Welcome New CCCBA Board Members for 2025

S. Samantha Sepehr

Upon graduating from law school, Samantha Sepehr was awarded a two-year Equal Justice Works Fellowship, sponsored by the CCCBA. During her fellowship, she served as an advocate and attorney for clients of John F. Kennedy College of Law’s Elder Law Clinic, representing victims of elder financial abuse on a pro bono basis by helping them navigate legal challenges while trying to recoup their financial losses. Building on this experience, Samantha transitioned into private practice, expanding her practice area to include trust and probate litigation as well as landlord-tenant matters. She is currently an attorney at Schofield Law Group in Walnut Creek.

Kristen Busby

Kristen Busby received her undergraduate degree from UC Davis in 2007 and graduated from UC Davis School of Law in 2012. She has been a Deputy District Attorney in Contra Costa County since 2013. As a DDA, Kristen has served in various capacities, including Misdemeanors, General Felonies, Probation and Parole, the Domestic Violence Unit, and Juvenile Delinquency. Kristen is currently a member of the Community Violence Reduction Unit.

Kristen was born and raised in Contra Costa County. Her love for Contra Costa rubbed off on her husband, Kurtis Keller, who left private practice for a position with the Contra Costa County Office of the County Counsel.

When Kristen and Kurtis aren’t advocating for the residents of Contra Costa County, they are busy with their two lovely children.

Emily Nashban

Emily Nashban is partner at the Talbot Law Group, bringing with her over 15 years of professional legal experience. Ms. Nashban specializes in complex Trusts & Probates, Conservatorship and Estate Planning.  Before becoming a vital part of the Talbot team, she contributed her expertise to multiple esteemed San Francisco-based law firms practicing commercial real estate law.

Emily graduated Cum Laude from The University of San Francisco School of Law, and attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz.  Her outstanding work in the area of Trust and Estate Law has earned her the prestigious Superlawyers Rising Star Designation on multiple occasions.

Emily is married and has two children and lives in Pleasant Hill, California.

Indy Colbath

Indy Colbath is partner and shareholder at Bay Area Family Law Center, Inc. in Walnut Creek. She has been an attorney since 2013, and has focused legal career on family law issues, including: divorce, annulment, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and domestic violence restraining orders. Recently Indy became a Certified Family Law Specialist, after passing the specialist exam administered by the State Bar of California and meeting the admission requirements for practice experience, education, and endorsement by the legal community.

Indy is active and involved in the Bay Area legal community, currently serving as the Secretary for the CCCBA Family Law Section, where she has been an elected board member since 2022. Indy was previously the President of the CCCBA Barristers Section, and has also served as President of the Eastern Alameda County Bar Association. Indy has also been a member of the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court since 2016.

Indy is a Contra Costa County native; she grew up in Pleasant Hill and attended College Park High School. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Davis where she graduated with honors, majoring in Sociology with emphasis in Law and Society. Indy attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, after being admitted with a full-ride scholarship. Indy graduated in 2013 with her Juris Doctorate, and was admitted to the State Bar of California the same year.

In her free time, Indy enjoys managing her three fantasy football teams, traveling, yoga, and spending time with her husband and their rescue dog, Deebo Samuel.

Ritzi Lam

Ritzi Lam is a distinguished attorney admitted to the California State Bar in 2011, specializing in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. As a California State Bar Certified Specialist, she is among approximately 1,000 attorneys in this field, demonstrating her expertise in a competitive landscape of over 196,000 active attorneys in California. Ritzi holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation law, enhancing her ability to advise clients on federal tax law and compliance issues related to estate, gift, and income tax matters. With over a decade of practical experience, she adeptly handles all aspects of trust and estates, including drafting complex estate plans and representing various parties in contested matters. Ritzi’s litigation practice further includes serving as court-appointed counsel and guardian ad litem, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the court process. Prior to her private practice, she gained valuable experience as a Judicial Extern and volunteer research attorney in the California court system.

Rachel Margolis Chapman

Rachel is a skilled criminal defense attorney based in the Bay Area, recognized for her unwavering commitment to her clients’ rights. With experience representing over 500 individuals in various criminal cases, including serious offenses such as homicide and domestic violence, she has established a strong reputation in the field. A proud alumna of the University of Southern California, Rachel earned both her undergraduate degree in International Relations/Global Business and her law degree. After passing the bar exam, she dedicated her career to criminal defense, previously working as an associate attorney at Gagen McCoy. Rachel actively participates in the Contra Costa County Bar Association and contributes to several boards and programs within the Bar as well as participating in community programs that support indigent clients. Her writing skills have garnered recognition, with multiple publications in Contra Costa Lawyer.