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James H. Cordes has practiced law in Santa Barbara since becoming licensed in 1994. His practice has always emphasized employment law, particularly representing employees in wage theft, employment discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination cases. Since 1998, Mr. Cordes has maintained his own successful solo practice.
Mr. Cordes received his Juris Doctor degree with great distinction from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in May, 1994. Mr. Cordes graduated number 3 in his class of 285 students. Upon graduation, Mr. Cordes was admitted to the Order of the Coif, an honor typically granted to those students graduating at the top of their class. While in law school, Mr. Cordes published and edited the law review.
Mr. Cordes received his Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in 1986. In the time between receiving his Bachelor’s degree and beginning law school, Mr. Cordes worked as a radio announcer for a variety of stations in Mammoth Lakes and Santa Barbara.
Mr. Cordes believes that many large entities such as employers believe that employees view the legal process as intimidating and often count on that when taking certain actions against them. Mr. Cordes feels very strongly that communicating clearly and frankly with his clients and explaining the various steps in the legal process, including describing possible actions and consequences, is the best way to allow employees to make the best decisions about their rights and consequently, emphasizes this type of communication with his clients.
Angelica J. Caro joined James H. Cordes and Associates in 2019.
She was born and raised in Santa Barbara County. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
She earned a Juris Doctorate with certificates of concentration in Business Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning from the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law in 2017. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2013.
While in law school, she worked full-time at a law firm as a receptionist and law clerk to gain practical, real-life experience. During her last year of law school she interned at the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (“LAFSB”) where she assisted and represented individuals seeking Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, and Civil Harassment Restraining Orders. She also provided legal immigration assistance for victims of crimes and conducted immigration screenings for immigration remedies. After becoming licensed, she joined LAFSB as staff attorney.
In her spare time, Angelica enjoys hiking, playing board games, and spending time with family.
Angelica is a member of the California State Bar Association, California Lawyers Association, and California Employment Lawyers Association.
She is admitted to practice law before all California State Courts, the United States Northern District of California, and the United States Central District of California.
Becky Cordes is the Administrative Manager and has worked with the Firm for most of its existence. Prior to that Becky spent decades in administrative management roles in the healthcare and legal industries. Becky also spent about ten years flying the globe as a Flight Attendant for an international American airline. In her spare time Becky enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her granddaughters.
