CIVIL PRACTICE
Individuals and businesses often find themselves facing situations and disputes which can result in legal action and court proceedings. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn provides outstanding legal representation when court proceedings become unavoidable. We are also skilled in successfully counseling our clients to avoid these disputes and in resolving them without the need for formal judicial proceedings.
When litigation is unavoidable, the initial stage of the process includes filing and responding to a complaint. The next stage of litigation involves obtaining information from the other parties in the case. This stage is called discovery. Often the prospects of a successful outcome can be immensely increased through steadfast and strategic efforts during and even before the discovery stage. Should trial become a necessary or desirable undertaking, our experience and talent will guide you through this stage and any necessary appeal.
We offer competitive hourly fee retainers for our civil litigation clients. We accept all major credit cards and payment plans may be available. Call us for a free consultation and case analysis.
As a small business owner, we understand that at any given point during the day, you may need to reach an attorney to ask a question or seek guidance on a wide variety of subjects that touch on various aspects of the law. We believe that you should have a constant lifeline to a counselor to help prevent damage to your business and help address any issues as they arise.
Building a personal relationship with your attorney ensures that each problem can be faced with your particular goals and aspirations in mind. Furthermore, a close connection with your counselor means less work on each case because your representative already knows your circumstances. Retaining general counsel can also help you save in the long run by actively preventing potential liabilities before they materialize.
Our firm offers services on retainer for small businesses that would benefit from retaining general counsel with whom they can form a specialized and personal relationship. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
We can help you and your business with everyday needs when it comes to issues concerning contracts. From negotiating with another party to enforcing the terms of the bargained for deal, The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn is here to guide you through the process.
Whether you’re an employee concerned about your treatment or termination by a current or former employer, or an employer being sued by a disgruntled employee, The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn can provide you with experienced legal assistance. We’re here to help with employment related matters such as wage and hour claims, wrongful termination, and employment discrimination.
Individuals as well as businesses often find themselves at odds with the insurers they pay and trust to be there when they need them. Sometimes the legal landscape of insurance and claims under a policy can be confusing and frustrating. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn can help you fight for your rights under your insurance policy by dealing with the insurance companies themselves as well as enlisting the help of the Department of Insurance or the courts when necessary.
As a small business owner, an unfortunate common occurrence is difficulty when it comes time to collect payment. It’s hard to tow the line between getting the compensation you’re due and maintaining good relationships with those who owe you money. Sometimes working through an intermediary who is experienced in this area of law can help ensure both parties end up with a beneficial resolution. Whether you need general advice on debt collection issues, or a lawyer to seek payment or to take your claim to court, The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn will diligently guide you through these difficulties.
Because of the importance in everyday life of your dwelling unit, landlord tenant issues can become incredibly burdensome and personal. If you’re a landlord needing advice on evicting a tenant, facing claims of discrimination, habitability, or negligence, or just have general questions about this area of the law, The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn can provide thoughtful counsel to resolve the dispute as efficiently as possible. Similarly, if you’re a renter needing an accommodation, facing eviction or nuisance claims, seeking to reclaim your security deposit, or need general help dealing with your landlord, we’re here to assist with the necessary compassion due such a sensitive issue.
For a helpful guide to California’s law concerning landlords’ and tenants’ rights and responsibilities, please visit here: http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/catenant.pdf
As an individual or small business owner, disputes often arise in the context of dealing with an administrative agency. Having an advocate on your side can make the difference in these administrative proceedings. The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has experience in dealing and negotiating with a wide variety of administrative agencies, including petitioning for a writ of mandate to obtain judicial review of decisions issued by an agency. For example, Michael has successfully assisted individuals in seeking reinstatement of a real estate license with the California Bureau of Real Estate after revocation. Additionally, Michael has helped doctors seek proper payment under California’s Medi-Cal program. For more information on dealing with an administrative agency, call us for a free consultation.
An adverse judgment in the trial court is not the end of your case. Whether your case arose in the California Superior Courts or in the Federal District Courts, you have multiple levels of appeal available to you. The first level of appeal is called the direct appeal. A direct appeal is heard in the applicable court of appeal. From there, a discretionary appeal may be taken to higher level appellate courts including the Supreme Court of California or the United States Supreme Court.
Direct appeals of judgments from the California Superior Courts are heard in the California Court of Appeal, which is divided into six judicial districts. The Second District hears appeals from Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Fourth District hears appeals from six other southern California counties: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Inyo.
Direct appeals of convictions from the Federal District Courts are heard in the United States Court of Appeals. The Federal District Courts are divided into twelve regional judicial circuits. Each judicial circuit has a Federal Court of Appeals. All appeals from Federal District Courts in California, and eight other western states, are heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit has courthouses located in Pasadena, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
If you’re not satisfied with a judgment or outcome you’ve received in your case, The Law Offices of Michael D. Grahn has the experience and knowledge to successfully seek appellate relief. Call us for a free consultation concerning your case and we’ll be happy to assess available options to get you superior results.