Margaret Evangelista
Paralegal
After working as a stay-at-home mom for many years, Margaret attended MTI College to become a paralegal. She is yet another connection to Attorney Gardner, the two worked together at a previous law firm and are thrilled to continue their bond at HMS today.
When she's not at the office, you can find Margaret on the back of her husband's Harley Davidson exploring country roads and new restaurants, or huddled tight around a campfire with her kids and grandkids (don't forget the dogs!). Camping is bonding time for the Evangelista's and they enjoy a big family camp trip to Lake Siskiyou each year.
Items you'll always find at her desk: Tea (hot or iced) and a picture of her dogs.
Favorite topic of conversation: Anything involving her kids and grandkids.
What's playing in her car on the way to work: 60's channel on SiriusXM.
Dairl Helmer
Paralegal
Though new to the team, Dairl brings with him over five years experience as a paralegal in the Sacramento legal community, paired with over 15 years experience in records management at law firms in Sacramento and Portland, Oregon. Dairl works closely with Attorney Rebecca Gardner on her trust administration and probate matters and assists Attorneys Rodney Moy and Sunny Dobashi with their corporate maintenance program.
Raised in Northern California and a graduate of both University of the Pacific and the University of Oregon, Dairl is a dedicated worker who believes in doing the best job possible, every time.
When he's not at the office, Dairl enjoys watching movies, going to soccer games, and attending comic-cons and other fan conventions.
Items you'll always find at his desk: Coffee cup, project tracker, and legal pads.
Favorite topic of conversation: Obscure “cult” movies and old TV shows.
What's playing at his desk: Pat Metheny Group, Jeff Lorber Fusion, and other contemporary jazz artists. Or whatever he feels like listening to.
Leah Goldsberry
Corporate Legal Assistant
As our Corporate Legal Assistant, working closely with Attorneys Rodney Moy and Sunny Dobashi, Leah is your go-to person throughout the life of your business: from formation to dissolution, and corporate maintenance in between.
A UC San Diego and San Jose State alumna, Leah loves to learn and is always looking for ways to enhance her knowledge. Though new to the firm in 2022, Leah has a strong connection to HMS, having known Attorney Rebecca Gardner for the better part of two decades!
When she's not working, you can find Leah on a cross-country road trip with her family (pictured here, on the left, in the Grand Canyon with her mother), or simply walking her dog through the neighborhood.
Items you'll always find at her desk: Coffee! Also, a yellow legal pad with an assortment of pens and highlighters.
Favorite topic of conversation: What trip to take next, or what movie to watch next weekend.
What's playing at her desk: U2, Pearl Jam, Florence & the Machine
Sherry McMeans
Receptionist
As our receptionist, Sherry plays a significant role within several aspects of the firm, from welcoming new clients, to scheduling, to keeping all physical components of the business running smoothly.
An alumna from Sacramento State (and family member of Attorney Rebecca Gardner!), Sherry was born and raised in Sacramento and believes that the most important qualities in a person are treating others with kindness and compassion.
When Sherry's not at the office, you can find her sitting quietly on her patio birdwatching, spending time with her family, shopping, or going to the movies.
Items you'll always find at her desk: coffee or soda, hard butterscotch candies
Favorite topic of conversation: anything beyond small talk
What's playing in her car on her way to work: 60s, 70s, 80s pop
Daniel Gonzales
File Clerk
As our File Clerk, Daniel manages several aspects of the firm, from welcoming new clients, to scheduling, and managing our file system.
A current Sac State Student (and former student of Attorney Rebecca Gardner!), Daniel was born and raised in Oxnard, CA and enjoys the small beach town environment.
When Daniel is not at the office you can find him trying new coffee shops, hanging out with friends, chasing waves along the California coast, and studying.
Items you'll always find at his desk: Water, coffee, and peppermint Altoids
Favorite topic of conversation: Secret surf spots, travel destinations, and restaurants to try
What's playing in his car on his way to work: 80s, 90s, and early 2000 R&B