Mark S. Blackman recently prepared an article for United Trustees Association’s UTA Quarterly titled “California Enacts Homeowners’ Bill of Rights.” The article discusses the ramifications of the new law and its likely consequences to lenders and homeowners.

Super Lawyers have named Lee Kanon Alpert and Gary L. Barr as two of the top attorneys in Southern California for 2013. No more than 5 percent of lawyers in California receive this honor.

Each year, a research team at Super Lawyers undertakes an independent, statewide survey of lawyers, compiles peer reviews and makes good-standing and disciplinary [...]

Senior associate Alex S. Kasendorf was on hand when State Farm Insurance presented a $2,500 donation to the Valley Traffic Advisory Council (VTAC) to support VTAC’s sober graduation program. Alex has been a VTAC board member for 1 1/2 years.
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Adam D.H. Grant was installed as President-elect of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association at the bar’s annual autumn gala on September 22. Previously Grant held positions as bar secretary and treasurer. He served two terms on the bar’s board of trustees.
 
Grant will serve as President-elect for one year before assuming the position of President in September 2013. Alpert, Barr & Grant has produced three past SFVBA presidents: Lee Kanon Alpert, Gary Barr and Mark Blackman.

Alex S. Kasendorf named to San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list.
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Mark S. Blackman is the author of an opinion piece in the Los Angeles Daily Journal on the recently passed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights. The commentary, titled “Homeowner’s Bill of Rights Opens Door to Frivolous Lawsuits,” appeared in the August 23 issue. In it, Blackman warns, “the Homeowner’s Bill of Rights will only serve to delay foreclosures for those who [...]

Gary L. Barr and Alex S. Kasendorf successfully represented their client before the Court of Appeal in which the appellate court affirmed a lower court’s ruling that their client did not owe the appellant $800,000 as provided in a promissory note. The appellate court also let stand an award to their client of attorneys’ fees and costs on appeal.

Current Secretary of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, Adam D.H. Grant, was nominated and is running unopposed for the President Elect position of the San Fernando Valley Barr Association. He will officially become the President Elect after membership voting in September. Alpert, Barr & Grant has produced three past SFVBA presidents: Lee Kanon Alpert, Gary Barr and Mark Blackman.

The California State Court of Appeals recently accepted an Amicus Brief by firm attorneys Gary L. Barr and Mark S. Blackman on behalf of the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI). CMHI supports the appellant Vieira Enterprises, Inc. (Vieira Enterprises, Inc. vs. City of East Palo Alto, et al.) in a case in which the outcome could have a significant impact [...]

For the fourth consecutive year, Gary L. Barr spoke at The Sydney Law Firm Estate Planning Boot Camp in Woodland Hills. His topic was the different forms of real property ownership and real property tax reassessment and transfer issues under California’s Proposition 13. Barr made the presentation before approximately 70 accountants and financial planners.

Senior associate Alex S. Kasendorf was the focus of an article this month in the San Fernando Jaycees Chapter newsletter. As the Jaycee chapter’s vice-president of individual training and development, Kasendorf commented on what he gets out of being a Jaycee. An excerpt:

“I am provided with countless opportunities to give back to the community. Every month there is [...]

Gary L. Barr was elected to a second term as chairman of the California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI) Board of Directors at last month’s CMHI annual convention in Temecula. Prior to being chairman, he had been a director of the organization’s Financial Services Division for 19 years. He previously served as CMHI board chair for two years from 1997 to [...]

ENCINO, CALIF.–Lee Kanon Alpert and Gary L. Barr, principals in the Encino law firm of Alpert, Barr & Grant APLC, have been named by Super Lawyers Southern California magazine as two of the top attorneys in Southern California for 2012. No more than 5 percent of lawyers in California receive this honor.

Each year, a research team at Super [...]

Gary L. Barr recently spoke before the California State Bar Consumer Financial Services Committee. His 25-minute presentation focused on foreclosing on alternative forms of housing. Barr is a member of the committee, having been appointed in 2010. Membership responsibilities include helping advance California legislation involving consumer finance and sharing legal expertise with bar membership. Participating in the discussion were finance attorneys from throughout California.