YEAR: 2015, 2014, 2013 2012, 2011
NEW CLIENTS DECEMBER 2012
Marina City Club
Maison Reeves
Monarch Hills CA
Shady Glen HOA
Canyon Sherman Oaks
Deer Path Villas HOA
20th Street Villas
 December 2012. The Inland Empire Chapter of CAI published "Case Law Wrap-Up" by Jasmine Fisher. The article summarized the significant court cases for 2012 affecting homeowners associations in California.
NEW CLIENTS IN NOVEMBERMason Grove HOA
Elegance Kiowa HOA
La Jolla Village Tennis Club
Inglewood Crossroads
City View HOA
 12-12-12. Adrian Adams and Stacy Gerowitz hosted a year-end luncheon for onsite managers in the dining room of the Wilshire House, one of the prestigious luxury highrises on the Wilshire Corridor. Adrian discussed important changes in the rewrite of the Davis-Stirling Act plus new case law and new statutes affecting homeowners associations.
NEW CLIENTS IN OCTOBER
Heritage Ranch OA
Sky Mesa POA
Bonita Bluffs HOA
Stanford Gardens OA
Sherman Gardens OA
Grand Central HOA
La Brea Plaza #1
 10-19-12. Tim Cline of Timothy Cline Insurance and Adrian Adams spoke at the 2012 CAI Legal Forum held in Temecula. Their topic was Limos, Lawyers and Ladies of the Night, a presentation on home-based businesses in homeowner associations. Cline and Adams covered potential liability created by home businesses, insurance issues, enforcement strategies and state imposed overrides to CC&R prohibitions.
 10-13-12. Adrian Adams spoke to managers and board members about the new Davis-Stirling Act. The program included discussion and Q&A about the duties and liabilities of board members. The program was hosted by Diane Rossi, President and founder of Shoreline Property Management in Santa Cruz, a leading property management company in Central California.
 10-3-12. Adrian Adams Tim Cline, and Helmut Martinek spoke on "Critical Issues Facing Community Associations." The seminar for board members and managers was put on by Real Support Property Management at the Calabasas Country Club.
NEW CLIENTS IN SEPTEMBERCarson Condominium HOA
Seaside Villas HOA
Scripps Ranch Estates
Bel Flora at North Oaks
Rocking Horse Ridge
Cathedral Canyon CC #3
The Plaza at Lakeview
 9-20-12. Adrian Adams spoke at the "Common Interest Realty Associations Conference" put on by the CalCPA Education Foundation. The event highlighted:
- State of the Common Interest Industry
- Davis-Stirling Rewrite
- Foreclosure Issues
- CID Fraud
- Financial Statement Disclosure Issues
- Insurance
- Taxes
Other speakers included Ron Stone, John Elhai, Thomas Noce, Patrick Prendiville, Cheryl Martin, Ron Maddox and Kelly Richardson.
.JPG) 9-1-12. Adrian Adams was interviewed for an article by Mike Ramsey on Board ethics. The cover page article was for the National Community Association Institute's magazine "Common Ground."
NEW CLIENTS IN AUGUSTRanch La Vita HOA
Villa Cavalaire HOA
Desert Breezes Casas
Village Park HOA
Colony Club HOA
Pinecrest Community Association
Pala Mesa Village #1
Idlewheels Senior Mobile
311 Gramercy HOA
California Vistas HOA
 8-1-12. Jasmine Fisher joined the law firm of Adams Kessler. Jasmine is an experienced attorney who comes to us with a strong background in homeowner association law, construction management, securities law and intellectual property. Jasmine is an outstanding addition to the firm and the services we currently provide our clients. If your association needs a proposal for legal services, contact us at [email protected].
NEW CLIENTS IN JULYLinda Vista
Village Green
Desert Breezes Casas
Skywood Willowbrook
Museum Plaza
Ocean Club Association
La Costa South
7-25-12. Adrian Adams participated in a follow-up webinar with reserve specialist Robert Nordlund. There were so many questions from their May webinar that they conducted morning and afternoon sessions with large audiences just to answer questions.
 July 1, 2012. Attorney Karen Jacobs' article on a board member's limited "Right to Inspect" records was published in the CACM Law Journal. It addresses whether a director has the right to review personnel records and how privacy concerns limit those rights.
NEW CLIENTS IN JUNE2605 Vanderbilt Lane
Encina Royale, Inc.
Tract 651 HOA
1022 Tenth St. HOA
Friendly Hills POA
Marina Pacifica Association
June 27, 2012. Karen Jacobs, Esq. restated the CC&Rs and Bylaws for the Cimmaron Oaks V Association and for the Colonnade West Homeowners Association. She then took both into court on 1356 Petitions which were approved by the respected judges in the cases. Congratulations Karen!
 June 28, 2012. Equity Management held its first Summer Symposium at the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Over 100 board members attended the event. Larry Stirling, author of the Davis-Stirling Act, and Adrian Adams discussed the rewrite of the Davis-Stirling Act as well duties of board members under the current provisions in the Act.
NEW CLIENTS IN MAY
812 Fremont HOA
Bernardo Heights 12
Countrywood Park Manor
El Dorado Palm Estates
Encino Condo Association
Long Island Village
Madrid Manor
Mission District Lofts
New Burnett Villas
Oak View Estates
Pacific Place HOA
Parkside Condominiums
Sunset View HOA
Torrance Brisas Del Mar
 5-20-12. How Far is Too Far? Adrian Adams was joined by Patrick Prendiville of the Prendiville Insurance Agency and Keith Leedom of Sky Security Services in a well-received program on the impact of the Trayvon Martin shooting on homeowners associations. They presented at the Los Angeles Chapter of CAI to a full house of 150 attendees. The presentation included discussions on:
• Implied security
• Levels of security
• Board liability
• Limits of insurance coverage
• When safeguards don't work
 5-22-12. Adrian Adams served as a panelist with attorneys Jeff Beaumont and William Dunlevy at the CAI Channel Islands Chapter luncheon “Almost Free Legal Advice.” Topics included:
- Board meetings in light of the recent changes to the Open Meeting Act
- Electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels and satellite dishes
- Rules enforcement
- Neighbor-to-neighbor disputes
- ADA & Fair Housing issues
 5-15-12. Adrian Adams participated in a webinar with reserve specialist Robert Nordlund presenting the legal side of reserve studies. The webinar had over 300 attendees. So many questions were submitted by attendees that a follow-up webinar will be scheduled just to address the questions.
Thank you very much for your excellent reserve study presentation today! -Ron Dodge, Summit View Ranch HOA
 5-9-12. Community Spotlight - Country Club Estates in Rancho Mirage, California is highlighted in the April 2012 issue of the Quorum Magazine. Country Club Estates is a valued client of Adrian Adams and Karen Jacobs. Quorum is Coachella Valley CAI Chapter's monthly publication.
 5-8-12. Radio Interview. Adrian Adams was interviewed by Peter Jon Shuler of KQED Public Radio regarding pending legislation (AB 2273 ) currently before the Assembly Judiciary Committee. Click here to listen to the interview.
NEW CLIENTS IN APRIL
Alexander Apartment HOA
Beechdale Meadows
Century Village Rialto West
Endicott Court Community Association
Laguna Lake Owners Association
Lakeshore Homes Association
Mulholland Heights
Pacific 12747 Association
Park Palm Condos
Parkway Gardents
Portola Terrace
R-Wild Horse Ranch
Rye Canyon Commerce Association
Somerset House HOA
The Ostrich Farm
5-3-12. Adrian Adams attended the CAI National educational conference and exposition in Las Vegas.
4-24-12. Aide Ontiveros and Adrian Adams successfully defended the Beachwalk Homeowners Association in a three-day trial. Plaintiff alleged election violations by the association when it amended its CC&Rs. See the court's "Statement of Decision."
 4-10-12. A video on "What is an HOA?" was released by Adams Kessler PLC to YouTube. This humorous and instructive video includes interviews with people on the street.
NEW CLIENTS IN MARCH
Berendo Vista Apartments
Haven Gardens
Oxford Village HOA
San Lorenzo Village
Saunders Park Villa
Villa Court HOA
Villa Romano HOA
Village Walk HOA
3-30-12. Adrian Adams participated in annual directors' seminar entitled "Five Easy Pieces." The seminar was held at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage. The seminar focused on a case study involving a financially troubled homeowners association. The host of the seminar, the Management Trust–Monarch Group, provides full service accounting and property management to homeowners associations in Indio, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Cherry Valley, and Highland, California.
NEW CLIENTS IN FEBRUARYBalboa Townhomes
2-1-12. Adrian Adams served as a consultant and expert witness on behalf of the homeowners association in Wildhorse Canyon v. DR Horton. Other team members included David Bethany of Bethco Builders, Kevin Carter of Loewenthal, Hillshafer and Carter, and Jay Rosenthal of M3 Civil. The homeowners association obtained a significant settlement against the developer.
NEW CLIENTS IN JANUARYDearborne Grove
Eskaton Village
Pacific Corporate Park
Uptown Carlton
Venezia on Wilshire
1-1-12. What are the Association's Options When a Property is Not Being Maintained? Find out by reading the article by Azadeh Saghian under "Ask the Expert" published Channels of Communication, the CAI Channel Island's quarterly publication.
1-12-12. Adrian Adams participated in a "Legal Update" for the Wilshire Corridor Association of Presidents. Also participating were Sandra Gottlieb and Michael Rabkin.
Jan. 2012. Nathalie Ross participated in the “Case Law Courtroom Drama” presentation for Greater Los Angeles CAI Chapter’s Luncheon.
January 2012. As Chair of the Membership Committee, Tina Chu spoke at the Greater Los Angeles CAI Chapter’s Luncheon.
Jan. 2012. Adrian Adams was made a delegate to the California Legislative Action Committee for the Coachella chapter of CAI. CLAC is a volunteer committee of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. The Committee works to safeguard and improve the community associations by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their associations.
 Jan. 2012. Azadeh Saghian's article Elections! Elections! Elections! was published in Focus Magazine. The article addressed election issues under the Davis-Stirling Act. Focus is a publication of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Community Associations Institute.
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Legal solutions through knowledge,
insight and experience.
ADAMS KESSLER PLC is a law firm specializing in community associations throughout California. We offer a full range of services such as:
- CC&R & Bylaw amendments
- Architectural standards
- Election rules
- Rules enforcement
- Contract formation
- Maintenance & mold policies
- Disability compliance
- Litigation services
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Restraining orders
- Employment law compliance
We serve the following communities:
- Master Planned
- Highrise
- Commercial Condominiums
- Waterfront Communities
- Mixed Use Developments
- Golf and Country Club Associations
- Resort Communities
- Planned Unit Developments
- Stock Cooperatives
- Office Condominiums
- Senior Housing Communities
- Mobile Home Park Associations
- Business Park Associations
- Community Apartments
- Property Owner Associations
Unlike other firms whose main practice areas include personal injury, family and entertainment law with a small homeowner association practice, we specialize in community association law. We are not distracted by nor are our energies diverted into unrelated areas of the law.
We stay current on all matters affecting the industry and alert our clients about significant trends and changes in the law.
MEET OUR ATTORNEYSLARRY STIRLING, ESQ.
 Legislator-Author. While serving in the California Legislature, then Assembly Member Larry Stirling authored the Davis-Stirling Act that now governs all common interest developments in California.
Judicial & Public Service. Larry Stirling has a history of distinguished service in the public sector. After serving four terms in the Assembly, his record of achievement led to his election to the State Senate. Mr. Stirling's contribution in the Senate was followed by an appointment as a judge. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Stirling presided over thousands of cases, both civil and criminal. As a result of his efforts on behalf of Court unification, Judge Stirling was commended by various state/local bar associations and, upon his retirement from the bench, by the California Judges Association.
Dispute Resolution. Recognizing the need for dispute resolution in the community association industry, Mr. Stirling now serves as a mediator of association disputes through Davis-Stirling Mediation Services. See complete bio.
ADRIAN ADAMS, ESQ.
 Adrian Adams is managing director of Adams Kessler PLC, a law firm with a state-wide practice representing residential and commercial associations as well as resort and retirement communities. In addition, his firm provides mediation services to community associations under the direction of the retired judge Larry Stirling, the firm’s senior counsel and author of the Davis-Stirling Act.
Adviser. Adrian taught "Association Management and Law" for 10 years through UCLA Extension and is a legal adviser on condominium law and smoke-free housing issues to the Technical Assistance Legal Center, a project of the Public Health Institute. He also serves as an expert witness on standards of care involving association boards and managers and is the creator of the award winning website Davis-Stirling.com, a popular online resource for community associations. See complete bio.
GARY KESSLER, ESQ.
 Gary Kessler received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. In 1980 he received a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University School of Law, where he was selected to serve on the Board of Editors of the Loyola Law Review.
Davis-Stirling Rewrite. Gary served on the State Bar’s working group on the simplification of the Davis-Stirling Act. Gary was named to the national Community Association Institute’s Amicus Committee, which reviews appellate cases across the United States relating to homeowner associations.
Appellate Work. Gary enjoys analyzing and writing about complex legal issues through his appellate work. Judicial opinions in seven of his appellate cases have been certified for publication by the California Court of Appeal. See complete bio.
AIDE ONTIVEROS, ESQ.
 Aide Ontiveros is head of litigation for Adams Kessler. Prior to joining our firm, Aide practiced law with one of the largest insurance defense firms in the country. Being immersed in litigation, Aide gained broad experience in all aspects of litigation and trial advocacy.
International Clients. Because of her litigation skills and fluency in Spanish, Aide has served as counsel for several international clients and was the Los Angeles liaison for the Latin American Practice Group at her prior firm.
Education. Aide is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, Cum Laude. She also earned her Juris Doctorate at the UCLA School of Law. Aide is admitted to practice in California as well as the U.S. District Courts of California. See complete bio.
KAREN JACOBS, ESQ.
 Prior to joining Adams Kessler, Karen practiced as a trial attorney with the largest in-house insurance defense firm in Southern California.
Education. Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from California State University, Northridge. She then earned a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. While in law school, Karen was a volunteer member of the Loyola Cancer Legal Research Center, assisting hundreds of people in obtaining free legal advice regarding health, housing, family, and child protection issues.
Language. Karen is fluent in Hebrew and Farsi and conversant in Spanish. See complete bio.
TINA CHU, ESQ.
 Prior to joining Adams Kessler PLC, Tina practiced in a civil litigation firm where she developed her skills as a litigator.
Judicial Externships. While attending law school, Tina served as a judicial extern for the Honorable S. James Otero (United States District Court for the Central District of California) and for the Honorable Sheri Bluebond and Erithe A. Smith (United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California).
Education. Tina is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government. She then earned a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law. Tina is admitted to practice in the State of California as well as the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Language. Tina is fluent in Mandarin-Chinese. See complete bio.
AZADEH SAGHIAN, ESQ.
 Azadeh "Azy" Saghian Azy specializes in amending and restating governing documents for all forms of common interest developments including condominiums, PUDs, highrises, retirement communities and the like.
Litigation Experience. Prior to joining Adams Kessler PLC, Azy practiced in a civil litigation firm. In this capacity, she attended court hearings, took and defended depositions, propounded and responded to discovery, researched, wrote and argued motions, and conducted pre-trial preparations.
Education. Azy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, Summa Cum Laude, UCLA College Honors, and Phi Beta Kappa. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School. Azy is admitted to practice in the State of California as well as the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Languages. In addition to English, Azy speaks Farsi, Spanish and Hebrew, and is learning Mandarin Chinese. See complete bio.
JASMINE FISHER, ESQ.
Jasmine M. Fisher has a strong background representing common interest developments, including large condominium projects, planned unit developments, and mixed-use and high-rise developments in the capacity of both general and litigation counsel.
Developer Experience. Jasmine previously served as corporate counsel to Phillips Group USA, a California-based real estate developer with residential and hotel projects throughout the West Coast and Latin America. She helped implement associations and their CC&Rs; drafted project operating agreements; managed and coordinated the company’s legal interests in its development projects; facilitated and oversaw entitlements, land use and zoning approvals with local governments; and assisted in project financing and acquisitions.
Education. Ms. Fisher has a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, with a double major in political science and communications (rhetoric) and a minor in history. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California, and also received a certificate in entrepreneurship and the law from the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. See complete bio.
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[email protected]
(800) 464-2817
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Kudos to Adams Kessler for their team of amazing lawyers! I have had personal experience with Karen Jacobs whom I found to be thoroughly knowledgeable. She listened to me instead of acting as if I was an intrusion in her day. I had great success with her in our dealings. If the rest of the team is as personable and competent, I offer that the women of AK are more than angels--dare I say it, they are GODDESSES. -Anita H.. -Anita Haeggstrom, President, Haven Gardens HOA
As a homeowner association Board Member for over 35 years, the information and resources provided by Adrian personally, the Adams Kessler Law Firm and the phenomenal Davis-Stirling.com website have become an indispensable resource for myself and virtually thousands of HOA volunteers throughout the State of California. I highly recommend Adrian and his firm. -Richard S. Zizian JD, President, Grande North at Santa Fe Homeowner's Assn.
Throughout my years of portfolio and high rise general management I had the honor of working with Adams Kessler on several legal cases. I was very pleased with the service provided and with the knowledge of the firms principals and would highly recommend this law firm. -Ron Modaraei, Action Management
All of us at James Ernst Accounting are very pleased with the services Adrian Adams' law firm, Adams Kessler PLC, provides through their website "Davis-Stirling.com." The information is timely, accurate, informative and humorous. I am pleased to be able to recommend his services and his website to HOA professionals and service provider as well as all members of the HOA community. -James Ernst, James Ernst Accounting
I have immense respect for Mr. Adams and his firm. Their website is an incredible resource to us. I truly appreciate the quality of work that comes from Mr. Adams and his firm. I would recommend them to anyone. -Jeff Farnsworth, CCAM, Vice President, Steward Property Services, Inc.
Adrian Adams is one of the top attorneys AWS has ever worked with in the CID industry. I have known Adrian and his firm for over 15 years, and have referred my clients to him for legal advice. I worked as an expert witness on a construction defect case with Adrian and got first hand knowledge of how hard Adrian works for his clients. We highly recommend Adrian Adams and his law office. -Carl Brown, RCI, RRO, General Manager, AWS Consultants Inc.
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LOS ANGELES
2566 Overland Ave.
Suite 730
Los Angeles 90064 |
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SAN DIEGO
8880 Rio San Diego
Suite 800
San Diego 92108 |
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SAN FRANCISCO
225 Bush Street
Suite 1650
San Francisco 94104 |
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SACRAMENTO
770 "L" Street
Suite 950
Sacramento 95814 |
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RIVERSIDE
11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200
Riverside 90505 |
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PALM DESERT
77-564 Country Club
Suite 150
Palm Desert 92211 |
 Winner of the “Silver Award” from the International Academy of Visual Arts and the W³ Awards.Congrats on the honors. They are well deserved! -Jim H.
Your mobile app is awesome! I use it in board meetings to quickly look up information. THANK YOU!!!! -Brian D.
I'm really impressed with what you have done. Thank you. -Masud O.
 See Kudos and Awards for the Davis-Stirling website.
Thank you for your wonderful and amusing newsletter on HOA law. -Elizabeth D.
I am a devotee of your excellent newsletter and your common sense approach to issues. -Marilyn D.
I am a HUGE fan of your newsletter! -Heather V.
Eloquent, funny, wisely sarcastic. Thanks for the great reading. -Linda H.
 Sign-up for free Davis-Stirling Newsletter!
Your newsletter is the most widely read and respected one on the market. -Ernest G.
 See more feedback about the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.
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 Laura Whipple is the Office Administrator for Adams Kessler PLC. She manages the day-to-day operations, accounting, bookkeeping, insurance and benefits, and human resources for the firm.
Laura has a BA in European History and an Masters in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. In addition Laura is a certified paralegal.
 Nathalie Ross is Director of Business Development. With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, Nathalie oversees customer service for Adams Kessler ensuring that our clients receive quality service from our law firm.
Nathalie received her California Paralegal Certification from Barclay College in Cerritos, California. She then earned a Nevada Paralegal Certification from UNLV. She has been an active member of the Community Associations Institute since 1999 and served as President of the Nevada Chapter of CAI and on various chapter committees throughout California.
 Carolyn Houtz is a legal assistant at Adams Kessler. She works with our attorneys handling legal filings, discovery and general litigation matters.
Carolyn is also outstanding when it comes to working with clients. They love working with her and aren't shy about saying so. |
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