On December 1, 2017, Simas & Associates, Ltd. entered into an Of Counsel relationship with long time counsel for the State of California, Heather F. C. Hoganson.
"I have known Heather personally and professionally for a long time," explained firm owner and founder, Steven L. Simas. "I jumped at the chance to have her associate with our law firm. She has a wealth of experience in regulatory procedure, from formation, governance, challenges, as well as administriatve hearings. She also has on-point substantive experience in several of our practice areas, having worked with the California Gambling Control Commission and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control."
Ms. Hoganson graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor of Arts in History, and from the University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law with her Juris Doctorate and with a Government Affairs Certificate. She went on to work for the state of California as a research attorney to the administrative law judges of the Office of Administrative Hearings, followed by positions as counsel to the California Gambling Control Commission and Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
"I really appreciated Steve reaching out," explained Heather F. C. Hoganson. "Leaving the state, I still wanted to practice in the fields of law I have the most experience in. And I still wanted a position that connected me to the Sacramento legal community, while finally getting to experience a level of independence in practicing the law that I have not had the experience of doing in quite some time. This relationship provides the flexibility that I was seeking."
The definition of “of counsel” under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1-400(E)(8), is a “close, personal, continuous and regular relationship” with a named firm. The designation includes creative relationships including part-time practitioners, a senior attorney with no expectation of promotion to full partner status, retired partner who remains available to the firm for occasional consultation, or a solo practitioner with a separate practice who is engaged by the principal law firm either to meet temporary staffing needs or provide special expertise.
"Heather also adds a well-known face in the Sacramento legal community to our organization," continued Simas. Heather is a very active member of the Sacramento Bar Association, taking on almost every single leadership role that has been imagined by the organization, including but not limited to President (2016), Chair of Membership Committee (2016-2017), Chair of Bylaws Committee (2016-2017).
"That can do nothing but add to the credibility and reputation of our law firm as a leader in government and administrative law," continued Simas. "Having Heather be a part of our tribe was really a no-brainer."
As an Of Counsel, Ms. Hoganson is available by appointment only and at the Sacramento office.