About

The Practice

Gallagher, Bolander, Smedley, LLP has a long history of serving the Peninsula and the greater San Diego area. The firm was founded in the early 1960’s by a local attorney and has grown over the years as additional Peninsula-based attorneys joined. David G. Smedley joined the firm in 1999; Lauren Gallagher joined in 2004; and Lori Bolander joined in 2019. The firm has emphasized Estate Planning throughout its history; generations of Peninsula families have enjoyed continuity as parents, children and grandchildren utilized the firm’s expertise.

MEET THE TEAM

Lauren Gallagher

Partner

Lauren Gallagher a native of San Diego, is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and California Western School of Law. She resides in Ocean Beach with her husband and three daughters. Lauren is a member of the State Bar’s Trusts & Estates Section and the San Diego Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section.

“The best part of my job is working with my clients. Whether it is helping them establish their estate plan or representing them when a loved one has passed, getting to know my clients personally and being their advocate is the cornerstone of my practice.”

Lori Bolander third generation San Diegan and is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego and California Western School of Law. Lori was the principal of her own firm for over 10 years and focuses her practice on trusts and estates. Being adopted has led Lori to a niche practice of adoption law, as well. Lori is a member of the State Bar’s Trusts & Estates Section and the San Diego Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Section. She is a past chair of the San Diego’s Trust & Probate Law Section and served on the Probate Bench/Bar Committee.

“I truly enjoy practicing in the area of trusts and estates and adoption law because I feel as if I am genuinely helping people.”

LORI BOLANDER

Partner

Kurt Rifbjerg

Attorney – Of Counsel

Kurt, a Bay Area native, graduated from the University of California at San Diego and obtained his Juris Doctorate at California Western School of Law.

Kurt has worked in the probate, estate planning, and bankruptcy fields since 2005. In 2012, Kurt was licensed to practice law in California, and has represented clients in probate and bankruptcy matters throughout the entire state.

As a veteran of small and large law firms, Kurt brings a cost-conscious focus to his cases. He is admitted to practice before the Federal Districts of Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern California.

David Smedley retired in 2019, after a long career serving the Ocean Beach and Point Loma community with their trusts and estates needs.

“Death is hard on the loved-ones who survive. We want to make that transition as easy as possible for your survivors.”

David Smedley

Retired

Jacqueline Bulinski

Paralegal

Keri Vinatieri

Paralegal

Julia Woods

Legal Secretary

CONTACT US

At Gallagher, Bolander, Smedley, LLP, we are committed to serving our clients with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. We are here to help, so contact us today.