Legal Services:

Administrative Hearings. The firm provides representation to individuals and entities faced with the potential loss of a business or professional license. The firm defends real estate agents brokers served with an "Accusation" filed by the California Department of Real Estate seeking the revocation and/or suspension of their real estate license. The firm also provides competent legal representation to restaurant, bar, and nightclub owners faced with an administrative proceeding initiated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) seeking revocation and/or suspension of their license to sell alcoholic beverages.

Conservatorships. The firm assists individuals seeking to obtain court appointment of a manager for the financial affairs or the personal care of one (usually a family member) who is either physically or mentally unable to handle either or both. The firm carefully reviews other property-holding or managing devices, as well as the proposed conservatee’s age, physical and mental condition, family situation, wealth, and attitude in order to determine whether other informal arrangements may be utilized. The firm guides the petitioner through the process of securing appointment as conservator of the person and/or estate. Subsequent to the appointment as conservator, the firm assists the conservator in collecting assets in the name of the conservatee, keeping accurate books and records, handling debts of the conservatee, and preparing the annual accounting required by the court.

Contracts. The firm drafts various business agreements for its clients. The firm has developed an expertise in drafting "buy and sell agreements" for partners and "shareholders’ agreements" for shareholders of closely held corporations. The firm routinely drafts promissory notes, loan agreements, agency agreements, independent contractor agreements, distributor agreements, loan-out agreements, lease/option agreements, and agreements for the sale of personal property.

Corporations. The firm provides pre-incorporation advice to individuals interested in forming a corporation. Clients are informed of all the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation. The firm explores the advantages of incorporating and electing to be taxed as an "S Corporation." The firm also explores with clients the possibility of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The firm routinely forms and advises nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations. The firm stresses the importance of drafting Bylaws tailored to meet the needs and concerns of the incorporators. The firm provides clients with a "corporation package" consisting of drafting the Articles of Incorporation, the corporation’s Bylaws, the Minutes of the First Meeting of Shareholders and Directors, preparing the initial Statement by Domestic Stock Corporation, obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number for the corporation, preparing and filing the required stock issuance exemption form, and issuing stock to the shareholders. The firm also provides services related to dissolution of corporations. The firm represents shareholders in litigation aimed at removing of officers and/or directors who have breached their fiduciary duty to the corporation and/or its shareholders. The firm also defends officers and directors of corporations who have been sued by other officers, directors, and/or shareholders.

Foreclosures. The firm routinely advises individuals facing foreclosure on their personal residence or other real property. The firm assists the client in either curing the default or obtaining a forbearance agreement from the secured creditor. The use of bankruptcy is explored in cases where the client is unable to promptly cure the default or obtain a forbearance agreement. The firm also initiates litigation to set aside a trustee’s sale which was held in violation of the provisions governing foreclosure sales.

Guardianships. The firm provides legal services to individuals seeking appointment as guardian of either the person or estate of a minor child. The firm assists court appointed guardians of the estate of a minor child in meeting the requirement of providing periodic accountings. The firm also assists guardians in establishing "blocked accounts", obtaining court approval to buy or sell property, and obtaining court approval for a monthly allowance.

IRS Audit & Collection Matters, including "Offers In Compromise." The firm represents individuals and businesses being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. The firm, in appropriate cases, provides clients with the assistance of an outside Certified Public Accountant to prepare amended returns, to prepare accurate books and records where clients have failed to maintain books and records, and to provide the law firm with the financial information needed to support a client’s position with respect to income and/or deductions. The firm can represent individuals and businesses before the United States Tax Court. The firm assists clients in cases where the IRS has initiated collection efforts including the use of tax liens, levies, and wage garnishments. The firm is experienced in the preparation of "Offers & Compromise." The firm also explores a client’s ability to discharge a tax claim in bankruptcy.

Partnerships. The firm routinely drafts partnership agreements for both general and limited partnerships. The firm assists partners in dissolving their partnership and in obtaining the appropriate tax clearances. The firm represents partners who initiate litigation against other partners for breach of fiduciary duty and other wrongful acts.

Probate.

Tax Problems.

Trusts.

Wills (drafting & will contests.)