Fairfield Lawyers

I have been in solo private practice representing plaintiffs in the areas of environmental, land use, and elections law for almost thirty years. My clients are usually local environmental groups, neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, and occasionally individuals or government agencies. In addition to my law degree (New College of Calif., 1990) have undergraduate and masters of science degrees in biology from Brown University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Harvard University. I spent ten years working as a researcher in agricultural biotechnology before doing a career change and getting my law degree.
I represent clients...

I help clients with their employment, business, and start-up needs. I also represent clients involved in civil litigation. Please contact me to find out how I can help you with your legal needs.

We are a boutique Immigration Law Firm based in Berkeley, CA. We provide personalized and efficient U.S. Immigration legal services to Individuals, Families, Startups, Entrepreneurs, and Small Businesses throughout the United States.

John Hyland is a partner with Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP. He practices exclusively in the area of employment law. John was Of Counsel with Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker in the firm’s San Francisco office where he advised and represented companies in State and Federal court actions covering all areas of employment law, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, disability law, employee privacy, employee leaves, and wage and hour issues. John regularly conducts training seminars and presents on a wide array of employment law issues. Law & Politics Magazine selected John as one of its Northern California Super Lawyers...

Andre Khansari is an accomplished Southern California attorney. He represents individuals and businesses in Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Business, and Personal Injury matters. With nearly 20 years of experience, peers and clients alike have recognized Andre as an exceptional attorney.

Andre is committed to providing large firm advocacy with small firm prices. Call today to schedule a consultation to learn how he can help you.

Matthew Crider formed Crider Law Group so he could help individuals and business owners by providing creative solutions and be their trusted advisor and legal counselor. Matthew provides services in the areas of estate planning, family law, and business advisory services. Matthew’s estate planning practice focuses on personalized estate planning and administration for individuals, couples and families, and includes wills, revocable living trusts, family business entity planning, and co-tenancy arrangements. His family law practice focuses on assisting families in a dissolution matters, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and parental rights. ...

A San Francisco Bay Area native, James Nevin received a bachelor of arts from Boston College (majoring in International Studies), a master of arts in Asian Studies from Stanford University, and a law degree from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was an editor on the UCLA Law Review. Mr. Nevin is a partner and trial counsel with the firm. He has been with Brayton Purcell since March 2002. His legal practice focuses on all litigation and trials representing personal injury and wrongful death plaintiffs, specializing in toxic torts, such as asbestos and mesothelioma, artificial stone silicosis, benzene-caused diseases,...

A resident of Oakland, Len spent much of his legal career with prestigious, top-ranked, San Francisco law firms. Mr. Watkins brings the same level of expertise, and standard of excellence, to his practice in the East Bay. Focusing on consumer bankruptcy and business law, Mr. Watkins’ depth of experience and training include: A Masters of Business Administration, concentrating on finance, from the University of California, at Davis A stock brokerage license (inactive) from the National Association of Securities Dealers A California Real Estate Broker’s license Previous Experience Business Attorney Norris & Norris (now...

Born and raised in Northern California, Mr. Brayton graduated from Shasta High School in Redding, California before attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation, and spent the next twelve years on active duty in the USAF, serving in a variety of jobs both in the United States and overseas, including seven years as a Judge Advocate. Upon leaving the Air Force he entered private practice in Novato, California, concentrating initially on asbestos litigation and aviation cases. Early in his career, Mr. Brayton won one of the first...

My law practice focuses on representing injury and death victims and their families. Many of my cases have involved personal injury, car accidents, accidental death, wrongful death, truck accidents, big-rig accidents, motorcycle accidents, products liability, defective products, dog bites, nursing home injuries, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and dangerous property. I have been highly successful in favorably resolving my clients' cases and obtaining monetary compensation for my clients for over 22 years. My clients have suffered catastrophic injuries, death of a family member, serious injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery and many other types of injuries including coma, brain injuries, quadriplegia, triplegia, loss of...

Areas of Expertise

Business advice and counseling
Contract drafting and review
Corporate structure and transactions
Licensing and regulation
Employment and labor negotiation
Insurance coverage and claims handling
Education

B.A., Colgate University, 1991
Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude
J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School, 1994

Martin is an experienced business attorney who facilitates transactions while minimizing the risks and pitfalls facing his clients. Martin takes a “can-do” approach to legal problems that focuses on crafting deals through an integrative and value creating process rather than conflict.

Shahrad Milanfar is a Trial Attorney and Mediator who has focused his career on serious personal injury, automotive, asbestos and other types of product liability, transportation/ trucking, and habitability cases. Since the beginning of his career, Shahrad has worked on catastrophic injury cases such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), serious orthopedic injuries, including quadriplegia and paraplegia.

Shahrad gained his trial and courtroom experience while working with the district attorney’s office and as a civil trial attorney. He has handled cases form inception to verdict as the primary trial attorney. Over the past 20+ years, Shahrad has managed serious personal injury and...

Mr. Cross is an expert in the field of criminal law. Mr. Cross will fight more aggressively than anyone to bring you the best outcome possible. He passionately cares about defending his clients and does everything within his power to help them. Having attended the University of California, Berkeley for Undergraduate studies, he received a B.A. in Legal Studies. He subsequently attended the prestigious San Francisco Law School to receive his J.D. He is a member of many associations, including the State Bar Association, the Alameda County Car Association, the San Mateo County Bar Association and the Delta Theta Phi...

For more than 30 years, Mike Appel has devoted his practice exclusively to personal injury and wrongful death cases. He represents clients throughout California, both in State and Federal courts. Born and raised in Redondo Beach, Mike attended St. Mary’s College of California, Moraga, California, where he majored in English. He was an editor of the college’s literary magazine, "The Phoenix." He also played rugby for the Gaels, and was a member of the team that went on the first annual rugby tour of the East Coast. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. At graduation he also received...

Attorney Adam M. Carlson is managing partner at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook. While he is skilled in various areas of law, he focuses the majority of his practice handling cases related to wrongful death, civil rights, and personal injury. He believes that tailoring each case to each client’s needs is key to providing aggressive and compassionate legal representation.

Before joining the firm, Carlson served as an intake assistant for our team, where he was responsible for fielding calls from potential clients. It was at this time that Carlson decided he wanted to do more. He found that he was passionate...

OLIVER GREENWOOD is the principal of the Law Offices of Oliver Greenwood in Pleasant Hill. He is the author of chapters 1, 4, 12, 16, and 17 in the CEB Guardianship Handbook. Mr. Greenwood received his B.A. degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his J.D. from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. A frequent speaker regarding probate matters and a member of the Judicial Council's Probate & Mental Health Advisory Committee. Mr. Greenwood is also a contributing author to CEB's conservatorship and powers of attorney and health care directives books. Mr. Greenwood's areas of practice include conservatorships, guardianships,...

Jessica is a partner at Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP and specializes in litigating employment law cases on behalf of employees. From violations of wage and hour laws to sexual harassment and discrimination, Jessica has represented both individuals and groups of people in class actions. She also advises executives in pre-litigation matters such as severance agreements and employment agreements. If you have an employment law issue in the Bay Area, please contact her office today and set up a free consultation.

Mr. Poulin is experienced in the areas of real estate, business, and construction litigation. He has trial experience in both state and Federal court, and has experience in all aspects of dispute resolution. Mr. Poulin has successfully represented clients in broker disputes, foreclosures, neighbor disputes, title insurance coverage, fraud, breach of contract, breach of lease and landlord-tenant issues. Real estate issues include construction defect cases, damages on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, architects and engineers in mechanic's liens, stop notice, payment and performance bond actions. Prior to joining The Williams Firm, Mr. Poulin was an associate at the law...

Ryan Davis is the managing partner of Golden State Workers Compensation. Mr. Davis received a juris doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May of 2014 and is a current member of the California Bar Association. Mr. Davis is also an NBA certified agent and has represented clients such as Jason Terry. In addition to his professional commitments, Mr. Davis takes an active interest in a variety of volunteer and speaking engagements. Mr. Davis has volunteered numerous times at Berkeley Youth Alternative, which is a non-profit for at risk youth, in Berkeley, California. These volunteer activities include mentorship, career...

Robert Davis is a Workers' Compensation Attorney with over 30 years of experience. Mr. Davis has handled thousands of cases before the Workers Compensation Appeals Board with a value of over 100 million dollars. Mr. Davis has work for both applicants and defense law firms. He is an aggressive, ethical and experienced Workers' Compensation Lawyer who knows exactly how to navigate your case through the confusing and frustrating maze the insurance company creates. His experience working for the insurance companies gives him a distinct advantage over the vast majority of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, not only because he knows the opponents playbook,...

I have always been interested in European history and languages. I lived in France for four years before returning to the Bay Area to set up my law practice. I often work with people in the Bay Area who have family or assets in France.

Mark T. Koo’s work includes Corporate Compliance and Governance, Estate Planning, Family Law, Non-Profit Formation and setting up the 501c3 Non-profit designation. Mark also helps companies file incorporation as well as other corporate legal assistance. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mark T. Koo has been involved with Silicon Valley’s technologies such as data warehousing, wireless software and hardware technologies, and internet technologies. Mark is a graduate of McGeorge Law School and is a member of the California Bar. Mark received his bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering and masters of science degree in materials science from University of California,...

Te’Reisha Graves represents individuals, businesses and public entities as both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of tort and personal injury matters in courts throughout California. Having handled litigation from both sides of the table, she has developed a unique skill set that allows her to quickly analyze claims and develop resolution strategies to meet her client’s needs. Te’Reisha was designated as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, and in 2021, on the plaintiff’s side, she resolved her first 7-figure settlement in a wrongful death matter. Te’Reisha is a 2015 magna cum laude law school graduate from Florida A&M University....

Harry G. Lewis is an accomplished Employment, Immigration and Business Law attorney with extensive trial experience. He represents private and public companies, non-profits, public agencies and individuals throughout California.

Harry partners with clients to find creative strategies that address their complex legal needs. He has an uncompromising dedication to excellence, providing attentive service and skilled advocacy, always focused on achieving the best possible results.

Harry received his B.A. from the University of Virginia. In 1991, he earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. Harry is active in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Marin Humane...

Ashley is founder of Talbot Law Firm. As an attorney in the firm’s emerging business practice, Ashley counsels startups with incorporation, early stage financing, employment issues, intellectual property protection, technology licensing, commercial partnerships and various other corporate transactions. Ashley believes that understanding a company’s vision and priorities is important to devising strategies to solve legal problems so companies can focus on their goals. Ashley has nearly 3 years in-house experience representing entrepreneurs in a wide range of corporate, commercial and intellectual property matters. Ashley received a J.D. from University of San Francisco School of Law and a B.A. in...

Patrick Delahunty is a former federal prosecutor and a seasoned trial attorney with more than 15 years of experience litigating in federal and state courts. Patrick’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal investigations and litigation resulting from them, including regulatory issues and corporate litigation. He guides his clients with clear advice about their options, legal risks, and—most importantly—the full spectrum of their rights that he will vigorously protect. At each step of the way, he looks for efficient and cost-effective solutions. He has a long track record of securing successful outcomes for his clients with this approach. Prior to...

Will Edelman is a former federal prosecutor, a former police officer, and a Stanford Law graduate who clerked for two federal judges. Will’s practice focuses on white-collar and regulatory matters, internal investigations, and complex commercial litigation. As a federal prosecutor in the Northern District of California, Will acted as first or second chair in ten trials. He also handled numerous contested evidentiary hearings and dispositive motion hearings. As a prosecutor, Will was the primary attorney responsible for a variety of complex matters, including multi-defendant RICO cases and fraud cases. Will also served as a police officer for a large southern California...

Serving all of California.

SALARIED WORKERS STILL GET OVERTIME In California, there are certain exemptions that allow employers to deny paying employees overtime. Whether or not an employee meets those exemptions is typically based on their job duties and responsibilities. There are many situations where employers misclassify employees as exempt from overtime based solely on their job title. For example, the employer will give the employee a fancy job title that includes the word Manager or Supervisor, when in fact, the employee is performing manual or clerical labor according to the employers strict guidelines and protocols. In other words, the employee is exercising independent...

Thomas C. Knowles, an attorney with The Van Blois Law Firm in Oakland, California, helps clients address Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff situations. He also helps clients with Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff and Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff concerns.

Tim Knowles is an experienced trial lawyer in cases involving mechanical engineering, construction and medicine. He was a defense lawyer that represented Ford Motor Company early in his career. He has the knowledge and experience to represent persons injured by auto defects including crushed roofs, defective tires, seat belts and airbags.

As a lifelong sailor, sailing the Atlantic and Pacific...

Oakland Bankruptcy Attorney

For 22 years, I have devoted my career as a lawyer to helping parties resolve their conflicts efficiently, effectively and respectfully. I believe the quality of a mediated resolution, and of the mediation process, to be as important to the parties as the fact of resolution.