Business, Commercial & Real Estate Litigation; Trust/Probate Litigation; Employment Litigation
Our Firm is experienced and expert in handling federal and state trial litigation as well as appellate litigation; with emphasis in all areas of commercial and business law, employment law and real estate. Our managing attorney has practiced before the California Supreme Court. We represent clients successfully in a wide range of business litigation, including contract, commercial and construction disputes, and in real estate litigation including purchase and sale, disclosure, and landlord-tenant disputes. We also represent many business clients in litigation arising from employment-related issues, such as protection of trade secrets and other proprietary information, and litigation related to employee termination issues.
We have extensive experience and expertise in trust litigation and other contested probate matters.
When litigation is necessary, we represent your interests aggressively and ethically; seeking positive results in the most efficient and economical way possible. We emphasize keeping our clients informed of the progress of their case to be sure that they have the information they need to understand the litigation process and the cost of litigation.
Business Counsel and Transactions
Our firm serves as counsel to many privately and publicly held companies and businesses. We give advice and counsel in all aspects of business law. We represent leasing and finance companies with equipment leases and the sale of leases and loan portfolios. We structure many different forms of contract, shareholder agreements, stock option and deferred compensation agreements. Other practice areas include corporate, LLC, LLP, and partnership strategy, joint ventures, franchise law, and protection of technologies and proprietary information.
Corporate Strategy and Business Organization
We advise our clients continuously on the advantages and disadvantages of the available forms of business organization and structure: Incorporation, Limited Liability Corporations, Partnerships. We strive to keep our clients updated on changes in the law which may affect corporate strategy and business organization.
Employment Law
Our Firm represents employers in all aspects of employment law and employee benefits. We specialize in employment agreements, employee handbooks, employee benefits matters and compliance with state and federal laws including Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the National Labor Relations Act, COBRA and Family Leave Medical Act. We also are expert in handling California "Prop. 65" issues related to toxins in the work place, and issues related to the protection of proprietary information, including trade secrets.
Pre-Litigation Strategy & Negotiation
The Firm is expert in pre-litigation strategy. In advising our clients, the avoidance of truly unnecessary litigation is an important goal. We believe firmly in preventative law; the creation of properly drafted agreements and documents which address potentially costly areas of dispute -- and effectively protect our clients interests. A relatively small investment of time and attorney fees up front can often prevent very costly litigation down the line. Indeed preventative law can be to a business what anti-virus protection is to a p.c. network.
When litigation becomes necessary, it is important to proceed aggressively and wisely. Our firm is ready to do that, often at a moments notice. But much litigation can be avoided or limited. At The Clinebell Law firm it is an important part of our mission to advise and counsel our clients to that end, and thus to help our clients succeed.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Mediation
We are experienced in representing clients in various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation and arbitration can often be a faster and more economical means of resolving business disputes; we provide our clients with the information and counsel needed to make wise business decisions in this respect.