Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Small Business Legal Services in Oakland, CA
Established in 1975, our firm provides comprehensive legal services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. With over 40 years of experience, we specialize in business formation, contract negotiation, commercial leases, intellectual property, and litigation. Our approach emphasizes long-term client relationships, strategic counseling, and pragmatic solutions to complex legal challenges. We serve clients across California, including Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, as well as national and international clients with California business needs. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a commitment to understanding each client's unique goals, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable success. 
Services
Business Formation
Contract Drafting
Commercial Leases
Intellectual Property
Business Litigation
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in business law and litigation.
- Our team provides tailored legal strategies for small and medium-sized businesses.
- We utilize technology to efficiently represent clients statewide and beyond.
- Our focus on long-term client relationships ensures personalized service.
- We actively engage in community leadership and local business advocacy.
Services
Business Formation
We assist in selecting and forming the optimal business structure, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Our services cover legal requirements, liability protection, tax considerations, and drafting agreements to define ownership rights. We ensure compliance with state and federal regulations while addressing long-term business goals.
Commercial Leases
Our firm negotiates and drafts commercial leases tailored to tenant and landlord needs. We address critical terms like rent, lease duration, renewal options, and compliance responsibilities. We also resolve disputes over lease violations, property maintenance, and early termination to protect client interests.
Business Litigation
We represent clients in resolving business disputes through litigation, mediation, or arbitration. Our focus includes contract breaches, partnership conflicts, employment disputes, and intellectual property infringement. We prioritize cost-effective solutions while preparing for courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Employment Law
We guide employers on compliance with wage and hour laws, employee classification, and workplace policies. Services include drafting employment agreements, developing handbooks, and defending claims related to discrimination, harassment, or labor code violations to mitigate legal risks.
Intellectual Property
We help clients safeguard trademarks, service marks, and licensing agreements. Our services include filing trademark applications, drafting IP licensing contracts, and addressing disputes over unauthorized use of intellectual property to preserve business assets.
People
Peter Stanwyck
Attorney & Founder
Peter Stanwyck is a California attorney with over 40 years of experience in business law. He graduated from UC Berkeley and Boalt Hall School of Law, focusing on small business representation. He has served on community boards and prioritizes long-term client relationships.
Questions
What legal services do you offer for startups?
We assist with business formation, contract drafting, licensing, and employment law compliance to ensure startups establish a solid legal foundation.
How can you help with commercial lease disputes?
We negotiate lease terms, resolve disputes over breaches, and ensure agreements protect your interests as tenant or landlord.
What should I consider when buying a business?
We review contracts, assess liabilities, and draft agreements to address seller obligations, financing, and post-sale transitions.
Do you handle employment law issues?
Yes, we advise on employee classification, wage compliance, and workplace policies to prevent disputes and legal risks.
Can you assist with intellectual property protection?
We file trademarks, draft licensing agreements, and resolve disputes to safeguard your brand and proprietary assets.
