Our Department Managers

 

Our managers ensure that each department runs smoothly and efficiently, and meets established goals. They oversee long–range projects as well as daily tasks, often filling multiple roles as coaches, mentors, and directors. They also provide support for our attorneys, helping them better serve our clients. We are proud of all that our managers accomplish, and invite you to read about their challenges and achievements below.

Hugh Cook, Manager, Investigations & Data Processing Departments

Hugh Cook graduated from the University of California at Riverside with a B.A. in English and a minor in political science. He attended the San Francisco School of Law. Mr. Cook joined Brayton Purcell as an associate attorney in March, 2000.

He manages our Investigations and Data Processing Departments. The Investigations Department conducts client interviews and researches the different brands, manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos products and the contractors that used them. Data Processing handles the conversion of hard copy information to digital and making sure client records are correct and complete.

Marion DeCarlo, Manager, Workers’ Compensation Department

The manager of the Workers’ Compensation Department, Marion R. DeCarlo, has 21 years of legal experience, and has been with Brayton Purcell since 1993. Prior to starting her legal career, Ms. DeCarlo was a partner in a construction company in Northern California that specialized in commercial renovations. She has worked for several major financial institutions in real estate development and appraisal and was active in real estate sales.

Ms. DeCarlo is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Workers’ Compensation Department. She is also a hearing representative who makes appearances for our clients before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

Mark Gallagher, Manager, Software Development

Mark Gallagher graduated with a B.A.in International Business Management as well as an M.B.A. from San Francisco State University. He has been with Brayton Purcell since 1994 and has worked in a variety of departments, including: Settlement, Investigations, Information Systems, the Paralegal department as well as Data Processing. He currently leads the software development department, focusing on automating a variety of tasks such as Claims Processing and the compilation of Evidence for Asbestos Cases.

Felicia Jimmink, Manager, Paralegal Department

Felicia Jimmink has been with Brayton Purcell LLP since 1987. Felicia graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College, then earned her Paralegal Certificate in 1991, from Sonoma State University. Felicia has worked in various capacities at the firm, including working as a pretrial and trial paralegal. In 2008, Felicia expanded her role to assume overall management of the Paralegal Department where she oversees a staff of 50+ employees, as well as the procedures and day-to-day practices of the department. Felicia enjoys her work and helping our clients get the best representation they deserve.

Clayton Kent, Manager, Civil Litigation Department

Clayton Kent earned a B.A. in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, becoming an attorney in 1986. He has been an associate attorney with Brayton Purcell since 1995.

While maintaining his own civil practice in the areas of funeral and crematory law (negligent handling of decedent's remains), medical malpractice and personal injury, he also oversees the day-to-day operations of the Civil Litigation department.

Lloyd "Butch" LeRoy, Manager, Appellate Departments & Medical Processing

Lloyd "Butch" LeRoy graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After service as an aircraft maintenance officer, he attended Vanderbilt University School of Law in Nashville, Tennessee, and served as an Air Force Judge Advocate before retiring in the grade of Colonel.

In addition to being a Junior Partner at the firm and overseeing the Human Resources Department, Mr. LeRoy manages both the Medical Processing and the Appellate Department, directing one of the busiest appellate practices in the state. Besides choosing issues for appeal, writing and editing briefs, and ensuring timely compliance with court rules and deadlines, he appears and argues in the appellate courts on behalf of the firm’s clients. Mr. LeRoy is also an Appellate Specialist certified by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.

Donna Peters, Manager, Settlement Department

Donna Peters has been with Brayton Purcell since 1984. She started out as a temporary receptionist, stayed on as a clerk processing settlement documents, and was promoted to Manager of the Settlement Department as the firm rapidly grew. She is a graduate of California Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in History.

The Settlement Department currently consists of 3 employees. They are responsible for preparing the appropriate closing documents for every settlement offer that is made and forwarding to our clients for approval. They also have the task of mailing all settlement checks out to our clients. Prior to settlement negotiations, the Department is also responsible for gathering the appropriate data and materials about cases to assure that those taking part in settlement negotiations have all the facts and information they need.

The Settlement Department receives numerous telephone calls each day. They are the primary contact for many of our clients, providing updates on the status of negotiated settlements. With the exception of her first couple of months with the firm, Ms. Peters has spent her entire career with Brayton Purcell working with Settlements. She enjoys being part of a great team of people serving our clients.

Angela Porterfield, Manager, Legal Support

Angela Porterfield graduated from Empire College and joined Brayton Purcell in 1995. In addition to being the executive secretary for Gil Purcell, she manages the Legal Support Services Department, mailroom and receptionists.

Support Services provide all secretarial and word processing support for the majority of the attorneys at the firm. The mailroom processes and routes all mail, UPS and FedEx deliveries. Reception handles incoming calls, processes faxes and e-service as well as receives and distributes hand served documents.

Michael Scurich, Controller, Accounting Department

Michael Scurich graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting as well as an M.B.A. from the University of San Francisco. Mr. Scurich joined Brayton Purcell in 2005 and is the Controller of the accounting department.

In addition to planning, directing and coordinating all accounting operational functions for the firm, Mr. Scurich manages the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for the firm's operations and client cost reporting. Always one to strive for efficiency, he routinely assesses current accounting operations and looks for new processes to reduce redundancies.

Christina Skubic, Manager, Bankruptcy Department

Christina C. Skubic graduated from Sonoma State University and McGeorge School of Law. Admitted to practice law in the state of California, Ms. Skubic works at Brayton Purcell as an associate attorney and also heads its Bankruptcy Department.

The Bankruptcy Department attorneys participate in the reorganization of asbestos defendants that have filed for bankruptcy by participating as representatives for clients who have been appointed members of creditors' committees. They also participate and negotiate the drafting of Plans of Reorganization and other trust documents. When a trust is established, the department’s claims processors and attorneys submit claims and negotiate settlements with the various bankruptcy trusts for our clients.

Nancy Williams, Manager, Probate & Service Departments

Nancy Williams earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa. She then attended the University of San Francisco, where she earned her J.D. After becoming a member of the California Bar in 1999, Ms. Williams began work as an associate attorney at Brayton Purcell.

Ms. Williams later became our Probate Manager. She oversees the department that assists with the filing and releasing of litigation proceeds for all wrongful death cases. She also manages the Service Department, assuring that notices are appropriately delivered in a timely manor. Along with her own duties as manager of the Probate and Service Departments, Ms. Williams also helps with the management of attorney resources.