Duckor Metzger & Wynne, a Professional Law Corporation, is pleased to announce that James Sipple was elevated to shareholder and joined the firm’s Executive Committee. The firm also announced that it recently hired Nathaniel Smith as senior counsel and Jonah Mekebri as an associate.
James has more than 20 years of experience practicing business law and managing all aspects of trust and estates for clients. He joined DMW in 2022 to help the firm expand its Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate practice group. James advises clients in developing and implementing comprehensive estate plans and provides guidance on more advanced tax planning strategies for larger, tax-sensitive estates. Prior to joining DMW, he was a shareholder at Boner Stern & Sipple. James earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he also earned a Master of Laws degree in taxation with an emphasis in estate and gift tax and the taxation of business entities.
“Since joining the firm last year, James has proven to be an essential asset to clients and colleagues alike. He has elevated our Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate practice by providing thoughtful, comprehensive estate plans and top-notch tax planning strategies,” said DMW Managing Partner Anna Roppo.
Nathaniel joined DMW’s Business Litigation and Employment practice groups last year, handling all manner of business and commercial litigation. His experience includes consumer class action defense, employment matters, partnership and joint venture disputes and trade secrets and intellectual property litigation. Previously, he was in-house counsel for a real estate and agricultural company and spent 10 years as a litigator at one of the nation’s largest law firms. He earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.
“Nate brings with him a wealth of litigation experience and a valuable perspective from having served as in-house counsel for a business,” Roppo said. “This role allows him to relate to business clients as they navigate all manner of daily operational legal issues.”
Jonah is a member of DMW’s Business Litigation, Employment and Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate practice groups. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a legal intern for the Placer County District Attorney’s Office and held other positions with political offices and campaigns. He received his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2022 and passed the California Bar Exam in November.
“We are excited to welcome Jonah as an associate with the firm. His impressive background and academic record, along with his impressive work as a law clerk with DMW, show him to be a hard worker and an intellectual, and we know he will make a great addition to the DMW team,” Roppo added.