Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy & Pinkney - SBEMP Attorneys at Law

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Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy & Pinkney - SBEMP Attorneys at Law SBEMP LLP was founded in 1994. The firm has continued that success and built a strong reputation in both complex litigation and transactional matters.

The founding members were partners in the largest law firm in the Inland Empire, each with over fifteen years of experience and a proven track record of substantial success. They formed their own firm to concentrate exclusively on providing clients with superior legal representation and first-class service at competitive pricing. The foundation of the firm is hard work, creative and aggressive advocacy, and an unwavering focus on the needs of the client. Our goal in every matter is to achieve the best possible result in a cost-efficient manner. Our partners have successfully tried over 100 cases to judgment or verdict, as well as having participated in hundreds of arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. More often than not, this expertise leads to favorable settlements without the needfor trial. The firm has negotiated and closed complex business and real estate transactions totaling over a billion dollars throughout the United States. The firm’s unique transactional portfolio includes public and private companies, in addition to local, state and federal governments and regulatory agencies. Many of our attorneys have spent most of their lives in the Coachella Valley. Their long-term community involvement gives the firm unique access to the area’s business, political and community leaders.

Thank you to the League of California Cities for hosting another wonderful annual conference! We look forward to this ev...
09/28/2026

Thank you to the League of California Cities for hosting another wonderful annual conference! We look forward to this event every year and always enjoy connecting with fellow professionals, clients, and friends.

09/11/2026

🚨 In an accident? Remember these 9 things.

After a serious accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Your health comes first, but taking the right steps at the scene can also help preserve important information for your potential case. ⚖️

Here are 9 things to keep in mind:

🏥 1. Get the medical care you need.

📂 2. Preserve any evidence.

🤝 3. Get assistance from family and friends.

📸 4. Take pictures of the damage.

👥 5. Take pictures of people at the scene.

🚘 6. Take pictures of the person who caused the accident.

🔎 7. Take pictures of their vehicle and its damage.

👮 8. Report the accident to the police.

📋 9. Report the accident to your insurance company.

And remember: your health and well-being come first. The case is secondary.

🎙️ Shaun Murphy and Jim Parkinson break down what you should know after a serious accident on Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys.

📌 Save this Reel—you never know when you or someone you love might need it.

Save the date for a fun-filled community event in Needles at the river. It's the Third Annual Community Fall Festival fe...
09/04/2026

Save the date for a fun-filled community event in Needles at the river. It's the Third Annual Community Fall Festival featuring the Route 66 Centennial Celebration on Nov. 7. Scan the QR code below to find all the details.

09/01/2026

🐾 A pet trust can leave behind more than a legacy for your own pet.

Have you ever wondered what happens if your pet doesn't use all the money you've set aside for their care?

For many pet owners, the answer is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. ❤️

Whether it's supporting the rescue that brought your pet into your life, helping a breed-specific organization, or giving back to an animal charity you care about, your estate plan can continue helping animals long after your pet is gone.

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith explains how thoughtful pet trust planning can benefit both your beloved companion and the organizations working to give other animals a second chance.

💬 If you could support one animal rescue or organization through your estate plan, which one would you choose?

08/27/2026

🐾 When people think about estate planning, they usually think about the obvious.

🏡 The house.
💼 The business.
👨‍👩‍👧 The kids.
👶 The grandkids.

But there's one important question that often gets overlooked...

What about your pets? 🐶🐱

For many families, pets aren't "just animals"—they're family. That's why planning for their future deserves the same thoughtful conversation as every other part of your estate plan.

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith shares why asking about pets is a standard part of her estate planning conversations—and why it should be part of yours, too.

💬 If your pet could choose one person to care for them, who do you think they'd pick? Tell us in the comments! 👇

08/25/2026

🐾 A pet trust is more than just setting money aside.

If your pets depend on you, you need a plan that answers the important questions:

✅ Who is going to be in charge of their care?
✅ Who is going to manage the money?
✅ How will you fund their ongoing needs?
✅ How will you preserve those funds for their future care?
✅ What happens to leftover money after they pass away?
✅ How will the caregiver be compensated?

Because the goal isn't just to provide for your pets today… it's to make sure they continue receiving the care, love, and lifestyle they know. ❤️

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith breaks down the key things every pet owner should consider when planning for their animal companions.

🐶🐱🐴 Whether it's a dog, cat, horse, or another beloved animal—having a plan can make all the difference.

👇 Save this for later and share it with a fellow pet owner who needs to hear this.

08/20/2026

🐾 Loving your pet means planning for the unexpected.

Choosing a caregiver is important—but what happens if that plan falls through?

Whether you have a 🐶 dog, 🐱 cat, 🐴 horse, or another beloved animal, it's smart to have a backup plan.

Think about:
🏡 Where they'd be rehomed
❤️ Whether they should stay with other pets
🌤️ The environment they'd thrive in
🤝 Trusted rescue organizations that can help if needed

A little planning today can make a world of difference for your pet tomorrow.

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith shares why every pet owner should have a Plan B.

💬 Do you already have a backup plan for your pet? Tell us in the comments!

08/18/2026

🐾 Your pet's future is about more than food and water.

When planning for your pet, think about the life you've already given them. ❤️

🐶 Their favorite food
🏥 Their veterinarian
🎾 Their daily routine
🦴 Their daycare or favorite activities

A pet trust isn't just about setting aside money—it's about preserving the quality of life your pet knows and loves.

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith explains how to calculate what your pet may need and why thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

💬 What's one thing your pet couldn't live without? Tell us in the comments!

A special day with some very special people. ❤️One of the best parts of practicing family law is getting to share in the...
08/14/2026

A special day with some very special people. ❤️

One of the best parts of practicing family law is getting to share in the moments that truly matter to our clients. Grateful for the trust they place in us and for days that end with smiles like these.

— Carolyn Martino, Partner & Chair, SBEMP Family Law Department

08/13/2026

🚨 Want to protect your pet after you're gone? Don't make this costly mistake.

Many pet owners think leaving money directly to a friend, family member, or caregiver is enough. 🐶

But depending on how it's done, that gift could be challenged—or even invalidated. 😳

The goal isn't just to leave money...
It's to make sure that money is actually used to care for your pet the way you intended. 🐾

🎙️ In this episode of Off the Record with SBEMP Attorneys, Valerie Powers Smith explains why a pet trust is often the safest way to protect your furry family member and avoid unintended legal issues.

💬 If something happened to you tomorrow, do you already know who would care for your pet? Let us know in the comments.

Address

74774 Highway 111
Indian Wells, CA
92210

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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