Free Consultation
$0 first 15 minutes
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.
3
Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 15 minutes
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
420 3rd Street, Ste 250, Oakland, CA, 94607
41 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Compassion
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 Brian | January 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Gaurav Bali. Call him. The BEST.
Gaurav Bali is the best. Professional, patient, caring, and a straight shooter. Gaurav is incredible when it comes to navigating through the legal/court system. My son was given another chance to become a productive law abiding member of society due to Gaurav's meticulous, relentless, 'never give u...
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 JamilMattar | February 06, 2015
Incredibly Helpful!
I was referred to Gaurav by a good friend of mine. This is the first time being in a situation where I was looking to hire a lawyer for my case and I had no idea what to expect. I met with several other lawyers before speaking to Mr. Bali and he was by far the most helpful! He gave me a free consulta...
Posted by anonymous | June 28, 2013
A People's Attorney
Gaurav is an extremely professional yet caring individual. He's a great attorney who knows his stuff. He has compassion for people, their situations, and seems to do things for the good of the people. Gaurav fought hard for my case, never settled, kept me informed of my options, was earnest, and hone...
"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