaluable experience as a clerk for the Public Defender of the Second Judicial Circuit. This experience instilled in him a passion for the legal profession and a deep commitment to advocating for clients' rights.

Throughout his career, both during and after law school, Keith's legal experience has encompassed various fields, including commercial litigation, contract disputes, and real estate law. This diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of legal intricacies that are invaluable when representing homeowners in their disputes with HOAs and COAs.

Since joining LS Carlson Law, Keith has brought his extensive legal experience to bear as a member of the firm's pre-litigation and litigation teams. His primary focus is on representing homeowners in HOA and COA disputes. His dedication to ensuring homeowners' rights are protected is at the forefront of his legal practice.

Keith Lehman's unwavering commitment to homeowners' causes, coupled with his broad legal background and regional ties, positions him as an invaluable member of the LS Carlson Law team. He stands ready to provide homeowners with diligent and effective legal representation.

Natalia Matusik, Esq.Senior Associate

I have been an attorney licensed to practice law in California for over 17 years. I am a skilled litigator and a trial attorney. I have conducted 30+ jury trials to verdict, including criminal and civil cases.

I was a prosecutor for nearly ten years. As a Deputy District Attorney with the Riverside County DA’s Office, I handled cases in the areas of general misdemeanors, general felonies, narcotics, domestic violence, sexual assaults and child abuse with a 90% conviction rate.

As a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) in the Licensing Section at the California Department of Justice, I represented various government licensing agencies in disciplinary actions filed against licensed professionals before the Office of Administrative Hearings. As a Deputy Attorney General, I handled all phases of complex administrative litigation in disciplinary actions against licensees or unlicensed individuals, including appeals from denials of applications for licensure, prosecution of disciplinary actions against licensees, interim suspension and relief cases, including PC 23 hearings, license reinstatement cases, probation modification and termination cases, and injunctive proceedings.

In private practice, I have handled complex civil litigation and administrative law cases through settlement or trial in the areas of personal injury, business litigation, contracts, professional liability, real estate and probate law. I have successfully represented individual and corporate clients, both plaintiffs and defendants, throughout Southern California. I have extensive experience in all aspects of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, mediation, settlement negotiation, arbitration, law and motion, trial, and appeals.

Ricky Shah, Esq.Senior Associate

Mr. Shah is a dedicated professional with a diverse background, spanning both mathematics and law, and is known for his commitment to championing the rights of homeowners in disputes with Homeowners' Associations (HOAs).

After earning his degree in applied mathematics/economics with a focus on finance theory from UCLA in 2003, Mr. Shah embarked on a career in the legal field. He began as a paralegal at a plaintiffs' securities class action litigation firm, where he honed his legal skills. Subsequently, he continued to work with various prominent law firms in the Orange County region, gaining valuable insights into various areas of the law.

For his legal education, Mr. Shah attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2010. His commitment to public service and the legal community is evident in his volunteer work at the Planning and Research Unit for the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Mr. Shah's legal career has been marked by versatility and a commitment to addressing a wide range of legal issues. He gained experience in an insurance defense firm and, in 2011, embarked on his own solo practice in the Inland Empire region. For over a decade, he skillfully handled various legal matters, from insurance cases to complex civil litigation to unlawful detainers.

Mr. Shah is distinguished for his dedication to advocating for homeowners in their disputes with HOAs. His comprehensive legal background equips him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of these disputes. Mr. Shah tirelessly works to protect the rights and interests of homeowners, ensuring they receive the legal representation they deserve.

Beyond his legal work, Mr. Shah is actively involved in pro bono and non-profit activities. His dedication to public service is evident in his volunteer work at a clinic for homeless veterans during law school. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role as one of the founding members and a past president of the Asian American Lawyers of the Inland Empire bar association.

Mr. Shah's rich professional journey, commitment to homeowners' rights, and active involvement in pro bono and non-profit initiatives reflect his unwavering dedication to both the legal profession and the community he serves.

Derek Bredefeld, Esq.Associate

Derek G. Bredefeld was born in Fresno, into a family with a long history of public service. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine in 2013. While in college, Mr. Bredefeld served his community by being active in his church and helping out in projects directed at improving certain neighborhoods of Santa Ana.

Mr. Bredefeld earned his Juris Doctor from UC College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly University of California, Hastings College of the law) in 2016. During his first year of law school, Derek was honored by the Moot Court Department for his legal research and writing with an “Honorable Mention for Brief.” Mr. Bredefeld served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Gail A. Andler, at the Civil Complex Center of the Orange County Superior Court.

As an attorney, Mr. Bredefeld’s early legal career has been spent practicing civil litigation in Southern California. Mr. Bredefeld has been admitted to practice law in all California State Courts, as well as the U.S. District Court of California, Central District. Mr. Bredefeld resides in Orange County and loves to spend his free time golfing, going to the beach, and being active in his church.

Ahmet Brown, Esq.Associate

Born and raised in Germany, Ahmet Brown came to Florida in 2013 where he is now an Associate in the Boca Raton office of LS Carlson Law. Mr. Brown’s practice focuses on civil litigation matters and pre-litigation matters. He is experienced in several legal fields, including administrative law, insurance law and criminal law. In fact, Mr. Brown spent his last semester in law school interning at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office in New York City.

Mr. Brown graduated Summa Cum Laude as valedictorian of his class from Keiser University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Political Science and where he was a student-athlete playing soccer. Mr. Brown then attended Florida International University College of Law where he received the Cali Book Award in the Legal Skills & Values class, made the dean’s list twice and received an invitation to join the FIU Law Review. He then transferred to the University of Florida Levin College of Law where he was a member of the Business Law society.

Mr. Brown now lives in sunny South Florida with his wife Sheila and their newborn daughter Melia. He enjoys watching and playing soccer and loves spending time with his daughter.

Richard Canada, Esq.Associate

Richard was born and raised in Orange County, California, and graduated from the University of California, Irvine, in 2014 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Political Science. He went on to concurrently earn his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Minnesota’s Law School and Carlson School of Management.

While studying in the University’s dual-degree program, Richard earned Honors as a Staff Member and then as a Managing Editor of the Minnesota Law Review, where he refined his legal research and writing skills working on a breadth of academic articles. In his final year, he worked as a Student Attorney with the University’s Business Law Clinic, assisting local entrepreneurs with transactional matters such as entity formation and filings, operating and employment agreements, and other contracts relating to their businesses. During his time in business school, Richard concentrated on financial analysis and management, and served as a Student Analyst within the Carlson Funds Enterprise.

Upon graduation in 2018, Richard returned home to Orange County and was admitted to the California Bar. He spent the first four years of his legal career working for a boutique insurance defense law firm and quickly gained experience in all aspects of civil litigation practice.

Outside of work, Richard is a passionate baseball and football fan (go Angels and Chargers), and enjoys snowboarding and hiking in the mountains.

Shelby Daws, Esq.Associate

Ms. Daws is a respected associate at LS Carlson Law, proudly hailing from Orange County. With a keen focus on advocating for homeowners in Homeowners' Association (HOA) disputes, Ms. Daws brings her exceptional research and writing skills to the firm's complex motions practice and appeals team.

Ms. Daws embarked on her academic journey at Baylor University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, complemented by a minor in business administration. Her academic achievements continued to shine at Chapman University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude and garnered seven prestigious CALI Awards, showcasing her unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.

Since joining LS Carlson Law, Ms. Daws has proven herself as a dedicated advocate for homeowners entangled in HOA disputes. Her profound understanding of the intricacies of these cases, combined with her meticulous research and writing abilities, has positioned her as a key asset in the firm's efforts to secure favorable outcomes for our homeowner clients.

Having grown up in Orange County, Ms. Daws possesses an intimate knowledge of the local community and a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by homeowners. Her commitment to justice and her clients' rights is unwavering, making her an advocate homeowners can trust.

Ms. Daws' exceptional expertise in representing homeowners in HOA disputes, paired with her outstanding research and writing skills, underscores her invaluable contribution to the LS Carlson Law team. Her dedication to achieving justice for homeowners is a testament to her exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment.

Jayme Day, Esq.Associate

A native of Florida, Jayme Day is an Associate Attorney in the Florida office of L.S. Carlson Law. Jayme has had a passion for the law since she was a teenager, participating in mock trials since middle school and working as a legal assistant in college, as well as interning with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Throughout law school, Jayme interned with a Broward County Judge, clerked at a private law firm and was a member of the Moot Court Society.

After becoming an attorney in 2014, Jayme has honed her legal skills in various areas of law, including civil litigation, commercial and business litigation, real estate law, labor and employment law and juvenile law. Jayme has previously led the civil litigation department within a private law firm and is dedicated to her clients and achieving their desired results.

Kevin Hirsh, Esq.Associate

A South Florida native, Kevin Hirsh is an associate in the firm’s Boca Raton office specializing in community association law. He is passionate about using his legal education and experience to give back to the community that raised him. Mr. Hirsh has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Hirsh participated in the school’s Tenants’ Rights Clinic where he defended eviction actions on behalf of public housing residents. He additionally received distinction for completing the school’s HOPE Pro Bono Challenge, which requires performance of at least 75 hours of pro bono legal services prior to graduation.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Hirsh handled property insurance claim disputes on behalf of homeowners and service providers such as plumbers, water mitigation companies, etc. seeking payment for work performed in connection with such claims. He is admitted to practice in all state courts in Florida, Maryland, and the District of Columbia as well as the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Mr. Hirsh is a former Jeopardy! champion who was the first contestant to win during Mayim Bialik’s tenure as the show’s host. When not working, he devotes his time to local nonprofit organizations including the National LGBTQ Task Force.

He lives in Fort Lauderdale with his husband and Moby, their black Labrador Retriever.

Jonathan Hodges, Esq.Associate

Jonathan Hodges is an associate in the Boca Raton, Florida office. Mr. Hodges graduated from Florida Atlantic University. While earning his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law, Mr. Hodges worked as a clerk for the Public Defender of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. During and after law school, Mr. Hodges gained legal experience in several different fields, including family law, business law, employment law, and real estate law. Since joining LS Carlson Law, Mr. Hodges has used his experience as a member of the firm’s pre-litigation and litigation teams, focusing on representing homeowners in HOA and COA disputes.

Kelsey Luu, Esq.Associate

Kelsey Luu is an associate at LS Carlson Law and practices out of the Firm’s Aliso Viejo office. Ms. Luu is an experienced litigation attorney with a focus on business and real estate disputes. Prior to joining the Firm, she represented financial institutions in state and federal courts. Her extensive experience in real estate litigation includes handling matters relating to contract disputes, title defects, lien priority issues, boundary disputes, and foreclosure proceedings. She is known for her tenacity, strategic approach to complex legal issues, and dedication to protecting her clients’ interests throughout the litigation process.

Born in Vietnam, Ms. Luu moved to San Diego, California when she was 12-year-old. She graduated high school as a valedictorian, earning the highest academic honors in her class. Thereafter, Ms. Luu obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego and law degree from the University of San Diego, School of Law, where she served as an editor for the San Diego International Law Journal.

In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Luu is actively involved in the community. She is passionate about helping and mentoring underserved youth to gain confidence and expand their ambitions. Ms. Luu serves on the Board of Directors of transcenDANCE, a nationally recognized creative youth nonprofit that works with teens in underserved San Diego communities. She also mentors students at the Crawford Senior High School’s Academy of Law and Justice Mentoring Program.

Stephanie Reyes, Esq.Associate

Attorney Stephanie Reyes is a Southern California native who received her Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School in Orange County. In law school, Attorney Reyes was a member of Trinity Law Review, ultimately positioned as Executive Editor. Attorney Reyes was also awarded the AmJur Award in both Torts and Contracts for excellence in those areas of law.

Attorney Reyes is an experienced, thoughtful, and client-focused attorney who takes a comprehensive and practical approach to legal matters. Attorney Reyes is also a zealous and passionate advocate when necessary and compromising when possible.

Irasema Rocha, Esq.Associate

Texas native, Irasema Rocha obtained a degree in political science and a minor in legal reasoning from the University of Texas at El Paso. She moved to San Diego to pursue a law degree where she found her passion for business and tax law. She decided to further her education by graduating with a masters in tax law. While in school, Ms. Rocha received national accolades for her work in business tax planning, in addition to working for the San Diego County Treasury Tax Collector and the California State Board of Equalization.

As a native Spanish speaker and writer, Ms. Rocha went on to represent Spanish speaking clients as a volunteer attorney for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego’s Taxpayer clinic. Ms. Rocha gained over five years of valuable experience as the CFO for a Texas corporation, where she managed accounting records, tax reports, payroll matters, negotiated and drafted federal contracts, and created strategic plans to improve the company’s overall financial growth. Ms. Rocha joined the firm as an associate in February of 2022 and is currently focused on advising business owners on tax matters as a key member of the Firm’s ERC program.

Brandon Roesler, Esq.Associate

Born and raised in Northern California, Brandon always enjoyed sports. In 2005, he played football at Chabot Community College, later transferring and graduating from Whittier College before enrolling at Whittier Law School.

In law school, Brandon interned for Anthony Falangetti and Joseph Weimortz, two former LA District Attorneys. Brandon's second internship was with the LA District Attorney's Office, where he routinely argued in Court as a certified law clerk, completing three preliminary hearings and one jury trial.

After law school, Brandon opened his firm, frequently assisting other attorneys with their Court matters. This early experience was invaluable, and over the next few years, Brandon completed several jury and bench trials in Civil, Criminal, and Family (bench only) Court.

Brandon litigated various topics through his practice, including insurance bad faith, premises liability, employment law, business litigation, administrative law, construction, and real estate matters, such as CEQA, zoning, and entitlements. In 2023, Brandon closed his practice to join LS Carlson Law, PC, where he will be assisting with pre-litigation and litigation cases.

Today, Brandon resides in Orange County. After law school, he joined the Newport Chamber of Commerce and was an ambassador for two years. In his free time, Brandon enjoys traveling, staying active, and watching football in the Fall.

Steven Shack, Esq.Associate

Steven Shack is an associate based in the Boca Raton, Florida office of LS Carlson Law. He has built a reputation as a committed advocate for homeowners embroiled in Homeowners' Association (HOA) disputes.

Steven embarked on his educational journey by earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2011. His dedication to academic excellence continued as he pursued his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2016. During law school, Steven's accomplishments were acknowledged with the CALI Excellence for the Future Award ("Book Award") in Pre-Trial Practice, Professional Responsibility, and Guardianship.

Throughout his career, both during and after law school, Steven has gained extensive legal experience in various fields, including estate planning, probate, and property damage claims. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of legal complexities that benefit his representation of homeowners facing HOA disputes.

Steven is admitted to practice before the Courts of Florida and the U.S. Southern District of Florida, showcasing his commitment to representing clients effectively in multiple legal forums.

As a member of LS Carlson Law's pre-litigation team, Steven dedicates his practice to representing homeowners in HOA disputes. His unwavering commitment to safeguarding homeowners' rights is evident in his diligent work within this specialized area.

Steven Shack's commitment to advocating for homeowners in their HOA disputes, along with his diverse legal background and academic achievements, highlights his dedication to providing effective and thoughtful legal representation at LS Carlson Law.

Nicholas Tomic, Esq.Associate

Mr. Tomic is a native of Southern California, whose legal journey is marked by academic excellence and a diverse legal background. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a testament to his analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Mr. Tomic further honed his legal acumen by earning his law degree from the Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law.

During his time in law school, Mr. Tomic demonstrated his passion for constitutional law as an academic fellow. His dedication to excellence was recognized with three CALI Awards, acknowledging his outstanding academic achievements. He gained invaluable legal experience as a judicial extern at the United States Bankruptcy Court, where he was tasked with preparing detailed advisory opinions for the Court, offering recommendations on various legal matters. This experience not only enhanced his legal research and writing skills but also provided valuable insights into the judicial decision-making process.

Following law school, Mr. Tomic's legal journey encompassed diverse fields, including civil litigation, business transactions, and real estate law. This broad experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of all phases of litigation, from the inception of initial pleadings to the rigors of trial.

Advocating for Homeowners Against HOAs:At LS Carlson, Mr. Tomic has channeled his expertise into advocating for homeowners against Homeowners' Associations (HOAs). His deep understanding of the legal intricacies in these matters, combined with his adept research and writing skills, has positioned him as a valuable member of the firm’s litigation team. Homeowners trust Mr. Tomic to diligently protect their rights and interests in the face of HOA disputes.

Outside of the legal realm, Mr. Tomic finds relaxation and adventure in playing tennis and exploring the rich cultural landscape of the Balkans through travel.

Mr. Tomic's journey from academic excellence to diverse legal experience and his dedication to representing homeowners against HOAs exemplify his commitment to providing diligent and effective legal representation at LS Carlson Law.

Jim Tran, Esq.Associate

Mr. Tran was born and raised in Orange County and graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor's degree in communication. Prior to entering law school, Mr. Tran completed his AmeriCorps service and volunteered with the Orange County Office of the District Attorney in the Family Protection Unit and with the Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County.

He attended law school at Whittier College where he completed several public interest projects, participated in the Special Education Law Clinic representing minor children through administrative mediation for school services, was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honors Board, and completed a judicial externship at the Orange County Superior Court with the Honorable John Nho Trong Nguyen (retired). He earned his Juris Doctor degree with concentrations in trial and appellate practice and criminal law.

Prior to joining LS Carlson Law, Mr. Tran was a senior associate at a well-regarded insurance defense litigation firm working on property disputes, landlord-tenant habitability, products liability, premises liability, and personal injury cases.

James Vermazen, Esq.Associate

James Vermazen, a native of San Diego, California, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, after which he studied law through the California Law Office Study Program.

James has prior experience assisting clients in tax planning, tax controversy, and tax collections matters. He has also assisted clients in drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning matters. Before becoming an attorney, he was also licensed to represent clients before the IRS as an Enrolled Agent.

James joined LS Carlson Law in April of 2023 as an associate attorney in the tax department, focusing on assisting clients in claiming the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and related matters.

Justin Walley, Esq.Associate

Justin Walley graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Mr. Walley went on to earn his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.

During and after law school, Mr. Walley gained legal experience in several different fields, including criminal defense, estate planning, labor/employment law, and real estate law. Mr. Walley also worked for one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies in the country, where he learned how to interact with local government to facilitate the acquisition of real property, resolve encroachment disputes, and remedy contractual issues. Mr. Walley joined LS Carlson Law’s team in 2019. Mr. Walley now practices primarily in the area of estate planning. Mr. Walley helps individuals and their families by creating and implementing estate plans to accomplish their goals of avoiding probate, protecting assets, maintaining privacy, and managing assets during incapacity and for the next generation.

Chris Xouleis, Esq.Associate

Chris Xouleis is a native of Southern California and an accomplished alumnus of UCLA, where he earned his degree in psychology. He continued his education at Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island, where he excelled in public sector law and was recognized for his contributions.

During his time in law school, Mr. Xouleis gained practical experience by externing with the Executive Counsel for the Rhode Island Office of the Governor. This opportunity allowed him to hone his writing and research skills while navigating complex bureaucratic systems, ultimately proving invaluable to his professional development.

After graduating from law school, Mr. Xouleis worked as a corporate attorney representing one of the largest healthcare companies in America, as well as gaining valuable experience in various business related areas of the law. Mr. Xouleis joined the Firm in 2019, and he is currently focused on zealously representing his clients in all facets of business and real estate disputes at both the litigation and pre-litigation levels. 

Mr. Xouleis resides with his wife and son in South Palm Desert, California. As an alumnus of Palm Desert High, Mr. Xouleis has a great affinity for the Desert region and is grateful to be able to live in and assist the Coachella Valley community with their real estate and business law needs. In his free time, Chris enjoys living an active lifestyle, including golfing and enjoying hiking with his family and three dogs.