James P. Hurlbutt:  Bilingual in English and Spanish, Attorney James Hurlbutt was born in Visalia, CA in 1955.  He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1977 and UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law in 1980.  He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1980.  During the 1980s, he was also admitted to the United States District Courts for the Central, Eastern and Northern Districts and the US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.  In addition to his general estate planning and estate administration practice, Attorney Hurlbutt has become one of the few Tulare County attorneys with special expertise in the areas of Elder Law, Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection. Professional affiliations include the Tulare-Kings Counties Estate Planning Council, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Tulare County Lawyers Referral Service Board of Directors, and the Tulare County and State of California Bar Associations.  In addition to his law practice, Mr. Hurlbutt is a community leader, having served on boards of many community organizations and as President of the Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, the Visalia Rotary Club, and the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.  In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling and an occasional game of golf.

Kimberly Elliott: Paralegal Kimberly Elliott received her certificate in Paralegalism from College of the Sequoias in May 2008, along with certificates for Law Office Clerk/Receptionist and Legal Documents Clerk.  Prior to that, Kimberly completed a two-semester internship with our office, becoming acquainted with our clients and gaining experience in the areas of Probate, Trust Administration and Conservatorships.  Since completing her Paralegal studies, Kimberly continues enhancing her legal knowledge and skills by attending state-mandated continuing education for Paralegals.  Born and raised in Enumclaw, Washington, near Seattle, Kimberly has lived in Visalia since 1998, with short stints in Orlando, Florida, and Coronado Island in San Diego.  She enjoys do-it-yourself home projects, and camping and hiking with her husband, Justin, and son, Hunter.

Stefane Kennemer: Legal Secretary Stefane Kennemer has more than a decade of legal office experience in Tulare and Kings Counties.  With the perfect combination of warmth and professionalism, Stefane greets clients, answers our busy phones, maintains the office calendar, and works closely with Attorney Hurlbutt to prepare and finalize legal documents for clients.  Stefane has lived in Visalia all her life, except during the years she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Mesa Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. Outside the office, Stefane and her husband, Brian, own and operate a window tinting business in Visalia.  When she's not working, Stefane enjoys spending time with her three children, Whitney, Sky and Kenneth.

Karen Hurlbutt:  Office Manager Karen Hurlbutt has a Bachelors Degree in Journalism/Public Relations from California State University, Fresno and a Paralegal Certificate from the American Bar Association-approved Paralegal Program at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, CA.  Before joining her husband's solo practice office, she worked as a legal research assistant at the Tulare County Law Library, then as an independent paralegal for several local attorneys.  Now, Karen handles all aspects of managing the law office, including client billing, payroll, and administration of our computer network. She enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing and bicycle riding in her spare time.

Jalissa Espinoza:  Office Assistant Jalissa Espinoza joined our staff in 2008 through the work experience program at El Diamante High School.  She keeps our files organized and up to date and makes daily trips to the courthouse to file and record legal documents on behalf of clients.  Jalissa's two years of participation in her high school's videotaped news program sparked her interest in photo journalism and film editing.  Jalissa plans to continue her education at College of the Sequoias before transferring to a 4-year college.