About Samuel

Biography

Practice Areas

I advise California businesses and their owners on formation, governance, contracts, and day-to-day legal questions, including as outside general counsel on a monthly retainer, so issues are handled before they become disputes.

20%

Contracts and Agreements 15%

I draft, review, and negotiate the agreements a business runs on: vendor, customer, services, licensing, operating, and partnership agreements, and explain in plain English what each one commits you to.

15%

Lawsuits and Disputes 15%

I represent businesses and their owners in California courts in disputes over contracts, ownership, partnerships, and money owed, starting with a candid assessment of cost, risk, and the realistic paths to resolution.

15%

Construction and Development 10%

I represent owners, developers, contractors, and subcontractors on construction contracts, payment and change-order disputes, mechanics liens, stop payment notices, CSLB licensing, and project disputes in California.

10%

Arbitration 5%

I represent clients in AAA, JAMS, and other private arbitrations, from the demand and arbitrator selection through the hearing and award, and draft arbitration clauses that hold up before a dispute begins.

Corporate and Incorporation 5%

I form California corporations and LLCs and keep their records in order as owners join, leave, raise money, or sell: bylaws, operating, shareholder, and buy-sell agreements, minutes, and state filings.

Discrimination 5%

I represent employees and employers in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters under California's FEHA and federal law, from internal complaints and agency charges through litigation, arbitration, and settlement.

Employment and Labor 5%

I draft and review employment agreements and handbooks, advise employers on California wage-and-hour, leave, and classification rules, and represent employers and employees in workplace disputes.

Intellectual Property 5%

I help businesses and creators clear, register, license, and enforce trademarks and copyrights and protect trade secrets, including cease-and-desist letters and infringement disputes. I do not handle patent filings.

Mediation 5%

I represent clients at mediation and in settlement negotiations, preparing the case, the numbers, and the client so the session is productive and any settlement is documented in terms that hold.

Real Estate 5%

I advise businesses, investors, and owners on property purchases and sales, commercial leases, and disputes over use, title, partition, and possession of California real property.

Wrongful Termination 5%

I represent employees and employers in wrongful termination and retaliation disputes: evaluating claims early, negotiating separations and severance, and litigating or arbitrating when a matter cannot be resolved.