Business Details
Trusted Legal Services for Real Estate and Estate Planning
Brigit S Barnes & Associates, a law corporation, has been providing specialized legal services in real estate development, land use, environmental law, and asset protection since the mid-1980s. Our firm combines decades of experience with a client-focused approach, serving clients across Northern California and Nevada. We prioritize understanding each client's unique needs to deliver tailored solutions that protect their interests and assets. Our team includes certified specialists in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, ensuring expertise in both transactional and litigation matters. We maintain strong relationships with civil engineers, environmental experts, and industry professionals to support comprehensive project execution.Our practice extends to regulatory compliance, ranching resource preservation, and business entity formation, reflecting our commitment to diverse client needs. We emphasize transparency, proactive communication, and strategic problem-solving to achieve favorable outcomes. With a track record of successful land development projects and estate planning services, we aim to be a trusted legal partner for individuals and businesses alike. Our attorneys regularly contribute to industry seminars and publications, reinforcing our position as thought leaders in our practice areas. Located in Loomis, California, we serve clients across six Northern California counties and Northern Nevada regions, including Lake Tahoe.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Land Use Services
Environmental Compliance
Business Entity Formation
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in real estate and environmental law.
- Our team includes a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law.
- We serve Northern California and Nevada, including Lake Tahoe regions.
- We provide comprehensive solutions from entity formation to regulatory compliance.
- Our attorneys actively contribute to industry education and policy development.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California
What people say
Exceptional knowledge base
Leadership in projects
Preserved entitlements
Certified specialist expertise
Successful litigation outcomes
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning practice creates customized strategies to preserve wealth and ensure smooth asset transfer. We utilize living trusts, family partnerships, and tax-efficient techniques to protect client assets while minimizing estate taxes. Certified specialists design plans that reflect individual wishes and long-term goals.
Land Use Services
We represent clients in real estate development projects from initial entitlements through regulatory compliance. Our services include navigating local and federal agency requirements, defending development rights, and resolving disputes over zoning and environmental regulations for commercial and residential projects.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through probate processes and administer living trusts after death. Our team handles contested estates, mediates disputes, and ensures proper distribution of assets according to wills or state laws while minimizing administrative costs.
Environmental Compliance
We assist clients with environmental impact assessments, wetlands regulations, and endangered species compliance. Our firm prepares environmental opinions for lenders and develops strategies to meet federal and state environmental requirements for development projects.
Business Entity Formation
We establish LLCs and corporations for asset protection, prepare governance documents, and provide annual compliance services. Our firm supports business owners with entity management, financing structures, and ongoing legal requirements for both new and existing companies.
People
Brigit S. Barnes
Owner and Principal Attorney
Brigit S. Barnes founded the firm in 1985 after graduating with distinction from McGeorge School of Law. Certified in Estate Planning by the State Bar of California, she has 35+ years of experience in real estate development and environmental law. She lectures for industry groups and represents clients in complex land use matters.
Shareen Golbahar
Of Counsel Attorney
Shareen Golbahar joined the firm in 2003 after graduating from McGeorge School of Law. She focuses on estate planning and brings extensive experience in creating customized wealth preservation strategies for families across Northern California.
Jaenalyn Killian
Paralegal
Jaenalyn Killian has 25+ years of legal experience, specializing in land use and environmental planning. Certified by UC Davis, she supports attorneys with complex real estate litigation and regulatory compliance matters, drawing on prior experience with prominent land use attorneys.
Nancy Seley
Office Manager/Paralegal
Nancy Seley manages office operations and provides paralegal support with 45+ years of civil law experience. Her expertise includes litigation support, document management, and IT administration for complex legal cases involving real estate and business matters.
Janice Reed
Legal Assistant
Janice Reed has 30+ years of experience in legal administration, specializing in document management for real estate and entertainment law cases. She supports attorneys with file organization and client communication in complex legal matters.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve six Northern California counties (Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento, Yuba, Nevada, Sutter) and Northern Nevada regions including Washoe and Douglas Counties and Lake Tahoe.
Are your attorneys certified specialists?
Yes, Brigit S. Barnes is certified in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California.
What real estate services do you offer?
We handle land use entitlements, development projects, environmental compliance, and commercial real estate transactions for clients across California and Nevada.
Do you provide estate planning services?
Yes, we offer comprehensive estate planning including trusts, gifting plans, and asset preservation strategies tailored to individual client needs.
Can you assist with business entity formation?
We form LLCs and corporations, provide asset protection strategies, and offer annual compliance services for business entities.
How do you handle regulatory challenges?
We represent clients in defending development entitlements, resolving disputes with agencies, and protecting property rights against regulatory challenges.
