Only 5 percent of all attorneys in the state are chosen! This is Velma’s ninth year for this prestigious honor. The Super Lawyer designation is awarded only after a rigorous process of peer review, independent research and accomplishments in their field.
Only 2.5 percent of all attorneys in California are chosen for this honor! You must be 40 years of age or younger to receive this Super Lawyers – Rising Star designation. It’s awarded only after a rigorous process of peer review, independent research and accomplishments in their field.
December 11th, 2020 ~ The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Business Awards have concluded and the honor of “Young Professional of the Year” goes to Kroloff Shareholder, Jamie M. Bossuat. Jamie is a Shareholder at Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry and Christopherson. She concentrates on Employment Law and many other areas that are of great benefit to local business.
Kroloff honors the passing of good friend and founding partner, Claude H. Smart Jr. — a preeminent attorney and exceptional person. Claude was a member of the firm from 1956 to 2011.
Claude Harlan Smart, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep in Stockton, CA on November 11, 2020. He was 93. The son of Claude, Sr. and Alma Smart, Claude grew up in San Jose, graduating from San Jose High School in 1945. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. Corporal Smart was proud to serve his country on the island of Hokkaido during the reconstruction of Japan at the end of World War II. He enrolled in San Jose State University, then transferred to U.C. Berkeley, where he earned a B.A. degree in 1950. Three years later, Claude graduated from Boalt Hall School of Law in Berkeley and became a member of the California State Bar in 1954. He first practiced law in a small firm in Lemon Cove, California and then moved to Stockton, joining Yale Kroloff, Richard Belcher, and Nat Brown, the founders of the present-day firm of Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry and Christopherson. Claude practiced law as a civil defense trial attorney with the Kroloff firm for over 55 years until his retirement in 2011.
In his long career, Claude tried civil lawsuits in practically every California county seat from Redding to Fresno. Among judges and fellow lawyers, he developed a reputation of integrity and outstanding legal skills. Claude held the coveted “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell for having the highest ethical standards and preeminent legal ability. Claude was honored with San Joaquin County Bar Association’s Law Day Award in 2003 in recognition of his significant contribution to the legal community. Many young lawyers were the beneficiaries of Claude’s mentorship and training to practice at the highest level with utmost integrity. Claude was very active in professional groups, both state-wide and on the national level, making many friends and enhancing the legal profession; these organizations included: California State Bar Joint Commission on Discovery (1984-1986); Northern California Association of Defense Counsel (President, 1979); International Association of Defense Counsel; American Board of Trial Advocates (National Executive Committee, 2002-2006; President, Sacramento Chapter,1984); Defense Research Institute (President, 1993-1994; Chairman of the Board,1994); Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel.
Claude was also very active in the Episcopal Church, holding leadership positions both locally and regionally. Throughout his life, Claude enjoyed playing tennis and won many doubles tournaments at his favorite place to relax, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii. He was an avid baseball and football fan, with an encyclopedic knowledge of both sports. If you asked him, he could give you the starting line-up of the 1940 Oakland Oaks. Claude was a long-time Cal Bear Backer and San Francisco 49er’s fan. He traveled the world with his beloved wife, Barbara, of 58 years. He was loved by many and respected by all. Claude is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Joan Gibson and Suzanne Morris; son, Stephen Smart and his wife, Kara; grandchildren, Matthew, Sara, Claudia, Tyler, and Chile; and great-grandson, Alexander.
Kroloff is happy to announce and congratulate Shareholders, Christopher Engh and Velma K. Lim on being selected as “Super Lawyers” for 2020. This is Chris’ fifteenth consecutive year and Velma’s sixth! The Super Lawyer nomination process is quite rigorous and is based on peer nominations and achievements. Selected lawyers are considered in the top 5% in the state of California. For more information on “Super Lawyers” click the link provided. Velma K. Lim was named Super Lawyer in Employment Law and Christopher Engh was named for Estate Planning. Link to Super Lawyers video https://youtu.be/tk-062tCpHU
Kroloff attorney, Rebecca Sem receives the “Outstanding New Lawyer Award” from the San Joaquin County Bar Association. The Bank of Stockton presented the award at the “New Lawyer Reception”. Mrs. Sem’s legal practice is focused on trust and estate litigation. In addition, she handles probate and trust administration, business litigation, real estate litigation and representation of REALTOR® associations.
Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson welcomes attorney, Courtney S. Hayes to the firm. Ms. Hayes practice centers around Trusts and Estate Planning. She assists executors and administrators in navigating the probate process. She also represents trustees, individuals and various entities in business disputes and litigation, including contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and real property disputes.
Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson, known familiarly as “Kroloff”, represented Clark Pest Control in their sale to one of the largest pest control companies in the world, Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). The Kroloff team representing Clark Pest Control and its shareholders, was led by Gary Christopherson, Allison Cherry Lafferty and Ki Ingersol. Co-counsel with Kroloff was the firm of O’Melveny & Myers, led by Scott Pink, Einat Meisel, and Courtney Dyer.
Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson, known familiarly as “Kroloff”, represented Clark Pest Control in their sale to one of the largest pest control companies in the world, Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). The Kroloff team representing Clark Pest Control and its shareholders, was led by Gary Christopherson, Allison Cherry Lafferty and Ki Ingersol. Co-counsel with Kroloff was the firm of O’Melveny & Myers, led by Scott Pink, Einat Meisel, and Courtney Dyer.
Clark Pest Control has grown to be one of the largest companies of its kind in California and the eighth-largest in the country according to PCT 100 rankings.
Clark, a local success story, is a family-owned company established by Charlie Clark in 1950 and is headquartered California’s Central Valley. Clark has thousands of employees and dozens of facilities throughout California. The acquisition closed on April 30, 2019 and included significant real estate properties, as well as “Geotech Supply”, another successful Clark company.
Robert Baker, who will stay on as President of Clark Pest Control said “The Clark Pest Control family is proud to become a member of the Rollins, Inc. team. We are excited for the opportunities this brings for the Clark employees,”
Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson, a leading law firm in California, is known for its strong support of the Stockton community and the greater Central Valley of California. Leading the way in the finest tradition since 1946, while integrating today’s innovative practices for the betterment of our clients and our community––that’s what Kroloff is all about. Kroloff’s clients are engaged in agriculture, health care, construction, banking, real estate, government and other businesses.
Kroloff. Always on the Right Side – Yours.
Contact:
Tammy Ryans
(209) 478-2000
Tryans@Kroloff.com
750 Shoreline Dr
Stockon, CA 95219
Attorney Jason L. Perisho joins Kroloff. Jason brings with him a wealth of experience in Estate Planning and Taxation. Jason is also fully bilingual in Spanish which allows him to serve our Hispanic community.
Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry and Christopherson was awarded “Best Law Firm in San Joaquin County” from San Joaquin Magazine.