Home Firm News

Epsten, APC Celebrates 40 Years of Putting Communities First

Epsten, APC, a recognized leader in community association law in Southern California, proudly announces its anniversary, marking four decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the communities it represents. Guided by the theme, “40 Years of Putting Communities First,” the firm reflects on its legacy while looking ahead to continued impact and growth within the industry. 

 Founded in 1986, Epsten, APC was built on a clear mission: to provide practical legal counsel that supports the stability, governance, and long-term success of community associations. Over the past 40 years, the firm has grown alongside the industry, advising clients through evolving legislation, complex legal challenges, and changing community needs. 

 “Reaching this milestone is a meaningful moment for our firm,” Kieran Purcell, Managing Shareholder. “Over the past four decades, we have built our reputation through knowledge, integrity, commitment, and a dedication to serving community associations and the professionals who support them. That remains our focus today. We are grateful to our clients and industry partners who have trusted us over the years.” 

 Throughout its history, Epsten, APC has played an active role in shaping the community association landscape, providing legal guidance to boards and managers while contributing to education and industry development. Five Epsten, APC attorneys have been inducted into the prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL®) with some serving in leadership roles.  In addition, attorneys at Epsten, APC have been recognized for their experience by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, San Diego Magazine’s “Top Lawyers,” and San Diego Business Journal “Best of the Bar,” among other accolades. 

  “Our 40th anniversary is not only a time to reflect on where we have been, but also to reaffirm our commitment to the future and continue to deliver the highest level of service and advice our clients expect,” said Kieran J. Purcell. 

 With a foundation built on experience and a forward-looking approach, Epsten, APC will continue to serve as a trusted legal partner to community associations across California for years to come. The journey continues.

Epsten, APC Attorney Hannah I. Hughes Named 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Star

Epsten, APC attorney Hannah I. Hughes has been selected for inclusion on the Rising Star list for 2026. The Rising Star recognition is awarded to top-performing attorneys with less than ten years of practice and 40 years of age or younger.

“We are proud of Hannah’s hard work, dedication, and accomplishments,” said Kieran J. Purcell, Managing Shareholder. Hannah focuses her practice on civil litigation matters. Hannah graduated California Western School of Law, Magna Cum Laude. Hannah then went on to practice in Family Law where she argued move away trials, appeared for custody hearings and vigorously fought for and against Restraining Orders. Hannah then began her civil litigation practice serving as general counsel for the San Diego Housing Commission. Hannah has been a part of Epsten, APC for over two years, and quickly established herself as a valuable asset to our clients.

Super Lawyers is a rating system that recognizes high-performing lawyers from over 70 practice areas based on peer recognition and professional accomplishments.

Epsten, APC Welcomes Attorney Marta D. Morataya to Its Legal Team

Epsten, APC is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Marta D. Morataya to the firm’s San Diego office. Marta is a member of the firm’s Transactional Department.

“We welcome Marta to our firm. Her experience and focus on client needs make her a valuable addition as we continue to serve community associations. Welcome to the team, Marta!” said Kieran Purcell, Esq., CCAL, Managing Shareholder.

As a former social worker and legal intern for a number of diverse organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the University of New Hampshire’s Innovation team, Marta has extensive experience making connections and working with people from all walks of life. She utilizes those skills to communicate with clients and ensure that client needs are met efficiently with attention, respect, and reliability.

From these experiences Marta learned that research and creativity are important components when negotiating and drafting agreements or other legal documents. Marta looks forward to using her research and creative problem-solving skills to assist her clients at Epsten, APC.

Marta D. Morataya, Esq.

Epsten, APC Announces Retirement of Jon H. Epsten

Epsten, APC, a leading Community Association law firm in Southern California announces the retirement of Jon H. Epsten, CCAL, effective October 31, 2025. Jon Epsten will remain with Epsten, APC in an Of Counsel capacity commencing November 1, 2025.

Jon Epsten is the founding Shareholder of Epsten, APC, with an exemplary legal career spanning over 42 years, rightfully establishing him as one of the most prominent community association lawyers in California and the country handling both transactional and litigation matters. Jon, along with his partner Doug Grinnell and other team members, handled some of the largest construction defect cases in San Diego, from inception to the completion of repairs. A native San Diegan, Jon grew up in Point Loma, graduated from the University of San Diego and obtained his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, graduating with scholastic merit. Prior to attending law school, Jon was a community association manager which provided him with a deep first-hand knowledge and understanding of the challenges encountered by Epsten clients and their community association managers.

Mr. Epsten received many accolades in his rewarding career which notably include being a founding member of the California Association of Community Managers (CACM), member of the CACM Professional Standards Committee, receiving the CACM Lifetime Achievement Award and being appointed to the CACM faculty. Jon is also a fellow of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). A former President of the San Diego and Greater Inland Empire Chapters of CAI, Jon has also been honored with the Distinguished Service Award by both CAI Chapters and has received the CAI Hall of Fame Award. He is a former co-chair of the Committee on Common Interests Subdivisions for the California State Bar, a former San Diego Superior Court Judge Pro Tem, a former Adjunct Professor at the California Western School of Law and has acted as a probation monitor for the State Bar. Additional honors include being named Super Lawyer by his peers, and Lawyer of the Year in San Diego Magazine.

“Jon’s contributions to the firm, the community association law industry, as well as the generations of community association attorneys he has mentored throughout his legal career are too many to mention. We are honored to have the opportunity to continue his legacy in the community association legal community,” said Kieran J. Purcell, Managing Shareholder.

“Having attended thousands of HOA Board Meetings throughout my career and working with countless professionals, it is now time for me to focus on spending time with my amazing wife, Mary, my children, and my five beautiful grandchildren,” said Jon.  “Looking at what the firm has become today, it is hard to believe that the firm was founded in the 1980’s with a starting capital contribution of $200.00.”

We thank Jon H. Epsten for his contributions to the firm, the California legal community and the community association industry.

Jon H. Epsten, Esq., CCAL

Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026

The 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® recognized Epsten, APC’s attorneys Jon H. Epsten, CCAL®, Shareholder and Founder of Epsten, APC, and attorney Mary M. Howell, CCAL®. Both attorneys were acknowledged for their contributions to the legal field in the practice of Community Association Law.

The Best Lawyers in America® awards are gathered through exhaustive peer-review surveys in which notable lawyers are evaluated and spotlighted for their legal excellence. In addition, this designation reflects the esteem earned by an attorney among their colleagues for their high standards of professionalism, proficiency, and unwavering ethical conduct.

Jon H. Epsten, Esq., CCAL
Shareholder

Mary M. Howell, Esq., CCAL
Of Counsel

Epsten, APC Announces Promotion of Three New Shareholders

Epsten, APC is proud to announce the promotion of three outstanding senior associates to shareholders, recognizing their exceptional leadership, dedication to the firm’s mission, and meaningful contributions to the community association legal community. Each of these attorneys has demonstrated exemplary legal acumen and a strong commitment to client service.

The newly promoted shareholders are:

• Karyn A. Larko, Shareholder. Karyn leads the firm’s Governing Document Restatement Team and chairs our weekly Attorney Roundtable Meeting. Karyn’s legal practice focuses on serving as Community Association Counsel and Contract Counsel.

• Jillian M. Wright, Shareholder. Jill chairs Epsten’s Employee Engagement Committee. Jill’s legal practice focuses on serving as Community Association Counsel.

• Emily A. Long, Coachella Valley Office Managing Shareholder. Emily’s legal practice focuses on serving as Community Association Counsel

“Karyn, Jill, and Emily’s hard work and dedication have been a big part of our success over the past few years. This promotion acknowledges their past accomplishments and celebrates our confidence that they will continue to lead and make significant contributions in their new roles and responsibilities,” said Managing Shareholder Kieran J. Purcell, Esq., CCAL. Epsten, APC congratulates these accomplished attorneys on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued success in their new leadership roles.

Epsten, APC Welcomes Morad Fakhimi and Gabriel P. Huerta to their Legal Team

Epsten, APC is pleased to announce the addition of Of Counsel Morad Fakhimi and attorney Gabriel P. Huerta to the firm’s Civil Litigation & Appeals team. Both attorneys have a deep commitment to client-focused representation that aligns with the firm’s mission to deliver accessible, effective legal solutions to community associations.

  • Morad Fakhimi: Morad brings nearly two decades of legal experience in the public sector, with a focus on civil litigation, federal criminal defense, and appellate practice. Most recently, Morad served as board president for a local homeowners’ association for the last several years, where he developed an interest in community association law. At Epsten, APC, Morad will focus on representing community associations in litigation matters and will also serve as a legal resource for boards and managers navigating complex legal issues with an eye toward risk management and litigation avoidance.

“Morad’s depth of litigation experience, coupled with his firsthand knowledge of association governance, makes him a valuable addition to our firm and to the clients we serve,” said Managing Shareholder Kieran J. Purcell, Esq. CCAL.

  • Gabriel P. Huerta: Gabriel joins Epsten, APC with six years of experience as a personal injury paralegal and three years as a Certified Law Student. His background spans a wide range of case preparation and courtroom procedures, including written discovery, exhibit handling, trial preparation, oral arguments, and prove-up hearings. Gabriel takes pride in his approachable and empathetic style. He places a high value on communication and strives to make complex legal matters easier to understand, particularly for clients who may be experiencing legal proceedings for the first time.

“We are excited to welcome Gabriel and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make in serving our clients with dedication and professionalism,” concluded Kieran.

Morad and Gabriel share a client-first philosophy which aligns with the firm’s broader commitment to providing trusted legal guidance to Southern California’s community associations. Both are well-positioned to support the firm’s litigation clients with diligence and personalized attention.

Victoria R. Minor Joins Epsten, APC

Epsten, APC is pleased to announce the addition of Associate Attorney Victoria R. Minor to the firm’s San Diego office. Victoria is a member of the firm’s Transactional Department.

“We welcome Victoria, who initially began working with Epsten, APC as a Post Bar Law Clerk. We are eager to work with her and to continue to support her professional journey. Welcome to the team Victoria!,” said Kieran Purcell, Esq., CCAL, Managing Shareholder.

Victoria handles matters involving governing document compliance and interpretation, including drafting letters to homeowners regarding governing document violations, assisting Boards in drafting special and emergency assessments, attending board meetings, executive committee sessions, and hearings, and researching relevant statutes, codes, and case law to help community associations best manage their communities by the law.

“We look forward to supporting Victoria as she grows her career and collaborates with team members to provide exceptional service to our clients,” said Carolyn D. Decker, Chief Operating Officer.

As an attorney, Victoria is committed to providing the best experience for all clients and ensuring that their needs are met. Her goal is to help clients create healthy environments within their communities and assist associations by proactively and efficiently advising clients on any potential issues to hopefully avoid litigation. Victoria places a strong emphasis on guiding clients on best practices for managing their communities.

Kieran J. Purcell Selected as ‘Leader in the Law’ for 2024

Epsten, APC’s Managing Shareholder Kieran J.  Purcell, Esq., CCAL, has been awarded as a 2024 Leader in the Law by the San Diego Business Journal. This special report celebrates and honors influential leaders by acknowledging their contributions and commitment. Kieran’s work on behalf of community associations includes providing advice on all types of corporate matters including litigation, interpretation and enforcement of governing documents and reconstruction issues.

Kieran served three terms on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), where he served as its President, co-chaired the National Seminar Committee, and co-chaired the Golf & Tennis Charity Classic. Kieran is a former delegate for the San Diego Chapter’s Legislative Support Committee (LSC), a former Legislative Co-Chair for the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC), and a former CLAC  Chair. He currently serves as an Emeritus Delegate for CLAC.   Kieran is a four-time recipient of the San Diego Chapter’s President’s Award, and a recipient of the Samuel L. Dolnick Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, he was recognized with the San Diego Chapter’s Legacy Award. He is a fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL).

 

Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025

The 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® recognized Epsten, APC’s attorneys Jon H. Epsten, CCAL®, Shareholder and Founder of Epsten, APC, and attorney Mary M. Howell, CCAL®. Both attorneys were acknowledged for their contributions to the legal field in the practice of Community Association Law.

 The Best Lawyers in America® awards are gathered through exhaustive peer-review surveys in which notable lawyers are evaluated and spotlighted for their legal excellence. In addition, this designation reflects the esteem earned by an attorney among their colleagues for their high standards of professionalism, proficiency, and unwavering ethical conduct.

Mary M. Howell. Esq., CCAL

Jon H. Epsten, Esq. CCAL