Five years ago, we walked away from the very firms we now compete against. We were done watching homeowners and business owners get lost in outdated systems, bloated processes, and egos that put prestige over people. We built LPC to be different: smarter, more agile, and fiercely aligned with the people we represent.
About Us
Built For the People
Today, we are one of California and Arizona's best real estate and business litigation firms. We didn’t grow by publishing books or launching podcasts—we did it by winning. Our cases are now taught in law schools and cited in journals. We are here to stand up for homeowners and business owners who’ve been pushed around, overlooked, or underestimated. If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
The Lawyers HOAs Fear
OUR ATTORNEYS
The right lawyer can be the difference between winning and losing
At LPC, we take a personal interest in our clients as people. We put our clients’ interests before our bottom line.
Celine Toubia
Associate
Education
- J.D., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California
- B.A., The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
Office Location
- California
Bar Admission
- California, 2023
Celine graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English from The George Washington University. She then continued her education and obtained her law degree from Chapman University. While at Chapman, Celine completed an emphasis in Environmental, Land Use, and Real Estate, and received Chapman’s Highest Grade award in Environmental Law, State and Local Tax, and Environmental Justice. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in December 2023.
Prior to joining LPC, Celine spent nearly a decade working in marketing and market research for masterplan community developers and homebuilders, primarily in California and Arizona. She co-wrote over thirty stories and case studies on innovative residential products and planned communities in southern California from 1960 to present and assisted in teaching a course in planned community development at University of California’s MBA program.
In her free time, Celine likes to play tennis, listen to podcasts, and hang out with her family (especially her dog and cat).
Pantea Sharifi
Senior Associate
Education
- J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, California
- L.L.M., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California
- B.S. California State University Dominguez Hills, Dominguez Hills, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2013
Pantea obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from California State University Dominguez Hills, and her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. She continued her legal education at Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.). She was admitted to the California State Bar in December 2013.
Since joining Lubin Pham + Caplin as a Healthcare Attorney in June 2024, Pantea has brought her extensive experience in representing medical providers—including hospitals, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation clinics—in healthcare reimbursement and contract disputes. Her practice spans both pre-litigation and litigation matters, providing comprehensive legal support for her clients at every stage of the dispute resolution process.
With a deep commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes, Pantea leverages her in-depth knowledge of healthcare law and her passion for advocacy to deliver strategic, results-driven representation. Pantea’s clients value her dedication to navigating the complexities of healthcare reimbursement and contract issues with a focus on achieving optimal results, whether in negotiations or in the courtroom.
Han Sir
Associate
Education
- Willamette University, College of Law—J.D., 2020
- University of California, Santa Cruz—B.A., Legal Studies, 2010
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 2020
- California, 2021
- Washington, 2024
- United States District Court for the District of Oregon, 2023
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California, 2024
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, 2024
- United States District Court for the Southern District of California, 2024
- United States District Court for the Central District of California, 2024
Han Sir is a civil litigator with a drive for taking on the most complex of cases and devising practical, efficient solutions. Having lived in six different countries and working in other career fields before law school, Han brings a world view to problem-solving. Whether in pre-suit negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or trial, Han subscribes to the belief that there is a practical solution to every situation—no matter how challenging the situation may appear. Throughout his legal career, Han has employed his pragmatic approach to help clients understand and protect their legal rights, to settle misunderstandings between HOAs/neighbors and homeowners; companies and customers; and to resolve construction-related disputes between general contractors, subcontractors, and homeowners.
Han graduated from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. He clerked for the Oregon Department of Justice during law school, and is an active member of the California, Oregon, and Washington state bars.
Andrew Herzog
Senior Associate
Education
- J.D., Vanderbilt Law School: Nashville, Tennessee
- M.B.A., University of North Dakota: Grand Forks, North Dakota
- B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2016
Andrew graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Next, he graduated from the University of North Dakota where he received a master’s degree in business administration. Lastly, he attended and graduated from Vanderbilt Law School. After graduation, he litigated criminal and civil cases and served in various legal roles as an Air Force attorney. After separating from the Air Force, Andrew worked as corporate counsel for a publicly traded home services and insurance corporation.
William (Bill) Idelman
Senior Associate
Education
- J.D., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California
- B.A., Dickinson College, Carlise, Pennsylvania
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2008
- South Carolina, 2012
William “Bill” Idleman obtained his law degree from Chapman University School of Law. While in law school he participated in Moot Court and he interned at the Orange County Office of the County Counsel.
Before joining Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP, Bill represented large financial institutions on hundreds of cases involving mortgage servicing issues, real estate, and business disputes. With over a decade of experience, Bill has successfully obtained favorable trial verdicts and summary judgment in title disputes and wrongful foreclosure cases.
In his free time, he can be found on the golf course or spending time with his family.
Cindy So Park
Associate
Education
- J.D., Chapman University Fowler School of Law, Orange, California
- B.A., University of California: Irvine, Irvine, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2022
Cindy graduated from the University of California Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, and Society. She then graduated from Chapman University Fowler School of Law. After graduating she practiced dependency and advocated strongly for her clients as minors counsel. With that experience she now advocates for homeowners against domineering Homeowners Associations.
JC Chimoures
Senior Associate
Education
- J.D., cum laude, University of California: Irvine, Irvine, California
- B.A., cum laude, University of California: Irvine, Irvine, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2017
- Central District of California, 2017
JC graduated cum laude from the University of California Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Then graduated with honors from the University of California Irvine School of Law where he received UCI’s Faculty Award for the highest performance in Remedies and Torts. While in law school, he was Editor for both the UCI Law Review and the UCI inaugural Journal of International, Transnational, and Comparative Law. After graduating he practiced complex commercial and real property litigation with a large defense firm.
Paul Deese
Senior Trial Counsel
Education
- 2010; BA Sociology, Minor in Legal Studies; cum laude from Chapman University
- 2014 Juris Doctor from Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- CA 2014
- IL 2015
Paul H. Deese, Esq. is a dedicated and skilled attorney specializing in business and real estate litigation, with extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation. Mr. Deese is committed to providing tailored, results-driven legal services that protect his clients’ interests and promote their success. In addition to his work as a trial lawyer, Mr. Deese is a certified mediator and has successfully mediated dozens of matters, offering clients efficient and cost-effective alternatives to trial.
Prior to joining Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP, Mr. Deese built a strong litigation background through diverse experiences across multiple jurisdictions. He began his practice in Chicago, Illinois, where he represented clients in multimillion-dollar commercial disputes in state and federal courts, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals. Upon returning to Orange County in 2018, Mr. Deese quickly rose through the ranks to become Managing Partner and Chair of the Litigation Department at a midsized law firm, overseeing hundreds of active litigation matters and leading numerous cases through trial and arbitration.
In his free time, Mr. Deese enjoys running, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and two Great Danes.
Elaine T. Ding
Senior Associate
Education
- M.P.A., American University, Washington, D.C., 2017
- J.D., American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. 2015
- B.A., Albion College, Albion, MI 2011
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2016
- United States District Court, Central District of California 2019
Elaine graduated from American University’s Washington College of Law where she was a member of the American University Business Law Review. While in law school, she served on the executive board for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society. In 2014, she won the St. John’s Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon after a two-day competition in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Prior to joining Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP, Elaine served as a judicial extern for the Honorable C. Philip Nichols, Jr. in Prince George’s County, Maryland, then practiced business, real estate, and employment litigation. In her free time, she enjoys powerlifting, reading, and event planning.
Ramy Galal
Associate
Education
- J.D., Cum Laude, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, California
- B.A., University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2019
Ramy graduated cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2018. While in law school, he assisted on a wrongful death case that achieved the top 50 jury verdicts in California for 2018. Upon passing the bar, Ramy immediately started his legal career at a Southern California real estate and business litigation law firm that focused almost exclusively on HOA disputes. Now, he continues to represent homeowners against authoritarian HOAs.
Tim Appelbaum
Associate
Education
J.D., Willamette University College of Law, Salem, Oregon
M.B.A., Atkinson School of Management, Salem, Oregon
B.S., California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
Oregon, 2020
California, 2021
Litigation is about clarity. A well-argued case isn’t just rooted in precedent or procedure—it has to make sense in the real world. Tim has always been drawn to that challenge: taking something complex, breaking it down, and delivering it in a way that resonates.
He didn’t come to the law on a straight path. Before attending graduate school, Tim worked with touring musicians at a leading business management firm, brewed beer in the Rockies, and performed stand-up comedy. Those experiences sharpened his ability to adapt, connect, and think on his feet—skills he now uses in the courtroom and conference room alike.
Tim was a member of the Willamette Angel Fund investment team, collaborating with angel investors across the West Coast to evaluate early-stage companies in tech, life sciences, and consumer products. His internships ranged from nonprofit environmental work with watershed councils in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to in-house counsel for a growing food and beverage startup.
Before law school, Tim earned his B.S. in Finance from California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Real Estate Investments. He was a nationally ranked competitor on CSULB’s Moot Court team, where he placed among the top orators in the country. It was there that he developed his love for advocacy and for finding the cleanest path through complicated legal arguments.
Today, his practice focuses on litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He works with individuals, business owners, and homeowners to help them protect what matters most. While litigation is his primary focus, he draws on his years of experience as corporate counsel to advise early- and growth-stage companies on structure, strategy, and execution, helping clients navigate disputes with a business-minded lens.
Outside the office, Tim is usually out exploring—with a weighted pack on his back and headphones full of science fiction and fantasy. He’s a regular at live shows and always looking for his next trail—and his next story.
Notable achievements during law school:
- Tim earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law and
- M.B.A., with honors, from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
Florisse Batoon
Associate
Education
- J,D., University of La Verne College of Law, Ontario, California
- B.A., University of California, Irvine, Irvine California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2024
Florisse earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, and Society, with a minor in Asian American Studies, from the University of California, Irvine. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne College of Law, where she was recognized with a CALI Award for excellence in Intellectual Property.
Prior to being admitted to the bar in 2024, Florisse gained valuable experience working as a legal assistant, law clerk, and discovery paralegal for estate planning and family law firms in Indian Wells, Los Angeles, and Rancho Cucamonga.
In her free time, Florisse enjoys watching movies, going to the beach, and exploring new restaurants.
Divya Bhavsar
Senior Associate
Education
- J.D., Univ of California, Irvine SOL; Irvine CA
- B.A., Univ of California, Irvine; Irvine CA
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2017
Divya oversees the pre-litigation department at Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP. Her proactive and aggressive style has helped countless clients reach a favorable resolution. Prior to LPC, Divya led the pre-litigation department at another law firm focused on real estate law. She also practiced in the labor and employment fields, as well as criminal prosecution and defense.
Michael C. Lubin
Partner
Education
- J.D., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, California
- B.A., Chapman University, Orange, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2013
Michael Lubin grew up in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. After leaving the Northeast, Mr. Lubin found home in the warm climate of Southern California. Mr. Lubin obtained his undergraduate degree from Chapman University. He enjoyed the shrewd scholastic environment so much, he decided to continue studying at Chapman’s law school. During his time as a law student, he interned for the Honorable Andrew J. Guilford of the United States District Court and served on the Chapman Law Review as a Staff and Symposium Editor.
After he graduated from law school, Mr. Lubin began his career at a preeminent litigation firm. There, Mr. Lubin was able to hone his skills on a variety of complex matters, ranging from defending catastrophic injury cases to prosecuting highly complex multi-party construction project disputes. During his time at this firm, he garnered the skills necessary to immediately and aggressively impact his clients’ cases at every stage, from pre-litigation through appeal. He also began collecting numerous success stories, including his first favorable jury verdict and countless dismissals and favorable settlements.
Next, Mr. Lubin joined a Southern California real estate and business litigation law firm that focused almost exclusively on HOA disputes. There, Mr. Lubin managed a team of attorneys, advised clients on the complexities of the Davis-Stirling Act, prosecuted and defended cases through favorable awards and settlements on behalf of homeowners, and otherwise honed his already sharp skills. Mr. Lubin also met his current partners. Together, they decided that there was a better way to assist homeowners prosecute and defend their rights.
Mr. Lubin is one of LPC’s founding partners and its head trial lawyer. He has a keen intellect and an eye for detail, which has earned him a reputation as an aggressive champion of homeowner rights, a powerful advocate, and a persuasive trial lawyer. Mr. Lubin is unwaveringly dedicated to his clients and will stop at nothing to assist his clients obtain their goals.
Namson N. Pham
Partner
Education
- J.D., Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
- B.A., University of California at Davis, Davis, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- Washington, 2021
- New York, 2014
- California, 2014
Being a good legal writer and researcher requires breadth and depth of knowledge. Every example, every analogy needs to connect with the real world. That’s what makes Mr. Pham an effective lawyer. He’s a Renaissance man. He fences. He free dives. He roasts his own coffee. He keeps bees. He forages gourmet edibles. He’s an avid rock climber. He dabbles in competitive BBQ as both a chef and a judge. He’s always learning something new. Each of those experiences helps him write excellent legal briefs that relate the law to the real world.
Mr. Pham’s love for learning unusual skills began early. He began attending selected college classes in the 6th grade, during which he developed a love for coffee and musical instruments. He attended undergraduate at UC Davis where despite double majoring, he graduated in just six quarters. There, he picked up fencing and foraging. He then attended law school at Indiana University on a scholarship where he was the managing editor of the Federal Communications Law Journal and Captain of the Indiana University Men’s Foil Team. While in Indiana, he cultivated his outdoorsmanship and parkour skills.
No matter where he practiced, Mr. Pham found himself the go-to person for difficult litigation problems, especially ones that seemed impossible. His knowledge of the nuances of arcane real estate law, his novel approach to solving litigation problems, and his ability to craft persuasive legal briefs make him an extremely effective attorney.
Eventually, Mr. Pham found kindred spirits in Mr. Lubin and Mr. Caplin. After countless discussions about novel approaches to litigation cases and debates about complex areas of law, the three became fast friends. That friendship eventually evolved into Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP.
Nicholas J. Caplin
Partner
Education
- J.D., cum laude, Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California
- B.A., University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Office Location
- California
Bar Admissions
- California, 2016
Mr. Caplin’s legal education began well before he started practicing law or even attending law school. With a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge as his grandfather, and the Executive Director of the Southern California ACLU as his grandmother, Mr. Caplin learned how to be an effective advocate at an early age. His formative years were spent at judicial conferences and impassioned speeches regarding civil rights. In other words, Mr. Caplin’s career was never really a question.
As a native of Southern California, the first formal step in his journey was obviously obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. Loving the outdoors and mountains surrounding the greater Los Angeles area, Mr. Caplin went on to attend law school at the Pepperdine University School of Law. There, he focused on real estate, land use, and corporate law; was the Lead Articles Editor of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary; won numerous awards, including receiving the CALI Award for the Highest Grade in the Course for Legal Writing, Real Estate Finance, and Mergers and Acquisitions; and was also published in a national employment law journal for his article “Why the NLRB Can be ‘Facebook Friends’ with both Employees and Employers.” He concluded his tenure at law school by graduating cum laude.
Mr. Caplin began his practice working for a highly-respected law firm that represented the largest public entities in the state, as well as international architectural and engineering firms. There, Mr. Caplin cut his teeth on cases involving complex construction, traumatic injuries, and civil rights violations. He obtained countless favorable outcomes for his clients, including successful dispositive motions, and no-liability findings in 10-figure cases. While Mr. Caplin enjoyed those successes, he decided he wanted to represent people instead of the biggest entities in the state.
So Mr. Caplin joined a law firm that specialized in real estate law. There, he represented homeowners in disputes against tyrannical HOAs. After representing hundreds of homeowners, and learning the ins and outs of the Davis-Stirling Act, Mr. Caplin decided it was time to strike out on his own.
He had the great fortune of connecting with Mr. Lubin and Mr. Pham. With Mr. Lubin’s relentlessness and tenacity, Mr. Pham’s once-in-a-generation legal research and writing abilities, and Mr. Caplin’s charisma and practical approach to solving complex problems, the three decided they were the perfect team.
Brock Kaminski
Partner
Education
- J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- B.A., Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Office Location
- Arizona
Bar Admissions
- Arizona, 2017
- Washington, 2024
Brock Kaminski understands that advancing a client’s interests in a lawsuit or dispute requires constant thought, planning and execution. He also understands that the most comprehensive strategy is effectively worthless without continuous communication with the client. This is because even the best legal strategy can be effectively worthless if the client doesn’t have input.
Kaminski is also an avid auto racing fan. Just like in racing, representing clients requires constant attention and focus. Even the smallest mistake can lead to disastrous results. And giving up one inch to an opponent could mean losing the race by a mile. Knowing this, Mr. Kaminski works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for his clients.
Over the years, he has represented countless individuals and businesses in a wide range of civil matters. He has extensive experience litigating cases involving real estate, construction defects, contract disputes, products liability, and even auto accidents. In his first year as a practicing attorney, Brock was on the trial team for a criminal defendant in federal court, which ultimately resulted in a pardon from the President of the United States. In addition to handling cases in state court and private arbitration, he also has experience in the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Kaminski has been published numerous times in the Maricopa County Bar Association’s monthly newspaper; “Evolution of Implied Warranty in Arizona” (March 2020), “How to Navigate Potential Fee Liability in Tort-Based Construction Cases” (April 2021) and “Can a Homeowner Sue a Subcontractor for Negligence?” (April 2022). He served as an editor for a treatise on commercial leasing in Arizona. Joint Tenancies: Property Leasing in Cannabis Commerce (American Bar Association, State and Local Government Section, 2018). He received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago, during which time he externed for two U.S. District Court judges, and worked for the City of Chicago Department of Law’s Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division.
Kaminski is now the managing partner of Lubin Pham + Caplin, LLP’s Arizona office. He joined the team to continue LPC’s mission of providing the best outcomes for people involved in disputes with their HOA.
PRACTICE AREAS
If you own a home or a business, we're here to help.
From HOA disputes to business compliance to construction defects, our lawyers know how to fix it.
Servicing California & Arizona
Servicing California & Arizona
Servicing California
Servicing California & Arizona
Servicing California
Our Locations
California Office
19200 Von Karman Ave. Suite #400, Irvine, CA 92612
Arizona Office
4742 N 24th St. Suite #300, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Interested in a Career at LPC?
At Lubin Pham + Caplin LLP, we’re not just a law firm – we’re a lifestyle firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
After receiving your form, our Client Services team reviews your information. We’ll then match you with the attorney best suited to your case and reach out directly to schedule your consultation.
We typically respond within 1–2 business days. If it’s over a weekend or holiday, it may take slightly longer.
We represent homeowners, businesses, and corporations in disputes involving real estate, HOA conflicts, construction defects, business litigation, and insurance claim recovery.
We primarily serve clients throughout California and Arizona.
You can schedule a consultation directly through our website or call our offices in California (949-979-7010) or Arizona (602-449-1210).
A member of our Client Services team will contact you first. They'll explain our consultation process and help you schedule your appointment with the attorney.
Your initial consultation is a chance for us to understand your situation, clearly outline your legal options, and help you determine your best next steps.
You'll receive specific forms based on how far you proceed in the process. These forms ensure we have all the necessary information to thoroughly evaluate your situation.
This varies depending on your specific case. Our Client Services team will clearly let you know exactly what documents are required and how to provide them.
Absolutely. We offer honest evaluations to help you decide if hiring an attorney is your best move.
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