Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Legal Representation and Transactional Services in San Francisco
Cox Wootton Lerner Griffin Hansen & Poulos is an award-winning law firm dedicated to delivering litigation and transactional services across the Western United States and globally. Our team-driven approach prioritizes client relationships, leveraging decades of experience in industries such as maritime, environmental, real estate, and corporate law to provide thorough, cost-effective solutions. Established in 1997, our firm combines big-firm expertise with personalized service, utilizing advanced litigation technology and remote support to streamline processes. We emphasize proactive client collaboration, offering transparent budgeting and non-hourly fee arrangements to align with client needs. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for legal emergencies, particularly serving transportation, maritime, and insurance clients.Community engagement remains central to our values, with attorneys contributing pro bono services and leadership in legal education and professional organizations. Our history of handling complex, high-exposure cases demonstrates our commitment to achieving results while reducing legal expenditures. With offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu, we serve diverse clients, including multinational corporations, small businesses, and individuals. Our practice areas span civil litigation, corporate law, insurance, environmental law, and more, supported by a legacy of innovation and client-centric service.
Services
Civil Litigation
Corporate Law
Insurance
Real Estate
Environmental Law
Startups and Early Stage Financings
Trademark Protection
Unfair Competition
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in complex litigation and transactional law.
- Our team delivers cost-effective solutions through advanced litigation technology and streamlined processes.
- We provide 24/7 availability for maritime, transportation, and insurance emergencies.
- Our attorneys hold leadership roles in international legal associations and professional organizations.
- We prioritize transparent budgeting and non-hourly fee arrangements tailored to client needs.
Services
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice represents corporations, businesses, and individuals in state and federal courts. We focus on efficient, result-oriented outcomes for disputes in maritime, real estate, environmental, and corporate law. With decades of courtroom experience, we deliver strategic defense and prosecution of complex cases.
Corporate Law
We assist clients in forming LLCs, corporations, and drafting business agreements. Our attorneys handle asset sales, joint ventures, and shareholder disputes, combining transactional expertise with litigation support to protect corporate interests.
Environmental Law
Our environmental law practice addresses pollution, toxic torts, and regulatory compliance. We provide 24/7 support for petroleum industry clients and innovative financing solutions for cleanup obligations, ensuring adherence to evolving environmental standards.
Insurance
We offer coverage analysis, bad faith claims defense, and subrogation services for insurers and policyholders. Our expertise spans commercial property, marine, and specialty insurance policies, resolving disputes through litigation and negotiation.
Real Estate
We litigate commercial and residential property disputes, including construction defects, leases, and environmental contamination. Our services cover eminent domain, easements, and waterfront property conflicts, ensuring comprehensive real estate legal solutions.
People
Terrence Cox
Founding Partner
Terrence Cox co-founded the firm in 1997, specializing in maritime and commercial litigation. With decades of experience, he provides strategic legal counsel in complex cases involving transportation and insurance law.
Richard Wootton
Founding Partner
Richard Wootton focuses on corporate and real estate law, bringing extensive transactional expertise to clients. He has represented businesses in mergers, acquisitions, and high-stakes litigation matters for over 30 years.
Sands Lerner
Partner
Sands Lerner specializes in maritime and transportation law, offering strategic defense solutions for clients in shipping and logistics. His practice includes vessel arrests and international arbitration cases.
Gregory Poulos
Partner
Gregory Poulos joined the firm in 2001, focusing on environmental and insurance litigation. He has handled complex cases involving toxic torts, regulatory compliance, and multi-jurisdictional disputes.
Neil Lerner
Partner
Neil Lerner leads the firm's corporate practice, advising startups and multinational corporations on governance, financing, and cross-border transactions. He integrates litigation and transactional strategies to protect client interests.
Questions
What areas of law does Cox Wootton Lerner specialize in?
We specialize in civil litigation, corporate law, insurance, environmental law, real estate, and maritime law, serving clients across the Western US and internationally.
How does the firm handle complex litigation cases?
Our team uses advanced litigation technology and decades of experience to manage document-intensive cases efficiently, reducing costs while maintaining strategic focus.
Are attorneys available for emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 availability for maritime, transportation, and insurance emergencies, ensuring prompt legal support when needed.
What payment options are available?
We discuss transparent budgeting and non-hourly fee arrangements tailored to client needs, prioritizing cost-effective solutions.
Which regions does the firm serve?
We serve clients throughout the Western United States, Hawaii, the Pacific Rim, and globally through international arbitration and transactional support.
