Baker, Burton & Lundy, PC

Above: L to R, back row: Mary Korkodian, Brian Selogie, Rolando Gutierrez, Evan Koch
Front: Albro Lundy, Kent Burton, Brad Baker, Clint Wilson

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Highlights

  • Personal Injury 
  • Estate Planning & Trusts
  • Business & Real Estate
  • Employment Law

Baker, Burton & Lundy is a law firm that assists clients with a wide range of practice areas—including personal injury, estate planning, business law, real estate, employment law and civil litigation. Brad Baker and Kent Burton started the firm in 1976, and Albro Lundy became a partner in 1997. The team also includes partners Evan Koch, Clint Wilson and Brian Selogie; attorneys Mary Korkodian and Rolando Gutierrez; and longtime paralegal and administrative staff members.

Tell us about your firm.

We are known for combining big-firm expertise with small-town personal service. Our respected attorneys have earned over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Many of our support staff members have been with BB&L for 10 or 20 years or more. We value the time and effort required to produce long-term, quality legal work. This is reflected in our decades-long relationships with clients.

What are the best ways to establish trust with new clients?

Trust begins with listening. Clients need to feel heard, understood and respected, and we work hard to communicate clearly and honestly from the start. Follow-through and transparency also build lasting trust.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from advising others?

The most valuable lesson is that no two clients are the same. Taking the time to understand their unique goals, concerns and life circumstances leads to better outcomes than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What inspired you to pursue this profession?

We wanted to be problem-solvers for people at pivotal moments in their lives. The ability to protect clients, their families and their businesses while guiding them through complicated legal matters is both challenging and rewarding.

What’s a misconception about your field?

That lawyers are only here to fight in court. While we’re skilled litigators, much of our work involves preventing disputes, resolving issues before they escalate and finding practical solutions that protect clients’ best interests.

What do you think distinguishes an average advisor from an exceptional one?

An exceptional advisor takes the extra step to truly understand not just the legal matters, but the person behind it. They anticipate needs, communicate clearly and always keep the client’s long-term interests in mind.If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be?

We’d change the perception that legal services have to feel intimidating. The law is complex, but with the right advisor, it can be approachable and empowering instead of overwhelming.

How do you stay grounded and avoid burnout?

We balance hard work with deep roots in our community. Giving back, mentoring, happy hours, and spending time with family and friends help us keep perspective and sustain our passion for the law. 

In what ways does your work make our community a better place to live?

We help individuals and businesses feel secure, protected and supported so they can thrive. Our firm also supports local nonprofits, schools and events, keeping the South Bay strong and connected. We’re big fans and often proud sponsors of the annual tree lightings and holiday concerts throughout the South Bay.

Give us your thoughts about the importance of charitable contributions.

From Albro’s award-winning blood donations and Brad’s H.E.L.P. chairmanship (nonprofit for seniors) to coaching youth sports for decades and sponsoring community events like Lemonade Day and the Skechers Pier to Pier Walk, we’re committed to supporting causes that strengthen and uplift our community. 

What are you grateful for this season?

We are grateful for our loyal clients, our dedicated team and the trust this community has placed in us for over four decades. Serving Hermosa Beach and the greater South Bay continues to be a privilege.

 

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal counsel. This article provides general information about the law, which may differ by jurisdiction and is subject to change. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article or by contacting our firm through this website. Readers should consult with qualified legal counsel before taking any action based on this information.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell