Author: Kristine Kirschke

Herring Imming Facilitates Another Successful Annual Trial Basics Seminar

Our Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers recently presented its tenth annual Trial Basics Seminar. Herring Law Group (Herring Imming’s predecessor) founded the program in 2015. It has become a major annual educational event for California’s family law community. We are pleased to continually host eager and focused family law lawyers toward improving their courtroom skills.

It has been said that each family law case has different needs. We recognize the availability of various alternative courses of resolution. But we believe that if a case cannot be settled, then the consequence is that the courts are there to decide the issues. Our job is to be prepared to expertly litigate those cases to their logical ends.

TBS has been blessed each year by the presence of family law guru and friend, Garrett Dailey, as our moderator. Garrett’s contributions to California family law through his Attorney’s Briefcase legal research and update service, annual Family Law Boot Camp, Family Law 101 presentation, and Year in Review seminars are unparalleled. His advocacy in the trial and appellate courts is legendary.

TBS is a fast-moving event. We gave a whopping 25 presentations throughout the day. Topics ranged from Pre-trial Discovery Planning to Appellate Considerations. Our audience of nearly 350 continually interacted with us via Zoom’s “Q&A” feature.

One week following the “main event” Zoom presentation, we held an in-person Practicum at UC Irvine Law School. Leigh Galyon and Marshall Waller led it. The Honorable Dianna Gould-Saltman (ret.) and the Honorable Scott Gordon (ret.) highlighted it with their respective presence and energy. Having these highly experienced and respected judges assisting our “hands on” teaching raised the Practicum to the next level!

Sincere thanks to all our presenters: Garrett, Andrew Botros, Gordon Cruse, Leigh, Annette Hall, Sandy Mayberry, Shannon Miles, Claudia Ribet, Kyle Siems, Marshall, Alexander Payne, Robert Benavente, Lisa McCall, Jillian Duggan-Herd, and Justice Sheila Prell-Sonenshine (ret.).

Supporting TBS during our monthslong ramp-up through the “main event” and the Practicum was one of HI’s Legal Administrators, Kristiné Kirschke. No way TBS would succeed as it does without her! I served as the annual Dean and as a presenter, too.

HI believes trial skills directly encourage settlements. There is nothing like a trial deadline, a list of pretrial tasks and issues, and capable counsel ready to “do what is needed” to generate settlement anxiety in an opposing party. We settle the vast majority of our cases because others know what we can do.

In the ten years of TBS, we have educated over 2,000 family law attorneys throughout California! Making it all sweeter is that we present TBS at no cost. We provide substantial Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Credits to boot! It remains a huge pleasure and honor to continue serving, sponsoring, and facilitating TBS.

Taylor Fuller Named 2026 President of Santa Barbara Women Lawyers

Herring Imming, LLP is proud to share that attorney Taylor Fuller has been selected to serve as the 2026 President of Santa Barbara Women Lawyers (SBWL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting women in the legal profession throughout Santa Barbara County.

Founded in 1999, SBWL plays a vital role in the local legal community by fostering mentorship, professional development, advocacy, and community engagement for women attorneys at every stage of their careers. Through educational programming, networking events, scholarships, and pro bono initiatives, SBWL works to strengthen both the profession and the broader Santa Barbara community.

Taylor has been an active member of SBWL since 2019, serving on its Board of Directors in various leadership capacities prior to assuming the presidency. As a family law attorney at Herring Imming, LLP, Taylor brings a deep commitment to advocacy, service, and collaboration—values that align closely with SBWL’s mission. Her practice focuses on guiding families through some of life’s most challenging transitions, with an emphasis on thoughtful counsel, strategic advocacy, and compassionate representation.

“I am incredibly honored to serve as President of Santa Barbara Women Lawyers in 2026,” Taylor shared. “SBWL has been a source of mentorship, professional growth, and meaningful connection throughout my career. I am thrilled to be working alongside such an extraordinary group of intelligent, supportive, and powerful women, and I look forward to building on the organization’s strong foundation in the year ahead.”

Taylor will lead SBWL alongside an accomplished Board of Directors comprised of Kristen Cortez‑Kaufman, Brooke Darnall, Victoria Diffenderfer (Vice President), Alex Jaimes, Betty Jeppesen, Jennifer Karapetian, Haley Lawson, Diana Lytel, Natalie Mutz, Mishelle Sotello (Secretary), Julia Toscano, Karine Wegrzynowicz (Treasurer), and Olivia Young (Immediate Past‑President).

Under Taylor’s leadership, SBWL will continue to expand opportunities for mentorship, advocacy, and community service while supporting women attorneys across Santa Barbara County. Herring Imming, LLP congratulates Taylor on this well‑deserved leadership role and celebrates her continued dedication to serving both the legal profession and the community.

To learn more about Santa Barbara Women Lawyers or to get involved, visit www.sbwl.org.

Herring Imming Supports SBWLF Event, Onward + Upward

Herring Imming is pleased to present a “guest blog” by one of our Legal Assistants, Arshiya Sanduria. Arshiya has been a bright and energetic presence, from whom we expect great things!

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Attorney Taylor Fuller and Legal Assistant Arshiya Sanduria attend Onward + Upward.

The Santa Barbara Women Lawyer’s Foundation (SBWLF) recently hosted its flagship event, Onward + Upward. As a legal assistant and aspiring law student, it was my first time attending. I walked away inspired. I also left with a clearer vision of what it means to be a woman in the legal profession today.

The women’s dedication to community, mentorship and progress was galvanizing. The room buzzed with stories of attorneys who forged their own paths in a historically male-dominated field. Tempering this was the recognition that there is still more work to be done and more paths to be paved for my generation and beyond. We need to continue building and maintaining a sturdy ladder for those following us.

I learned that evening Onward + Upward is more than just a theme. It is a mindset that SBWLF reinforces and celebrates every year. One that recognizes the progress of individuals and communities, alike.

The legal field can often feel intimidating, especially for a young professional such as myself. But SBWLF reminded me that, while the work road ahead will be difficult and will test me, I am not navigating it alone. Being in a room where your potential is not only acknowledged, but actively nurtured, was quietly compelling.

I recognize that progress in this profession is not measured solely by titles or cases won, but by the strength of the network we create and the doors we hold open. Onward + Upward is a promise to those of beginning our journey that we will be guided and supported as we step forward.

Inspired by Henry: My Journey with Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

It is easy to help out an organization like Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation when it means supporting the recovery of a little one as adorable as Henry!

By Taylor Fuller

As a proud member of the Board of Directors for Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF), I am deeply committed to our mission of advocating for families in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties who have a child with cancer. TBCF’s work is vital in providing essential financial, educational, and emotional support to these families during what is often the most challenging time in their lives.

My connection to TBCF is intensely personal. I joined the board because of my close relationship with the Miller family, who faced an unimaginable challenge when their son, Henry, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018. Andrew Miller and I went to law school together, and our friendship has only deepened over the years. I had the privilege of standing by his family through Henry’s difficult journey, witnessing firsthand the strength, courage, and love that defined their fight against this devastating illness.

I have many vivid memories from those challenging days—like watching the World Series together in Henry’s hospital room, bringing meals to the family, and offering support wherever I could during their time at Cottage Hospital. Whether it was sitting with Andrew and Giana during long, anxious nights or simply being present to listen, those moments reinforced my understanding of how crucial a strong support network is for families facing pediatric cancer.

Today, I am overjoyed to share that Henry is a healthy and active 10-year-old boy. His recovery is a testament to the power of hope, the advancements in medical care, and the unwavering support provided by organizations like TBCF. It is families like the Millers who inspire me to remain dedicated to TBCF’s mission, ensuring that other families facing similar challenges receive the comprehensive care and support they need.

I am also proud to share that Andrew has since become a successful estate planning attorney with Miller & Berryhill, an estate planning firm located in Montecito’s upper village. Ironically, Miller & Berryhill are our neighbors, as Herring Imming, LLP is also based in the upper village. This close proximity has further strengthened our bond, both professionally and personally, and reinforces the collaborative spirit that makes our community so special.

This year, TBCF’s flagship fundraising event, the Golden Gala, marks the culmination of September’s Gold Ribbon Campaign in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The Golden Gala was held on September 25th at the stunning Tuscan Hills Estate and is an evening of celebration, reflection, and community. This event is not only an opportunity to honor the remarkable families we serve, but also a chance for our supporters to come together in solidarity for a cause that touches so many lives.

Herring Imming, LLP, was a proud sponsor of this year’s Golden Gala. Herring Imming, LLP is committed to supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in our community, and TBCF’s work aligns perfectly with our values. We are honored to contribute to an event that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the families TBCF serves.

Supporting TBCF and participating in the Golden Gala is more than just a professional commitment for me—it’s deeply personal. The Miller family’s journey has left an indelible mark on my life, and I am honored to continue supporting families like theirs. I always look forward to sharing this special evening with our community.

For more information about the work of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, visit www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org.

Taylor Fuller is a family law attorney with Herring Imming, LLP, and a Director on the Boards of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, and the Santa Barbara County Unity Bar. A Santa Barbara County native, she is dedicated to serving her community through both her legal practice and nonprofit leadership.