Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Arcata, California
Established in 1948, our firm has built a legacy of excellence in legal advocacy and client representation. We combine decades of experience with personalized service to address complex legal challenges across multiple practice areas. Our attorneys are deeply rooted in Humboldt County, offering specialized expertise in family law, estate planning, civil litigation, real estate, and business law. We prioritize client satisfaction through transparent communication, ethical representation, and a commitment to community service. With a history of landmark cases and active involvement in local governance, we maintain a reputation for integrity and results-driven legal solutions. 
Services
Family Law
Estate Planning
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Law
Business Law
Probate
Mediation
Water Rights
Elder Abuse Cases
Contract Disputes
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We offer over 70 years of combined legal experience in Humboldt County.
- Our attorneys specialize in niche areas like water rights and elder abuse law.
- Personalized service with direct attorney-client communication guaranteed.
- Proven track record in complex litigation and estate planning matters.
- Deep community ties through local radio, ACLU, and chamber involvement.
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice handles divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases with compassionate advocacy. We prioritize client well-being while navigating complex legal frameworks. Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with mediation expertise to achieve favorable outcomes for families in transition.
Estate Planning
We craft comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to individual needs. Our approach ensures asset protection and smooth succession planning. Clients receive clear guidance on probate avoidance and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation team represents clients in contract disputes, property conflicts, and civil rights cases. We combine aggressive courtroom representation with strategic settlement negotiations. Specialized knowledge spans real property law and business litigation matters.
Real Estate Law
We handle real estate transactions, boundary disputes, and water rights litigation. Our practice covers residential and commercial property matters. Clients benefit from decades of experience in local land use regulations and title dispute resolution.
Business Law
Our business law services include entity formation, contract drafting, and dispute resolution. We serve local businesses with tailored legal strategies. Attorneys provide ongoing counsel for commercial transactions and regulatory compliance matters.
People
Elan Firpo
Partner
Specializing in family law, Elan Firpo combines SCUBA diving adventures with legal advocacy. Former Humboldt County prosecutor, recipient of MADD's Outstanding Prosecutor Award, and active community board member.
Chris Hamer
Senior Partner
Civil litigation expert with federal court admissions across California. Humboldt native returned from Southern California practice to serve local communities. Active in outdoor sports and legal education.
Eric Kirk
Senior Partner
Civil liberties advocate and ACLU member. Drafted Humboldt County's Sanctuary Measure K. Hosts KMUD radio show while managing civil litigation and real property cases across Northern California.
Joshua Kaufman
Of Counsel
Transitioned from paleontology to law after 30 years in Humboldt County. Specializes in estate planning and real estate. Maintains off-grid lifestyle while advising local businesses and property owners.
Questions
What areas of law does your firm specialize in?
We specialize in family law, estate planning, civil litigation, real estate, business law, and water rights disputes across Northern California.
Does your firm handle cases outside Humboldt County?
Yes, we represent clients in Trinity, Mendocino, and Del Norte Counties with regular court appearances across Northern California.
What experience do your attorneys have in family law?
Elan Firpo, our family law specialist, has over 15 years of prosecutorial experience and mediation expertise in child custody matters.
How does your firm approach estate planning?
We create customized plans using trusts, wills, and advance directives while providing clear guidance on probate avoidance strategies.
