Attorneys

Attorneys

Businesses represented by TencerSherman LLP benefit from the services of partners Philip C. Tencer and Sam G. Sherman.

Philip C. Tencer is a San Diego native who grew up in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. He obtained his Juris Doctorate at U.C. Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, where he was an articles editor on the California Law Review and a national finalist in Moot Court. Before starting his own law firm, he was a partner at Cooley in San Diego for several years.

Sam G. Sherman is a native of Southern California who moved to San Diego for law school and fell in love with the city. He worked for nearly a decade at one of San Diego’s pre-eminent full-service law firms. He left that firm to start his own firm and fulfill his dream of small-business ownership.

To learn more about the lawyers at TencerSherman LLP, review the profiles above.

Protect Your Business with Experienced Legal Counsel

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AssociateMark A. Simpliciano

Mark Simpliciano is an Associate at TencerSherman, LLP where he currently practices employment and school district defense. Originally from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Mr. Simpliciano received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University and was part of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society.

Mr. Simpliciano received his Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law where he received several award recognitions, including a Dean’s Scholarship for his academic success and the Kulia I ka nu’u Scholarship for his commitment to service and his culture. During his time at California Western, Mr. Simpliciano was committed in various student organizations and an Associate Writer for the California Western Law Review. His article, “Recognizing “X”: A Comparative Analysis of the California Gender Recognition Act,” was published in the school’s Law Review Journal. As an alumnus, Mr. Simpliciano was awarded the California Western School of Law’s Rising Star Award in 2024 for his impact in the legal community.

Since passing the California Bar in 2020, Mr. Simpliciano has been practicing in various areas within civil litigation, handling matters involving employment law, business litigation, general and premises liability—with experience representing both individuals, small businesses, and corporations. Mr. Simpliciano has also devoted his time in serving his community and serves as a board member of the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego. Mr. Simpliciano’s commitment to service and strides within the legal profession was recognized by the San Diego County Bar Association and was given the New Lawyer Award in 2025.

During his free time, Mr. Simpliciano enjoys being active, cooking, playing tennis, traveling, and is a devoted foodie.

Our Cases Highlights

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Carnahan-v.-Lakeside-Union-School-District-San-Diego-Superior-Court-img.jpg

Carnahan v. Lakeside Union School District (San Diego Superior Court)

Sam Sherman and Phil Simpler obtained a complete defense verdict in a jury trial alleging sexual assault by a fourth grade student. Plaintiff alleged the after school program director at the elementary school sexually molested her in his office. The case proceeded to trial against the program director

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Suppici Labor Commissioner Claim

TencerSherman achieved a very favorable outcome for employer after a delivery driver alleged meal and rest period premiums, overtime wages, reimbursable expenses, liquidated damages, and waiting time penalties under the California Labor Code. After a hearing in San Bernardino, the Labor Commissioner only awarded the employee waiting time


https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Eldridge-Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Eldridge Labor Commissioner Claim

Obtained a complete defense decision after a dental hygienist employee filed a claim with the Labor Commissioner in San Diego alleging her employer willfully failed to pay her wages after she submitted a letter of resignation. The employee claimed her employer owed her waiting time penalties. The Labor Commissioner held the of proof to show that the

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WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT US

Client Quotes

& Testimonials

“We recommend having Sam Sherman and his team on your side, especially with all the firms out there willing to file frivolous lawsuits.“

Seth Siraton

“I have always felt well represented with Philip Tencer representing EpiCept Corporation.”

Jack Talley, President & CEO of EpiCept Corporation

“I have retained Philip Tencer on two matters, both with extraordinary results. I could not be more pleased with his counsel.”

Adelaide Pund, Chief Compliance Officer

AssociateSydney E. Becker

Sydney Becker is an Associate at TencerSherman LLP, where her practice focuses on employment law and school district defense.

Prior to joining TencerSherman, Ms. Becker practiced in employment, property, and business litigation. Her experience includes wage and hour claims, wrongful termination and retaliation matters, harassment and discrimination claims, as well as handling partition, quiet title, and breach of contract disputes.

Ms. Becker earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2024 and was admitted to the California State Bar that same year. While in law school, she competed on and served as President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition Team and worked at a civil litigation firm, gaining hands-on experience at all stages of litigation.

Before attending law school, Ms. Becker worked in multiple law firms with practices spanning criminal law, public interest nonprofit work, and civil litigation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, with minors in Philosophy and Human Rights.

Our Cases Highlights

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Carnahan-v.-Lakeside-Union-School-District-San-Diego-Superior-Court-img.jpg

Carnahan v. Lakeside Union School District (San Diego Superior Court)

Sam Sherman and Phil Simpler obtained a complete defense verdict in a jury trial alleging sexual assault by a fourth grade student. Plaintiff alleged the after school program director at the elementary school sexually molested her in his office. The case proceeded to trial against the program director

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Suppici Labor Commissioner Claim

TencerSherman achieved a very favorable outcome for employer after a delivery driver alleged meal and rest period premiums, overtime wages, reimbursable expenses, liquidated damages, and waiting time penalties under the California Labor Code. After a hearing in San Bernardino, the Labor Commissioner only awarded the employee waiting time


https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Eldridge-Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Eldridge Labor Commissioner Claim

Obtained a complete defense decision after a dental hygienist employee filed a claim with the Labor Commissioner in San Diego alleging her employer willfully failed to pay her wages after she submitted a letter of resignation. The employee claimed her employer owed her waiting time penalties. The Labor Commissioner held the of proof to show that the

bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT US

Client Quotes

& Testimonials

“We recommend having Sam Sherman and his team on your side, especially with all the firms out there willing to file frivolous lawsuits.“

Seth Siraton

“I have always felt well represented with Philip Tencer representing EpiCept Corporation.”

Jack Talley, President & CEO of EpiCept Corporation

“I have retained Philip Tencer on two matters, both with extraordinary results. I could not be more pleased with his counsel.”

Adelaide Pund, Chief Compliance Officer

AssociateStella T. Nguyen

Stella T. Nguyen is an Associate Attorney at TencerSherman LLP, where her practice focuses on employment litigation and school district defense. Ms. Nguyen represents clients through all stages of litigation, including discovery, depositions, law and motion practice, settlement negotiations, mediation, and trial preparation.

Prior to joining TencerSherman, Ms. Nguyen practiced at a San Diego litigation firm, where she handled a broad range of complex civil matters involving business, employment, real estate, and corporate disputes. She has represented clients in matters throughout California and has served as second chair in both bench and jury trials involving real property disputes.

Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Nguyen spent five years as a paralegal and founded and operated her own retail business. Her experience as a business owner provides her with a practical perspective on the legal and business considerations her clients face.

Ms. Nguyen earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Economics, from Portland State University.

Ms. Nguyen is fluent in Vietnamese. She is admitted to the State Bar of California, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

Our Cases Highlights

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Carnahan-v.-Lakeside-Union-School-District-San-Diego-Superior-Court-img.jpg

Carnahan v. Lakeside Union School District (San Diego Superior Court)

Sam Sherman and Phil Simpler obtained a complete defense verdict in a jury trial alleging sexual assault by a fourth grade student. Plaintiff alleged the after school program director at the elementary school sexually molested her in his office. The case proceeded to trial against the program director

https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Suppici Labor Commissioner Claim

TencerSherman achieved a very favorable outcome for employer after a delivery driver alleged meal and rest period premiums, overtime wages, reimbursable expenses, liquidated damages, and waiting time penalties under the California Labor Code. After a hearing in San Bernardino, the Labor Commissioner only awarded the employee waiting time


https://tencer.goldenseller.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Eldridge-Labor-Commissioner-Claim-img.jpg

Eldridge Labor Commissioner Claim

Obtained a complete defense decision after a dental hygienist employee filed a claim with the Labor Commissioner in San Diego alleging her employer willfully failed to pay her wages after she submitted a letter of resignation. The employee claimed her employer owed her waiting time penalties. The Labor Commissioner held the of proof to show that the

bt_bb_section_bottom_section_coverage_image
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT US

Client Quotes

& Testimonials

“We recommend having Sam Sherman and his team on your side, especially with all the firms out there willing to file frivolous lawsuits.“

Seth Siraton

“I have always felt well represented with Philip Tencer representing EpiCept Corporation.”

Jack Talley, President & CEO of EpiCept Corporation

“I have retained Philip Tencer on two matters, both with extraordinary results. I could not be more pleased with his counsel.”

Adelaide Pund, Chief Compliance Officer

Protect What You've Built

From business disputes to employment and intellectual property litigation, our attorneys are committed to delivering strategic, results-driven representation.

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