SANDPOINT — The law firm of Berg & McLaughlin, Chtd. has added two attorneys to the practice in recent months, one an Idaho native and the other a Slovakian-born Californian.

“These two are lucky finds,” says Toby McLaughlin. “It’s not easy to attract associate lawyers with solid legal skills and the level of maturity that promotes client confidence in our work.”

Matt Gerard, 40, with his wife Amy, moved here from Idaho Falls. Matt is a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in communications and chemistry. He attended law school at the University of Idaho, earning his law degree in 2015.

While in law school, the Gerards explored the Idaho Panhandle and found their way to Sandpoint. “We fell in love with the people and beautiful scenery and are thrilled to be living here,” Matt said.

The couple participated in several service organizations in the Idaho Falls area, and look forward to contributing to the Sandpoint community.

Matt’s legal emphasis will be family law.

Zuzana Malek, 35, was born in Slovakia and immigrated with her family to the United States in the early 1980s. She grew up in Southern California, graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned her law degree from the University of San Francisco in 2010.

Zuzana brings experience in Family Law and litigation to the firm. While living in Portland, Ore., she volunteered with Legal Aid Services and led a family law clinic for low-income litigants. In 2013, she was recognized for her dedication to pro bono legal services with the Michael E. Haglund Award.

In addition to her work with legal aid in Portland, Zuzana served on the board of directors for the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Legal Alliance, was a member of the Young Lawyer’s Pro Bono Committee, and served on the Veteran’s Justice Outreach Committee.

Zuzana and her fiancé, Nathan Eshleman, look forward to participating in the many recreational opportunities Bonner County has to offer.