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Our history and valuesOur core values of integrity and excellent service serve as the foundation of everything we do.

Smith + Brown Attorneys was founded in 1992. Our core values of integrity and excellent service are the foundation of our law practice. Smith + Brown is a locally-owned law firm and because of that, our reputation is always on the line. We don’t just want to meet your expectations — we want to exceed them.

We solve complex legal challenges in a way that is straightforward, cost-effective, and strategically tailored to your needs. Our success is built on relationships. One-third of our legal work comes from clients who have been with us for 10 or more years. Clients rely on us to deliver top-tier legal representation to protect their business interests.

John C. Smith
, JD
Co-founder
800-555-1212

As a co-founder of Smith + Brown, John has served families and businesses around Monterey for over 30 years.

John’s clients represent a diverse group of successful families, individuals and businesses, and he specializes in helping physicians who are approaching retirement or are in their retirement years.

“I really enjoy working with families in our community,” John says. “Seeing the impact that wise financial planning makes in the lives of my clients is truly rewarding.”

John has been quoted by a variety of publications, such as Finance Today, World News and The Financial Journal. He has also been interviewed by BNN and Channel 5 and wrote a regular column for The Monterey Times.

John has been a resident of Monterey for 25 years and is very committed to helping the community he loves. John volunteers with Senior Accessibility Renovations, a non-profit organization that makes accessibility improvements to homes for senior citizens.

John is married to Sarah and has three children, George, Harrison and Amy. They are active members in the Episcopal Church of Monterey. In his free time John enjoys sailing, tennis and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Education and Professional Certifications

  • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®)
  • Securities licenses — Series 6, 63 & 65
  • B.B.A. in Business Administration — University of Monterey

Areas of Practice

  • Investment Planning
  • College Savings Planning
  • Estate planning advice
  • Retirement Planning

Professional and Civic Affiliations

  • National Association of Financial Advisors
  • Board of Directors 2010 – 2013, Cancer Research Foundation
  • Board of Directors 2012 – present, Senior Accessibility Renovations
Catherine P. Brown
, JD
Co-founder
800-555-1212

Since 1985, Catherine has been serving families and businesses around Monterey as co-founder of Smith + Brown.

“My focus has been helping people transition from their working years to their retirement years,” says Catherine. “Building a sound financial plan for the retirement years helps ease my clients financial fears.”

Catherine believes that a financial advisor should fulfill the role of teacher as well. “I want all of my clients to understand every decision that’s made or recommended,” says Catherine.

Catherine has written a weekly finance column for The Monterey Times since 2001. In addition, she’s been quoted by a variety of publications, such as Finance Today, World News and The Financial Journal.

A resident of Monterey for 25 years, Catherine has watched the community evolve and improve over the years. She volunteers with the Cancer Support Center of Monterey, a non-profit organization that helps families with basic needs during cancer treatment.

Catherine is married to Robert and has two children, Michael and Rachel. They are active members in the Episcopal Church of Monterey. In her free time Catherine enjoys golf, running, and traveling with her family.

Education and Professional Certifications

  • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®)
  • B.B.A. in Finance — University of Monterey

Areas of Practice

  • Retirement Planning
  • IRA Rollover Strategies
  • Estate planning advice

Professional and Civic Affiliations

  • National Association of Financial Advisors
  • Board of Directors 2006 – present, Cancer Support Center of Monterey