WTJ Celebrates Retirement for Jim Betts

Jim Betts, WTJ attorney with 40 years of experience prosecuting and defending cases in both state and federal courts, has retired from practicing law. His time in civil trial practice included a wide range of cases, including jury trials, and extensive experience in labor law issues.

The WTJ team said goodbye on August 30 with a farewell lunch. The theme of the party was “Dress Like Jim,” as Jim was known for his unique office attire, and the festivities included a bake-off, in which Jim won the trophy for his brownie submission. Jim will truly be missed in the office. Cheers to a well-deserved retirement!

WTJ Congratulates its newest sworn-in Attorney

Celebrating Brodie Surfus

The WTJ team is happy to welcome Brodie Surfus to the practice of law as our newest attorney. After learning this week that he had passed the February 2023 California Bar Exam, his swearing-in ceremony took place on May 11, 2023, before the retired Justice James Ardaiz. We are excited to celebrate Brodie’s success and know he will continue to add value to our team, supporting our clients across a wide array of legal matters.

Congratulations, Brodie!

WTJ Enjoys 2023 Team Retreat

WTJ’s 2023 retreat is in the books! Our firm spent the weekend in Monterey, CA, for a time of bonding with our team and their families. We enjoyed team-building activities such as a scavenger hunt, a catamaran cruise, and golfing. There was also a beach bonfire that included delicious s’mores. We truly value our incredible team members and look forward to our next firm event.

 

Jacob Sarabian Becomes WTJ Partner

We are pleased to announce Jacob Sarabian as our newest Partner at WTJ. Jacob joined WTJ in 2021 after practicing at a nationally ranked litigation firm based in Los Angeles. Since then, he has utilized his extensive experience in business litigation to the benefit of WTJ clients by successfully representing them in diverse practice areas such as real estate disputes, agriculture, crop loss cases, and trust and estate litigation. Jacob was honored for his dedication to his areas of practice in 2022 when he was selected for inclusion in the Northern California Rising Stars list.

Outside of the Office

In his free time, Jacob serves on the Board of the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and dog, and is a fan of college football (Go ‘Dogs!) and the San Francisco Giants.

We are excited to have Jacob Sarabian begin his new role as a Partner at WTJ, and we look forward to his continued success with our firm. Congratulations, Jacob!

WTJ Congratulates Its Newest Sworn-In Attorney

Celebrating Jaskarn Chahal

The WTJ team is happy to welcome Jaskarn Chahal to the practice of law as our newest attorney. After passing the July 2022 California Bar Exam, his swearing-in ceremony took place on November 22, 2022, before the Honorable Judge Hamilton. We look forward to having Jaskarn as a key attorney on our team who supports WTJ’s public entity representation practice. Congratulations, Jaskarn!

 

WTJ Law Announces Merger With Downtown Fresno Firm

WTJ is growing again! Our firm is excited to announce its merger with Fresno-based firm Betts & Rubin. The distinguished firm has merged into WTJ as of August 1, 2022, bringing local, longtime attorneys Jim Betts & Joe Rubin to our team. These seasoned attorneys will be huge assets to us, as they both bring decades of experience serving California clients.

Jim Betts & Joe Rubin Join WTJ

Jim Betts is one of the top trial attorneys in the area. His career is highlighted by a long history of trial success and his membership with the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Betts has experience in Federal and State Court jury trials, and regularly represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of cases including business litigation, employment law, agricultural claims, and personal injury. His longtime partner, Joe Rubin, also comes to WTJ with a long, successful career primarily in public entity work.

We value the deep-rooted, well-deserved respect both attorneys have earned in the legal community, and are proud to announce them as part of the WTJ team!

WTJ Welcomes Guests to Barrels and Bites Event

The WTJ Barrels and Bites Open House was a success! We were so grateful to open our new building to clients, family, and friends while enjoying live music, conversations, and treats on Thursday, April 21. Cheers to everyone who attended and helped us make the night a special one. To those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you at our next event.

WTJ Opens New Merced Office Location

WTJ is pleased to announce our firm is expanding. We have opened a second office location in Merced, CA with the hiring of attorney Kyle Hampton. Kyle previously served North Valley clients through his own firm and is now leading WTJ’s expansion into Merced.

Kyle has engaged exclusively in litigation since 2008, bringing more than 13 years of experience to WTJ law. He regularly represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of areas, from disputes between businesses to the protection of an individual’s rights and property.

22-WTJ-0221 Kyle Hampton Bio

WTJ is thrilled to expand in the Central Valley and serve clients in Merced. For more information on our new office location, click here.

WTJ Named in the Top 20 Women-Owned Businesses

The Business Journal has recognized WTJ Law this year in the top 20 of its women-owned businesses list for the San Joaquin Valley. Our firm has been very focused since its inception in striving for excellence not only for our clients but also for our own team.

Two female attorneys were elevated in 2021, bringing the total ownership by women in the firm to four out of seven. Internal promotion and support are not the only things that make WTJ a great firm. It has only been four years since we opened our doors, and our personal commitment to clients, community members, and our staff continues to grow.

WTJ started with only five attorneys and two staff members and has expanded to what we are today. We are so proud that The Business Journal has noticed and recognized our firm for these accomplishments!

WTJ Law Firm - Kristi Marshall
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