Announcing a major expansion that adds 15 attorneys and 13 staff members.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / After nearly two decades of steady, people-centered growth, Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP (LBBK), a leading women-majority-owned law firm, is proud to announce a major expansion that adds 15 attorneys and 13 staff members to its team.

This milestone represents far more than growth; it's a story of relationships coming full circle, built on trust, mutual respect, and shared commitment to excellence.

At the center of this evolution are Tom Gmelich and Traci Lagasse, who have been close personal friends for more than 30 years. Tom joins LBBK as a partner, bringing decades of trial experience, leadership, and mentorship to the firm's next chapter. Gmelich previously co-founded the respected Los Angeles defense firm Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein LLP in 2000, where he helped build one of California's most recognizable litigation practices. He and his colleagues now bring that legacy of collaboration and client success to LBBK.

"This expansion is both a homecoming and a milestone," said founding partner Traci Lagasse. "We've built this firm around people, our clients, our colleagues, and the talented attorneys who believe in the power of partnership. These new additions share that same spirit, and we're honored to welcome them into the LBBK family."

Joining LBBK with Gmelich are respected attorneys whose combined experience strengthens the firm's bench across trial advocacy, tort litigation, professional liability, public entity defense, and employment law.

Partners

● Lindy Bradley

● Kathryn (Kamil) Canale

● James F. Saunders

● Jonathan A. Ross

● Peter H. Crossin

Senior Counsel

● Patrick J. Glinka

Angela M. Rossi

● Dean A. Reeves

● Mark I. Melo

● Lily Nhan

Of Counsel

● Lena J. Marderosian

Senior Associates

● Darren Salute

● Jennifer J. Park

Associate

● Erik Millan

"LBBK has always been more than a firm; it's a community," added managing partner Cary Kinkead. "We've grown through relationships built on authenticity and shared values, and this expansion is a natural continuation of that story."

Deep Experience Across California's Core Industries

For 18 years, LBBK has served as trusted counsel to some of California's most dynamic industries, representing educational institutions, public entities, national apartment communities, rideshare entities, trucking and transportation companies, construction companies, real-estate brokerages, security guard companies, staffing agencies, and clients in the restaurant, retail, and hospitality industries.

The incoming team adds complementary experience with national retailers, commercial property owners and management companies, product manufacturers, private security firms, fitness clubs, and transportation companies across ocean, rail, and air sectors-bringing proven trial success and strategic depth to LBBK's already formidable capabilities.

"What makes this transition especially meaningful is the personal and professional relationship I've shared with Traci and members of the LBBK team for many years," said Gmelich. "Beyond our shared history, we've always aligned in how we approach clients, mentorship, and the practice of law-with integrity, collaboration, and heart. Joining forces now allows us to build on that foundation together, combining our strengths to better serve clients and support our people."

Together, the expanded team positions LBBK to meet the complex litigation demands of modern business with both scale and personal attention.

Built on People, Grounded in Purpose

Founded by three women with a shared belief that great law firms are built on relationships, not hierarchy, LBBK has grown organically into one of California's most respected boutique law firms. The firm's success stems from a culture of mentorship, diversity, and genuine care-where attorneys are encouraged to bring their full selves to the work and clients are treated as long-term partners, not cases.

"Our culture is our greatest differentiator," said Kinkead. "Eighteen years in, our commitment to integrity, empathy, and results remains unchanged-and this expansion strengthens that foundation for the decades ahead.

About Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP

Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP is an established, women-majority-owned law firm with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, representing companies across California. The firm's attorneys deliver strategic, results-driven defense in tort litigation, employment law, and professional liability matters.

https://www.lbbklaw.com/www.lbbklaw.com

Press Contact:

Traci Lagasse Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP tlagasse@lbbklaw.com 858-345-5071

SOURCE: Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP