 KIRK & SIMAS is a full service law firm committed to bringing the highest quality legal services to California's Central Coast. The firm dates from 1951 when Bob Trapp established his law practice in Santa Maria. Dan Kirk later joined him and the two practiced as the firm of Trapp & Kirk until 1972 when Bob was appointed as a Superior Court judge. Upon his return to Santa Maria after law school in 1976, Alex Simas joined Dan. Dan retired in 1993, but the firm has retained his name and now has been known as Kirk & Simas for nearly 30 years.
The firm holds the prestigious "AV" rating under Martindale Hubbell's Peer Review Program. Under the program, attorneys throughout the Central Coast region rate each other on both technical proficiency and ethical standards. "AV" is the highest rating that can be earned.
The firm size has fluctuated over the years with changing conditions. It currently has two shareholders: Alex Simas and Kathy Patton. In 2003, former shareholder Ellen Pitrowski withdrew from the firm to become a full-time mom; in early 2005, former shareholder Jim Rigali ascended to a position as a Superior Court judge; and in mid-2006, former shareholder Denise Motter was appointed to a position with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court as a facilitator for unrepresented parties in family law cases. Ryan Fothergill, Sharon Martinez and Michele Rowe are associate attorneys with the firm.
The attorneys are assisted by a group of well trained and dedicated law clerks, paralegals and legal secretaries, an office administrator and administrative support staff. Together, Kirk & Simas emphasizes a team approach to assure that all facets of its clients’ legal needs are addressed in a thorough and efficient manner.
Kirk & Simas is a small town law firm that provides big city law firm service and results at reasonable rates. That quality of service is guaranteed by the firm’s commitment to a solid foundation of traditional legal education and broad practical experience. It is enhanced by the latest in technological research tools and continuing education for both its lawyers and support staff. This commitment to high quality service consistent with small town concern for the client is embodied in the firm's Mission Statement and Core Values.
Kirk & Simas is honored to represent substantial public and private interests on the Central Coast in real estate acquisitions, land use permit processing, construction, development, financing, and litigation matters; in resolving business-related disputes; in forming, operating, financing, transferring, and dissolving partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, homeowners associations and other business entities; in management-oriented employment law matters, and in estate planning, estate administration, and family law matters.
We welcome inquires on specific matters. | 
