Meet Our Team
Who We Are
Get to know who we are and more information about each one of our team members.
Jéan-Paul Afif serves as the Founder and CEO for Star of the Sea Wealth Management located in Orange County California. He works with clients to help ensure they keep the promises they make to God, their families, their communities, and themselves each and every day. He takes a distinct approach to first help identify what is most important in his client’s life and more crucially, why. Jéan-Paul’s ultimate goal is to understand what each client’s “mission” is: what they would like their money to accomplish in their life and the legacy they want to leave behind for the next generation. By understanding the “why” for his clients Jéan-Paul is able to work with his team to help ensure client portfolios and overall wealth plan are a perfect reflection of client needs, goals, and values.
Jean-Paul launched his career in financial services in 2008 at Citibank during the height of the financial crisis and quickly realized that no single solution works for everyone. In 2009 Jean-Paul joined Wells Fargo as a Business Development Officer where he learned all 84 different lines of business that the bank offered, increasing his acumen and ability to be a true financial consultant to his clients, their families, and the businesses they owned. After 5 years of successfully working with business owners who operated companies doing $20-$150MM in gross annual sales, Jean-Paul moved into Wealth Management as a Wealth Advisor with Wells Fargo Private Bank as part of the leadership team working exclusively on investment accounts greater than $10MM, and as high as $160MM; specifically business owners who he helped guide through the process of selling their companies. After a total of 9 years all together at Wells Fargo, Jean-Paul joined Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor with the Pluta/Katz team which managed a $2 Billion book of business from Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan New York and obtained his CEPA accreditation as a “Certified Exit Planning Advisor” once again fortifying his focus on working with Business Owners, and helping them navigate all the facets of preparing their companies to bring them to market, he is known for his personal advice, knowledgeable insight, and guidance in managing diverse financial backgrounds. Jean-Paul has worked with affluent individuals and their families, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, executives, pro-athletes, entertainers and real estate investors alike to facilitate strategies and guidance to meet their individual financial needs. Today, Jéan-Paul operates Star of the Sea Wealth Management as an independent advisory firm, which has a custodial relationship with BNY Mellon | Pershing, & Schwab.
Jéan-Paul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University (“LMU”) in Los Angeles where he also played NCAA division one basketball for the Lions while on athletic scholarship. After graduating from LMU, Jéan-Paul played professionally including a short stint in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings and international stays in Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy. After his playing days were over, Jéan-Paul began coaching and in a short period of time became a general manager of a minor league franchise.
Prior to banking, Jéan-Paul started two of his own companies and was involved as both an owner and manager for a number of other start-ups where he served on their boards. These “life” experiences have helped to provide him with the necessary background to anticipate his client’s needs for any venture they may choose. Jéan-Paul is very active in the southern California community, formerly sitting on the Board of Directors for the Orange County YMCA, Connections for Children in Los Angeles, & Divine Mercy 4 Life. He currently sits on the Board for Obria Medical Clinics, a national Pro-Life women’s crisis pregnancy center, Tepeyac Leadership Inc, a non-profit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals, and the Santiago Retreat Center, a 501(c)(3) corporation, that exists to serve the Catholic communities of Southern California by providing facilities for retreats, marriage encounters, summer & science camps, and special events in a safe & secure; stunningly beautiful 500 acre setting.
Jéan-Paul is heavily involved with his church – St. John Maron in the city of Orange as part of the stewardship committee and leads the church youth group. Jean-Paul is also an Opus Dei cooperator, and involved as a member of Legatus, Catholics@Work OC, the Order of Saint Sharbel, Order of St. Lazarus, Knights of Columbus, as a baptism catechist, and spiritual formation volunteer. Jéan-Paul lives in North Orange County with his wife, a school teacher and eight children, who they homeschool, all age fourteen and under.
Meet the rest of our team
Our Team
Daniel Catone
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Golden State
Daniel is a southern California native, originally from Fullerton in Orange County. A graduate of Whittier College with a History and Political Science degree, Daniel began his career in Geneva, Switzerland working for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Starting in September 2001, he worked as a wealth manager for Edward Jones Investments and, in 2005, founded his first investment management company, Redwood Investments. From Redwood Investments’ success grew the Golden State family of companies; firms built to empower fellow advisors through supported independence, asset management, and practice ownership.
As well as acting as the personal Chief Financial Officer for successful families across the country, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of Golden State and has over 20 years of industry experience. He was named a Top 40 Financial Advisor Under 40 by Investment News and Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2022. He is a private pilot, holds a master’s degree in Theology, and lives with his wife Jennifer and their four children on a family farm near Cody, Wyoming.
Patrick Catone
Founder and Chief Compliance Officer, Golden State
Patrick finds himself wearing many hats as both Chief Compliance Officer and a transitions expert. Levelheaded with a naturally calm demeanor, Patrick has preformed dozens of successful transitions across the Golden State universe and has built a strong repertoire of processes to conduct seemingly effortless transitions. While each advisor and each transition are unique, Patrick has an uncanny way of connecting with advisors and representing their interests with clients. Patrick believes an advisor should spend their time strengthening their client relationships and building a successful practice, while, at full advisor direction, he and his team proudly address the time-consuming operations necessary to facilitate a successful transition.
Patrick and his family live in Los Angeles, CA. While travel isn’t as easy now with a toddler in tow, travel and food some of his passions. If not amid supporting an advisor transition, it isn’t uncommon to hear he has set flight for some distant location across the globe. Patrick also devotes much of his time and energy in supporting The Foundation Fighting Blindness to find cures to blindness while also helping to build a social network for anyone impacted by this invisible disease.
John Nahas
Founder and President Golden State
John is a southern California native, born in San Diego and raised in South Orange County. After graduating from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, John began his career in financial services as an Internal Wholesaler for Metlife Investors in 2001. He was soon promoted to External Wholesaler and has worked with financial advisors in Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles.
John is Founder and President for Golden State. In addition to his role as a wealth manager, John oversees both firm growth and advisor growth initiatives. He recognizes opportunities to work with and help advisors achieve their vision, paying close attention to their personal and business goals. From the initial recruiting process, to completing a successful transition, and forward-looking business planning, John remains attentive to each member of the Golden State team.
John lives with his wife Jennifer and son Jayden in Laguna Beach, CA. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, skiing, mountain biking and sailing. He is also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Alumni association, the National Eagle Scout Association, and the Long Beach Yacht Club.
Kyle Fairall
Chief Investment Officer, Golden State Asset Management
Kyle serves as the company’s Chief Investment Officer and oversees the asset management operations. He began his career in 2005 working for Investors Bank & Trust and State Street where he focused on institutional investing. Kyle later partnered with Redwood Investments where he continues to practice wealth management. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the additional role with Golden State. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a minor in Economics.
Living on the Mendocino Coast in which he is a 4th generation native with his family, Kyle enjoys spending time with his two children and their many activities, including golfing and mountain biking.
Jennifer Nahas
Chief Marketing Officer
Golden State
Jennifer serves as Golden State’s Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for all marketing efforts for the company. Born and raised in southern California, Jennifer has spent most of her life between Los Angeles and Orange counties. She has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Before joining Golden State in 2019, Jennifer was Vice President of Marketing for Griffin Capital where she was responsible for all marketing and public relations efforts for the parent company as well as the distribution arm for their alternative investments. Prior to her role at Griffin Capital, Jennifer spent nearly 10 years in New York City supporting annuity distribution for AXA Equitable and MetLife. Serving as Assistant Vice President at AXA Equitable, Jennifer was responsible developing and merchandising marketing material for new and existing products. She played a similar role at MetLife, but also focused two years of her tenure on global brand and advertising efforts during a key transitional time for the company. She boasts a wealth of brand, public relations and marketing knowledge that is specifically related to the financial services industry and has a knack for creating collaborative team environments.
Jennifer lives with her husband John and son Jayden in Laguna Beach, CA. When not spending time on the water or skiing down mountains with family, she enjoys painting and teaching her son appreciation for art. She is a member of the Long Beach Yacht Club and Long Beach Museum of Art.
Jill Schindler
Transition and Administrative Director, Golden State
Jill joined Golden State in 2016 to assist with advisor transitions and on-boarding. During her tenure, she took on additional compliance responsibilities. Jill now serves as the Transition and Administrative Director and oversees all transitions. While moving multi-million-dollar books of business during the onboarding process, Jill coordinates the necessary activity between advisors, clients and custodian back office personnel to ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. Additionally, Jill works directly with the firm’s advisors on issues relating to compliance oversight, regulatory reviews and audits.
Prior to joining Golden State, Jill traveled a unique career path that includes Executive Assistant to the President of Zaro’s Bread Basket in New York City and Sous Chef for a Sodexo Marriott corporate dining facility. As an active volunteer, she served as an executive board member for seven years in the PTA, ending her tenure as president and served on the executive board of the Temecula Valley Time Machine, a youth running club. Throughout her career, Jill developed and strengthened her commitment to customer service. Jill received her Culinary Arts diploma from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and her BS in Social Sciences from California Polytechnic State University.
Jill resides in Orange County, California and when not working, she enjoys time with her family. Food still remains a huge passion and she is an avid and adventurous cook. Friends prefer her kitchen to restaurants! She also loves to knit and has many projects going at once.
Clint Nylander
Systems Manager
Golden State
Clint joined Golden State in 2015 during an integral time of the company’s growth. He has supported the firm in many capacities and was promoted to Systems Manager in 2020. He focuses on supervision of internal computer related-activities, information security and continually ensures hardware and software meet industry and regulatory standards. Additionally, he oversees client billing and advisor payroll.
During his tenure at Golden State, Clint completed his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at California State University, Fullerton in 2018. After studying an additional two years at St. Gregory the Great Seminary, he earned a second degree, Bachelor of Philosophy in 2020. His hometown is in Eureka, California and now resides in Powell, Wyoming.
When not working, Clint spends his time around the Wyoming landscape where he cycles, runs, and skis. He also takes his computer skills to a charitable level and helps local Catholic parishes build their websites.
Susan Broxon
Administrative Assistant
Golden State
Susan Broxon serves of Administrative Assistant for Golden State. She joined the firm in 2013 and has assumed increased responsibilities over the years. Her duties include home office management, accounting and advisor support as well as assisting in transitions.
Prior to Golden State, Susan served as a recruiter and placed individuals for employment. She also spent time in human resources acting as Employee Relations Consultant for Union Bank Corporate in San Francisco.
When not in the office, Susan enjoys taking walks on the beach and soaking in the southern California sun. She is an avid swimmer and writes fiction and non-fiction stories. In fact, she has been published! Her volunteer time has been spent caring for elderly and helping the homeless.
Star of the Sea Wealth Management
Strategic Team
Through the professional relationships that Star of the Sea Wealth Management attains, clients may be referred to a network of professional individuals.
CPA's
Attorney's
M&A Specialist
Jéan-Paul works with clients and prospective clients, to help ensure they keep the promises they make to God, their families, their communities, and themselves each and every day. He takes a distinct approach to first help identify what is most important in his client’s life and more crucially, why. Jéan-Paul’s ultimate goal is to understand what each client’s “mission” is: what they would like their money to accomplish in their life and the legacy they want to leave behind for the next generation. By understanding the “why” for his clients Jéan-Paul is able to work with his team to help ensure client portfolios and overall wealth plan are a perfect reflection of client needs, goals, and values.
After getting his start in financial services in 2008, Jéan-Paul (“JP”) quickly realized that no single solution works for everyone. His clients tell him that they appreciate his personal advice, knowledgeable insight, and guidance in managing their diverse financial needs. In 2018 Jéan-Paul joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as part of The Pluta/Katz Group, where he successfully works with affluent individuals and their families, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, executives, athletes, entertainers and real estate investors alike to facilitate strategies and guidance to meet their unique financial needs. In 2022, Jean-Paul Afif started his own Wealth Management practice.
Jéan-Paul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he also played NCAA division one basketball for the Lions while on athletic scholarship. After graduating from LMU, Jéan-Paul went on to play professionally including a short stint in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings and international stays in Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy. After his playing days were over, Jéan-Paul began coaching and in a short period of time became a general manager of a minor league franchise.
Prior to banking, Jéan-Paul started two of his own companies and was involved as both an owner and manager for a number of other start-ups where he served on their boards. These “life” experiences have helped to provide him with the necessary background to anticipate his client’s needs for any venture they may choose.
Jéan-Paul is very active in the southern California community, formerly sitting on the Board of Directors for the Orange County YMCA, Connections for Children in Los Angeles, & Divine Mercy 4 Life. He currently sits on the Board for Obria Medical Clinics, a national Pro-Life women’s crisis pregnancy center, Tepeyac Leadership Inc, a non profit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals, and the Santiago Retreat Center, a 501(c)(3) corporation, that exists to serve the Catholic communities of Southern California by providing facilities for retreats, marriage encounters, summer & science camps, and special events in a safe & secure; stunningly beautiful 500 acre setting.
Jéan-Paul is involved with his church – St. John Maron in the city of Orange, and involved as a member of Legatus, the Order of Saint Sharbel, Order of St. Lazarus, Knights of Columbus, as a baptism catechist, and spiritual formation volunteer. Jéan-Paul lives in North Orange County with his wife, a school teacher & eight children, all age thirteen & under.
Loyola Marymount University.
Certified Exit Planning Advisor.
- Personal Investment Advisor CEPA®.
- Financial Advisor, Vice President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Sep 2018 – Sep 2022
- Wealth Advisor, Wells Fargo Private Bank Jul 2013 – Sep 2018
- Business Acquisition Consultant, Wells Fargo, Dec 2009 – Jun 2013
- Business Banking Officer, Citibank, Nov 2008 – Dec 2009
Meet Our Professional Team of CPA Partners
Manuel began his career in public accounting in 1981 in Orange County, California. He has experience in auditing and consulting with financial agencies, governmental institutions, healthcare providers, publicly traded companies, real estate developers, non-profit organizations, and privately held enterprises. In addition to his extensive financial, accounting and auditing experience, he has specialized experience in taxation and business consulting.
- Masters of Science in Tax Law, Golden Gate University
- Bachelor of Arts – Accounting, California State University, Fullerton
- Certified Public Accountant – California
California Board of Accountancy
– Appointed Board Member by Governor Schwarzenegger 2007, Vice President 2009, President 2010
– Appointed Chairman Committee of Professional Conduct 2008
American Board of Forensic Accountants
– Awarded Fellow 2006, Awarded Diplomat 1999
Hispanic 100 PAC
– Co-founder & First Chairman of the Board, Board Member
Santa Ana Business Bank
– Co-founder, Audit Committee Chairman, Loan Committee
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of O.C.
– Former Chairman and President
Make a Wish Foundation
– Former Board Member & Investment Committee Chairman
GenNext PAC
– Co-founder & Executive Board Member
Orange County Catholic Foundation
– Co-founder, Investment Committee Chairman, Audit Committee Chairman, Vice Chairman
Legatus
– Chapter Co-founder, Board Member, Treasurer
Orange County Office of Protocol Foundation
– Former Board Member
Mr. Tran concentrates in the following practice areas: Auditing & Accounting, Taxation and Business Advisory Services. Mr. Tran has experience spanning more than a decade in both public and private accounting. With knowledge from both public and private accounting.
Prior to the merger, Mr. Tran is a Partner with Leslie Wallace & Associates, LLP, where he oversaw audits, bookkeeping, business consulting and tax preparation for small to medium sized businesses, including expertise in non-profit & religious organizations.
Mr. Tran began his public accounting career with Coopers & Lybrand (now known as Pricewaterhousecoopers). He later spent nearly 15 years at a Fortune 500 company as a Director of Financial Consolidations and Reporting responsible for all internal and external financial reporting including SEC filings.
Mr. Tran is a graduate of University of Southern California and the Executive Program at Wharton School of Business.
Mr. Tran is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Liberatore CPA is a professional accounting firm dedicated to serving small businesses, large corporations and individuals by providing an unmatched level of financial advisory support and guidance. Client concern being our greatest priority, we are prepared to render the highest quality of service with individual maximized strategies, maintaining a down-to-earth approach to tax and accounting needs. Our goal is to reassure our clients with the greatest sense of security and personalized care, in compliance with the highest professional standards.
After getting his start in financial services in 2008, Jéan-Paul (“JP”) quickly realized that no single solution works for everyone. His clients tell him that they appreciate his personal advice, knowledgeable insight, and guidance in managing their diverse financial needs. In 2018 Jéan-Paul joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as part of The Pluta/Katz Group, where he successfully works with affluent individuals and their families, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, executives, athletes, entertainers and real estate investors alike to facilitate strategies and guidance to meet their unique financial needs. In 2022, Jean-Paul Afif started his own Wealth Management practice.
Jéan-Paul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he also played NCAA division one basketball for the Lions while on athletic scholarship. After graduating from LMU, Jéan-Paul went on to play professionally including a short stint in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings and international stays in Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy. After his playing days were over, Jéan-Paul began coaching and in a short period of time became a general manager of a minor league franchise.
Prior to banking, Jéan-Paul started two of his own companies and was involved as both an owner and manager for a number of other start-ups where he served on their boards. These “life” experiences have helped to provide him with the necessary background to anticipate his client’s needs for any venture they may choose.
Jéan-Paul is very active in the southern California community, formerly sitting on the Board of Directors for the Orange County YMCA, Connections for Children in Los Angeles, & Divine Mercy 4 Life. He currently sits on the Board for Obria Medical Clinics, a national Pro-Life women’s crisis pregnancy center, Tepeyac Leadership Inc, a non profit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals, and the Santiago Retreat Center, a 501(c)(3) corporation, that exists to serve the Catholic communities of Southern California by providing facilities for retreats, marriage encounters, summer & science camps, and special events in a safe & secure; stunningly beautiful 500 acre setting.
Jéan-Paul is involved with his church – St. John Maron in the city of Orange, and involved as a member of Legatus, the Order of Saint Sharbel, Order of St. Lazarus, Knights of Columbus, as a baptism catechist, and spiritual formation volunteer. Jéan-Paul lives in North Orange County with his wife, a school teacher & eight children, all age thirteen & under.
Philip L. Liberatore holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Finance, both from the University of Southern California.
Prior to opening his own accounting practice, Mr. Liberatore’s previous experience included management and accounting positions at the following organizations:
– Beckman Industrial Corporation
– Fluor Corporation
– Walt Disney Corporation
– Grant Thornton International
- Phil has extensive experience in IRS management and has worked closely with the organization for over 30 years. He has successfully helped thousands of clients with all types of IRS problems and, his expertise and outcomes when negotiating with the IRS provides clients a unique opportunity to achieve complete resolutions. Phil has established creditability with the IRS, providing him a level of professional respect needed when dealing with complex tax issues.
Meet Our Professional Team of Partner Attorneys
Justin M. Alvarez, Esq., founder and shareholder of The Alvarez Firm, focuses on business and real estate transactions and estate planning. His years of experience include a diverse range of clients and issues spanning estate planning, business and real estate transactional matters, and claims and litigation management.
Prior to establishing the firm, Mr. Alvarez served as Assistant General Counsel at Griffin Industries, a privately held homebuilder and land developer. Before that, he was an associate at Gary R. King and Associates, where he worked with a diverse range of small and medium sized businesses and their principals on issues like estate planning, business and real estate transactional matters, and claims and litigation handling. Mr. Alvarez also worked as an associate for the managing counsel of the Suzuki Motor Corporation of America where he assisted in the oversight of the Suzuki v. Consumer’s Union (Consumer Reports) lawsuit related to allegedly false and misleading statements by Consumer Reports concerning the Suzuki Samurai.
After getting his start in financial services in 2008, Jéan-Paul (“JP”) quickly realized that no single solution works for everyone. His clients tell him that they appreciate his personal advice, knowledgeable insight, and guidance in managing their diverse financial needs. In 2018 Jéan-Paul joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as part of The Pluta/Katz Group, where he successfully works with affluent individuals and their families, entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, executives, athletes, entertainers and real estate investors alike to facilitate strategies and guidance to meet their unique financial needs. In 2022, Jean-Paul Afif started his own Wealth Management practice.
Jéan-Paul earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he also played NCAA division one basketball for the Lions while on athletic scholarship. After graduating from LMU, Jéan-Paul went on to play professionally including a short stint in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings and international stays in Lebanon, Turkey, and Italy. After his playing days were over, Jéan-Paul began coaching and in a short period of time became a general manager of a minor league franchise.
Prior to banking, Jéan-Paul started two of his own companies and was involved as both an owner and manager for a number of other start-ups where he served on their boards. These “life” experiences have helped to provide him with the necessary background to anticipate his client’s needs for any venture they may choose.
Jéan-Paul is very active in the southern California community, formerly sitting on the Board of Directors for the Orange County YMCA, Connections for Children in Los Angeles, & Divine Mercy 4 Life. He currently sits on the Board for Obria Medical Clinics, a national Pro-Life women’s crisis pregnancy center, Tepeyac Leadership Inc, a non profit organization dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals, and the Santiago Retreat Center, a 501(c)(3) corporation, that exists to serve the Catholic communities of Southern California by providing facilities for retreats, marriage encounters, summer & science camps, and special events in a safe & secure; stunningly beautiful 500 acre setting.
Jéan-Paul is involved with his church – St. John Maron in the city of Orange, and involved as a member of Legatus, the Order of Saint Sharbel, Order of St. Lazarus, Knights of Columbus, as a baptism catechist, and spiritual formation volunteer. Jéan-Paul lives in North Orange County with his wife, a school teacher & eight children, all age thirteen & under.
Mr. Alvarez earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Master’s degree in Business Administration, graduating cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California, a “Great Books” program conducted in the Socratic Method.
An active participant in his community and profession, Mr. Alvarez serves as the Legal Committee Chair and a Board Member for Obria Medical Clinics, a non-profit medical clinic providing assistance to women and couples that face an unplanned pregnancy. He is a founding member of the Ventura chapter of CALL, the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders, an organization dedicated to the growth and spiritual formation of the Latino leaders in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. Mr. Alvarez serves as Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 761 and Cub Scout Pack 3730. He is also active in his church, St. Paschal Baylon in Thousand Oaks, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Michael J. Offenheiser was admitted to the California bar in 2005 and has practiced as an estate planning attorney since that time. He earned his Bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and his Juris Doctorate degree (cum laude) from the Ave Maria School of Law. Michael is board certified in estate planning law by the California Bar Association. He is a Blackstone Fellow and recipient of a Distinguished Scholar Award from the State of Maryland. In law school, Michael served on the Executive Board of the Ave Maria Law Review. In 2019, Michael was recognized as Attorney of the Year by St. Thomas More Society of Orange County during the 31st Annual Red Mass.
An accomplished estate planning attorney, Michael has worked at well-known law firms in both central and southern California and has taught estate planning as an Adjunct Professor of Law. In his practice, Michael works closely with individuals and families to create estate plans that reflect their unique goals and desires. This may involve the preparation of wills, living trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, special needs trusts, or the implementation of other estate planning techniques.
Michael once served as a member of the Board of Directors and as a member of the Planned Giving Committee for the Orange Catholic Foundation. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Thomas More Society of Orange County and leads an initiative of the St. Thomas More Society called the Charles Institute.
In 2022, Michael was selected for inclusion on the Southern California Super Lawyers list by the publishers of Los Angeles magazine and The Journal for Law & Politics magazine – a distinction recognizing only 5% of the attorneys in Southern California (excluding San Diego). He was also recognized as a “Rising Star” by Southern California Super Lawyers in 2014 and 2015.
- Brown & Streza LLP, Irvine, California Partner, 2018-Present
- Attorney, 2013-2018 Copenbarger & Copenbarger, LLP, Irvine, California: Attorney, 2012-2013
- Law Office of Michael J. Offenheiser, Orange County, California: Solo Practitioner, 2011-2012
- Bolen Fransen, LLP, Fresno, California: Attorney, 2008-2010
- Fresno City College, Fresno, California: Adjunct Professor, 2010
- Dowling, Aaron, & Keeler, P.C., Fresno, California: Attorney, 2006-2008
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, Ave Maria School of Law, 2005
- Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, The Catholic University of America, 1999
2022 “Southern California Super Lawyer”
Published by Southern California Super Lawyers magazine, The New York Times (Los Angeles and Orange County distribution), Los Angeles magazine and The Journal for Law & Politics. Only 5% of the attorneys in Southern California (excluding San Diego) receive this prestigious honor.
2019 Attorney of the Year, St. Thomas More Society of Orange County
Recognized at 31st Annual Red Mass, an event that honors those in legal professions
Board Certified in Estate Planning Law, 7/1/2015
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law (California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization)
2014 – 2015 “Southern California SuperLawyers – Rising Star”
Published by Los Angeles magazine and The Journal for Law & Politics. Only 2.5% of lawyers under the age of 40 and/or in their first 10 years of practice in Los Angeles and Orange Counties receive this honor.
PUBLICATIONS
Leimberg Information Services, Inc., May 2020
Co-author, “Executing Estate Planning Documents During the Pandemic and the Slow Return to the ‘New Normal'”
Signing During Coronavirus – California
Christy L. Lewis-Traut, Esq., LL.M. is a premier estate, tax, and business planning attorney in Orange County, California. Her practice is primarily focused on developing and implementing advanced estate and tax planning techniques for high net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients and providing business and tax planning representation to closely-held businesses. Ms. Lewis-Traut is licensed to practice law in California and is admitted to practice before the United States Federal Court.
During her career, Ms. Lewis-Traut has developed and implemented advanced planning techniques for numerous high net-worth clients, co-authored an article published in the August 2012 edition of the Bloomberg BNA Tax Management Real Estate Journal, has been a guest speaker at various financial planning and tax seminars, and has provided pro-bono services to clients with special needs.
Ms. Lewis-Traut earned her Juris Doctor at Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she was admitted as a merit scholar and twice honored with the prestigious CALI Excellence for the Future award for receiving the highest grade in her law school coursework. After law school, Ms. Lewis-Traut completed extensive post-graduate coursework in Federal Income Tax, Taxation of Exempt Organizations, Tax Ethics, Tax Procedure, Federal Tax Accounting, Corporate Tax, Real Estate and Partnership Tax, and Taxation of Trusts and Beneficiaries. In 2015, Ms. Lewis-Traut obtained the prestigious Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.) degree from Chapman University’s nationally ranked Tax LL.M. program.
Prior to law school, Ms. Lewis-Traut earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in International Relations, from the University of California, Los Angeles, and spent five years running a successful real estate business where she represented clients in commercial and residential sales and finance and successfully closed millions of dollars in real estate transactions.
Ms. Lewis-Traut served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Orange County for four years, during which she served as board chair, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, and was a member of the C.A.R.E.S, Investment, and Board Advancement Committees. She is also a member of the Chapman University Endowment Council. In her spare time, Ms. Lewis-Traut enjoys traveling, riding her horse (Prince), and spending quality time with her husband, family, and dogs – Gracie and Mac.
Meet Our Professional Team of M&A
Brandon Clewett is a Managing Director with Hexagon Capital Alliance. He has 17+ years of capital markets experience and has been involved in 100+ merger & acquisition transactions, recapitalizations, and debt and equity capital raises for middle-market clients.
Mr. Clewett earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and lives in Orange County, CA with his wife and three sons.
Mr. Clewett’s sector experience includes E-commerce, Consumer Branded Products, Infrastructure and Specialty Manufacturing. Prior to Hexagon Capital Alliance, he was a Managing Director with Moss Adams Capital, and a Director with KPMG in their corporate finance group. Before joining KPMG, he was a Vice President at McGladrey LLP in their investment banking division.
Aryeh Sand is a Managing Director in Healthcare, focused on the specialty and generic pharma, nuclear medicine, contrast media and diagnostic imaging spaces. He joined the firm in 2022.
Aryeh has 12+ years of healthcare investment banking experience and specializes in advising clients in the specialty and generic pharma, nuclear medicine, contrast media and diagnostic imaging spaces. He has advised boards of directors and special committees as well as companies on a broad range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, restructurings and capital raising solutions.
Aryeh earned an Honours B.Comm degree from the University of Toronto.
Aryeh has 12+ years of healthcare investment banking experience and specializes in advising clients in the specialty and generic pharma, nuclear medicine, contrast media and diagnostic imaging spaces. He has advised boards of directors and special committees as well as companies on a broad range of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, leveraged buyouts, restructurings and capital raising solutions.
Aryeh has advised or has served as a lead financing banker on numerous key healthcare transactions with a total transaction value of over $100 billion. Aryeh has worked with leading companies such as Actavis / Allergan, Amgen, Gilead, Mallinckrodt Nuclear Medicine, Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Upsher-Smith, Alora Pharmaceuticals, and BWXT Medical.
We share a dedication to exceptional client service, unmatched financial expertise and a partner network that is exceptional and at your service.
01
Integrity
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.
02
Boldness
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.
03
Honesty
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.
04
Trustworthiness
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.
05
Fairness
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.
06
Accountability
Viral next level banh mi gentrify chambray. Marfa meh kogi, organic cornhole pop-up fashion axe asymmetrical next level shoreditch lumbersexual 3 wolf moon williamsburg shabby chic quinoa.