Honors & Awards
Our firm serves all of California but particularly Southern California. Kevin and Brandon are both Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Kevin is also a Certified Specialist in Taxation. Associate attorney Samantha Koopman is also a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Associate attorney Antonio Rodriguez is fluent in Spanish.
Our attorneys have earned prestigious honors and certifications from the State Bar of California and legal community. These credentials reflect rigorous examination, peer evaluation, and ongoing education requirements that exceed standard licensing.
Board Certified Specialists
Fewer than 3% of California attorneys hold the designation of Certified Specialist from the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Our firm has three certified specialists on staff.
Kevin G. Staker holds dual certifications:
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
Certified Specialist in Taxation Law
Kevin earned his LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law in 1981 and has practiced in these areas for over four decades.
Brandon P. Johnson is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. He has 22+ years of legal and business experience, including work with publicly traded companies and startups.
Samantha W. Koopman is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Certification Requirements
Board certification requires passing a comprehensive written examination, demonstrating substantial experience in the specialty area, and receiving favorable evaluations from attorneys and judges. Certified specialists complete 45 hours of continuing legal education annually, compared to 15 hours required for non-certified attorneys.
Peer Ratings
AV Preeminent® Rating
Kevin G. Staker has earned the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard. Brandon P. Johnson maintains a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Super Lawyers
Kevin has been selected to Super Lawyers multiple times (2011, 2019-2025), a peer designation awarded to accomplished attorneys based on professional achievement and recognition.
Client Reviews
Kevin and Brandon have received Client Champion awards from Martindale-Hubbell based on client reviews and ratings.
Avvo Recognition
Our attorneys have earned Avvo distinctions including Top Contributor Awards, Client’s Choice Awards, and Distinguished ratings.
Community Service
Ben E. Nordman Award (2018)
Kevin received the Ventura County Bar Association’s highest public service award, recognizing community contributions through charitable and public service activities.
Ventura County Legal Aid
Kevin served as President of Ventura County Legal Aid in 2016 and has held multiple terms as a board member. The organization provides legal services to individuals who cannot afford representation.
Planned Giving Council
Kevin founded the Planned Giving Council of Ventura County to support charitable giving and nonprofit organizations.
Bar Association Service
Kevin has served three terms on the Ventura County Bar Association Board and chaired the Annual Dinner Committee for 14 of 15 years.
Additional Professional Roles
Probate & Trust Mediation
Kevin serves as a mediator in probate and trust disputes, helping parties resolve conflicts outside of litigation.
Expert Witness
Kevin has been retained as an expert witness in matters involving estate planning, taxation, trust administration, and probates.
Charitable Trust Management
Kevin serves as co-trustee of the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust.
Professional Memberships
Our attorneys maintain active membership in the Ventura County Bar Association, J. Reuben Clark Law Society, and State Bar of California.
Contact Information
Phone: (805) 482-2282
Location: 1200 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 280, Camarillo, CA 93010
We serve clients throughout Southern California from our Ventura County offices.
Member of the following associations:


