+ Issue: I’m facing a partnership dispute with my partners.

Solution:

We begin by learning about you and about your business. We undergo a fact-gathering process, in which we research the background of the dispute, and we analyze all the legal documentation and correspondence. We recommend and implement a course of action to resolve the dispute.

Benefit:

Internal disputes can easily get heated, and our job is to help you see through all the threats and focus on the solution. We’ll walk you through the whole process and explain your options — we’ll tell you what to expect, what the possible courses of action are and we’ll advise you what claims have merit and which ones are simply idle threats.

+ Issue: I need help negotiating a property purchase

Solution:

We’ll draw up a letter of intent to outline the general parameters of the transaction. Then we’ll perform due diligence investigation of the property, research any zoning or entitlement issues, draft a formal purchase and sale agreement, work with the title company, and help secure financing. We’ll do everything you need to complete the sale.

Benefit:

You can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your transaction is being handled by lawyers with deep expertise in real estate and business law. We’ve handled thousands of matters like these, which means that we know where the pitfalls lie. We’ll help navigate the process to ensure the sale goes smoothly and efficiently.

+ Issue: I’ve been sued.

Solution:

We’ll evaluate the case against you, determine what’s in dispute, and assess the ultimate goal of the suit. We’ll try to resolve the dispute quickly via mediation or discussions with opposing counsel. If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial and aggressively represent your interests in court.

Benefit:

No one likes to be sued. Even when you emerge victorious, it’s a stressful process. We’re here to take the burden off you. We’ll tell you exactly what to expect from the whole process so you’re prepared. And unlike many other lawyers, we have extensive trial experience, meaning we’re ready to represent you in court if needed.

+ Issue: I need to sue someone.

Solution:

We’ll evaluate the basis of your case and advise you whether suing is the best way forward. Additionally, we’ll help you recognize what claims are likely to be successful and what damages you’re likely to obtain. Once you understand the process, we’ll proceed either via mediation or in court.

Benefit:

Every time a client comes to us wanting to sue, we start by asking, “Is this suit necessary? Is there a better way?” This provides clarity for everyone involved. If a lawsuit isn’t in your best interests, we’ll help you to see that, saving you time, money, and aggravation. If proceeding with the suit is the best option, we’ll diligently represent your interests. We’re experienced trial lawyers who regularly obtain excellent results for our clients in court.

+ Issue: I need entitlements from a government agency.

Solution:

We’ll meet with you to learn about the project and about your long-term vision for the property. Then we’ll investigate existing regulations, meet with public entity representatives, and present the project to stakeholders, including neighbors and environmental groups.

Benefit:

With an extensive practice in land use law, we regularly help our clients obtain entitlements and other administrative approvals. We have long-standing relationships with the important players in the North Bay and we know our way around the bureaucratic red tape.

+ Issue: I’m involved in a probate dispute.

Solution:

We’ll evaluate the merits of the dispute, lay out the various possible paths forward, and help you evaluate the best option. We’ll negotiate on your behalf with other parties and represent you in probate court.

Benefit:

Because probate disputes often stir up long-standing family issues, they require sensitive handling. We know how to walk the line between sensitivity and aggression and will always work to get the best possible outcome for you, while still preserving your relationships with family members.

+ Issue: The city is coming after me for a code violation.

Solution:

We’ll meet with you to understand the city’s case against you. We’ll then negotiate with the public agency over how to settle your case or we’ll challenge the alleged violations at an administrative hearing.

Benefit:

We know it’s scary to hear that the city is coming after you for a code violation. As your lawyers, our job is both to represent your interests and to support you throughout the process. We’ll tell you exactly what to expect from the process and we’ll do everything we can to relieve your stress and carry the burden ourselves.

+ Issue: I have a dispute with my neighbor.

Solution:

We handle real estate disputes of all kinds, including among neighbors. We’ll sit down with you to understand the dispute and then begin negotiations with your neighbor. Our ultimate goal will be to resolve the dispute and minimize the consequences so that you can resume a cordial neighborly relationship, or barring that, preserve your property rights through litigation.

Benefit:

As a real estate focused law firm, we have extensive experience dealing with disputes over easements and boundaries. We also recognize that these disputes have to be handled delicately, with an eye toward preserving or repairing your relationship with your neighbor.

+ Issue: I’m facing a construction defect problem.

Solution:

The first step in resolving a construction defect problem is to identify the scope of the problem. We’ll study the relationship between the contractors and sub-contractors, work with the appropriate experts, evaluate your insurance coverage, engage appropriate expert consultants, and formulate and implement a strategy for dealing with the problem.

Benefit:

With construction defect problems, the pre-litigation phase often involves intricate negotiations. We are experienced litigators, who have handled all kinds of construction defect cases. We know how these intricacies work and we know how to get the best possible terms for our clients.

+ Issue: My insurance claim was denied or only covered in part.

Solution:

We’ll identify the underlying facts and study the basis of the denial. We’ll help you obtain additional insurance coverage, or if the claim was denied without merit, we’ll formulate and implement a strategy for obtaining damages.

Benefit:

We have deep experience with insurance coverage disputes and unlike many other firms, have actually litigated these disputes. That means you’ll be hiring experienced lawyers with a proven track record in coverage disputes.