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I came to law after UC Berkeley. I spent that year traveling in Europe, and what stayed with me was how much of a person's situation can turn on whether anyone is willing to speak for them. I came home and started where that was most immediate - volunteering at legal clinics around the Bay Area, which taught me more about practicing than any classroom did.
Through law school I worked full time at law firms, moving across practice areas rather than settling into one. That range is why I was able to open my own office as soon as I was licensed, and it is still the most useful thing I bring to a case.
Clients rarely arrive with a problem that stays in one courtroom. A domestic violence allegation can run through criminal court, a restraining order, and a custody calendar at the same time, and what is said in one of them becomes evidence in the next. A personal injury recovery can arrive in the middle of a dissolution, where how it is characterized decides how much of it my client keeps. Before I choose a strategy, I map the whole of a client's exposure - because in litigation the order in which you do things is often worth more than any single argument.
From there my approach is straightforward. I start with an honest valuation of a case: risk assessment, benefits to litigation, and what the other side believes about both. That assessment drives everything after it - what to concede early, what to hold, when a negotiated resolution is genuinely the best result available, and when a case needs to be built for a judge or a jury instead. I would rather give a client an unwelcome assessment at the start than an unwelcome surprise at the end.
I have argued in front of family court judges hundreds of times and taken criminal cases to jury verdict, including homicide. I worked the same way in the clinics, for free, and that is the part I am proudest of - the analysis does not get shorter because the fee does. If you are deciding what to do next, I am glad to talk it through.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2011
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420 3rd Street, Ste 250, Oakland, CA, 94607
41 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Manuel Orozco | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
You Matter — Steady Support During Divorce
I am extremely grateful for the support and guidance I received from my attorney (Gaurav)during one of the most difficult periods of my life. Divorce is emotionally overwhelming, but during moments when stress and uncertainty could have taken over, Gaurav consistently helped me step back, focus on lo...
Posted by Amelia | March 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney
I cannot recommend Gaurav enough. I think he must be one of the finest attorneys in the world!
Attorney Gaurav Bali was recommended to me by one of his former law school classmates for my family law case. His classmate said to me, “I know the best attorney for your case, I have worked with him and I know he is great at resolving complicated disputes and cases.” At the time I received this reco...
Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Gaurav is results oriented and keeps his clients best interest top of mind
Gaurav's help was priceless in my Child Custody case. Gaurav took the time to explain every legal ramification and helped me understand how to navigate through the family law system. With his expertise, I now have joint custody of my daughter with 60% timeshare. It is rare but Yes, I am a father w...
Posted by N. P. S. | July 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Empathy, diligence, reliability, compassion - Gaurav is the best at what he does
Unfortunately, I found myself with a second DUI offense last year, and considering the implications of such an arrest, I knew I had to find someone who I could relate to, who could understand my circumstance, and be willing to coach me through the entire process of moving through this case. Gaurav Ba...
Posted by Edward | March 29, 2017
Gaurav Bali is the man for the case
Gaurav Bali. is the man for the job. He's a very good listener and got my case dismissed after a suppression motion. He took the time to gather evidence went to the scene, took pics, etc. Thanks a lot,,,,
"Mr. Bali clearly cares deeply about his clients and making sure they get the best representation possible!"
"I have known Mr. Bali for a number of years. I have referred criminal law cases to him, and have heard him praised for his work on behalf of his clients. Mr. Bali represents his clients with knowledge, vigor and passion, and has their best interest in mind at all times representing them."
Family lawyer
2012
Academic Excellence - Evidence, Dean of LLS
2011 - Present
Owner, Bali Law Offices
2012 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Alameda County Bar AssociationCourt Appointed Attorney
2011 - Present
Alameda County Bar AssociationGuardianship Clinic Volunteer
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Case Dismissed
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2013
Real Estate & Family Law
2021
2021
English
Hindi
Legal Answers
Can I go to Tijuana if I’m on bond?
06 Mar 2020
I was charged with driving with out a license, can It be dropped if I do now have a valid drivers license before my court date?
06 Mar 2020
Is there pro bono lawyers that aid in child support and custody in my area?
18 Jul 2019