Pasadena Law Firm Marks 130th Anniversary With Expansion

A law firm marked its 130th year in Pasadena by announcing the addition of a new partner and two new attorneys this week.

Brittany Duke has joined the firm now called Barbaro, Chinen, Pitzer & Duke LLP as a partner, the  estate planning, trust administration and family law firm said in a written statement.

“[Duke] brings a vibrancy to our practice, ensuring our long legacy will continue well into the future,” according to the firm’s longest-serving partner, Philip Barbaro Jr..

The firm has also recently added attorneys Kirsten Schwarz Jones and Daniel Sullivan to its staff, representatives said.

“Founded on April 15, 1891, by J.H. Merriam, the law firm has held a prominent place in Pasadena’s history since its inception,” the statement said. “While the firm’s name has changed from time to time through the years, to reflect the names of its partners, what has not changed is its dedication to providing high-quality legal counsel in trust administration, estate planning, trust and estate litigation, conservatorships, guardianships, and probate work, as well as family law.”

Barbaro said he was proud of the company’s long history, which he said is built on word-of-mouth referrals from clients, colleagues and the professional business community.

“While we are not a large law firm, we have among us some of the most prominent attorneys in their respective fields who, along with our incredible staff, are committed to serving our clients and our community,” Barbaro said. 

“Each of us are involved in sustaining our community by serving in positions of leadership, just as our founder Judge Merriam did as one of the founding members of the Pasadena Bar Association. As we celebrate the past, we are also focused on our future,” he added.

The new additions to the firm help position it well to continue to grow, Barbaro said.

Duke said she was looking forward to her new role.

“Being named a partner by the firm’s well-respected attorneys is an honor and an achievement that makes me proud to continue our 130-year heritage,” she said. “My vision for the future is to continue to add amazing talent and great lawyers to our firm who can provide the same high-level legal services for our clients.”

More information on Barbaro, Chinen, Pitzer & Duke can be found on the law firm’s website at 1891law.com.