Practice Areas

General Practice

A close up of a metal object on a chain.

Content

This is some text inside of a div block.

General Law Services

At The Law Office of Erik Bauman, I offer comprehensive legal services across a broad spectrum of practice areas. Whether you are facing a legal dispute, need contract assistance, or require representation in court, I am committed to protecting your rights and providing expert legal guidance. I help individuals, families, and businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and clarity.

There are many legal situations that don't call for a lawsuit, or where early intervention by a lawyer can prevent the need for lengthy and expensive litigation. Examples of the types of situations I am very experienced with handling include negotiating leases, negotiating contracts for services, drafting or revising leases, drafting or revising contracts, negotiating buyouts of tenancies, performing risk assessments of available legal options, or writing letters asserting your rights. Even if your situation doesn't fall squarely in my most common practice areas, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to see if I can help.

Some of our General Law Practice Areas

1. Civil Litigation

If you are involved in a legal dispute, we provide expert representation in civil litigation matters. From contract disputes to personal injury cases, I will work diligently to protect your interests and seek the best possible outcome. My approach emphasizes early intervention to avoid drawn-out litigation whenever possible, ensuring that your case is resolved efficiently and effectively.

2. Contract Law

Contracts are essential to both personal and business relationships. Whether you’re entering into a new agreement or need to resolve a dispute, I can assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. My experience in negotiating service contracts and drafting revisions to existing agreements ensures that your interests are safeguarded.

3. Real Estate Law

Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing property, real estate transactions come with a unique set of legal challenges. I provide assistance with drafting and revising leases, reviewing purchase agreements, and handling property disputes. My extensive experience in lease negotiation and tenant buyouts ensures that your real estate matters are handled smoothly and professionally.

Why Choose The Law Office of Erik Bauman?

With extensive experience and a commitment to providing personalized legal services, you can trust our law office to help you navigate your situation. Whether your issue falls under civil litigation, contracts, business, or another area, I work to resolve matters efficiently.

I believe in a proactive approach to the law, where addressing potential issues early on can save time, money, and stress. By offering free consultations, i encourage you to reach out even if your situation seems unique or outside our main practice areas. I'm here to help.

Contact Us for General Legal Assistance

If you are facing a legal issue or need advice, contact me today. Whether you’re in the middle of a dispute or simply need a risk assessment of your legal options, I provide the guidance you need to protect your rights and make informed decisions.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Free Consultation

Tenant's Rights

I am well equipped to advise you of your rights as a tenant, and either negotiate with or sue your landlord if those are good options for your situation.

Anti-SLAPP

If you are being sued because of something you said in public or reported to an authority, reach out immediately to see if California's strong Anti-SLAPP law can help you win your case without paying an attorney.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you defend eviction cases?

Sometimes, but the short timelines for evictions make it difficult to take them on, and the costs to hire a private attorney are often too high to make sense. I recommend you first contact non profit organizations that specialize in eviction defense, such as the East Bay Community Law Center, Centro Legal de la Raza, Eviction Defense Center, or Bay Area Legal Aid. They may be able to provide free or low cost eviction defense, and are very skilled and experienced in handling eviction cases.

How much do you charge for a consultation?

It depends on the purpose of the consultation. If it's to determine if you have a case I'll represent you in on a contingency fee, the consultation is free. If you are seeking legal advice on how to navigate a situation, review a contract, or to have me communicate on your behalf, I typically charge a flat fee of $350. There are obviously more variables, but I promise you won't be charged without agreeing to it and knowing what you'll get for your money in advance. I often give 5-10 minutes of simple advice for free, but can't promise to always do that.

Do I have a case you'll take on contingency?

It always depends on specifics, but the first hurdle is expected case value. Small claims in California includes claims up to $12,500 and you aren't allowed to have an attorney represent you in small claims. If your case value is in that range, I will likely direct you to small claims. However, you can hire an attorney to advise you on the laws you can claim under and how to best present your evidence, but that would not be on contingency. I will give a free consultation and explain why I will or won't take your case after reviewing it.

How long does a lawsuit take?

The average case takes between 1 and 3 years. They can be longer or shorter depending on a huge variety of factors and events as the case proceeds, but you should plan on it being a long term commitment. Even with a great case I cannot promise quick resolution; the legal process is not a fast process.

How can I force my landlord to make repairs?

Generally, the best way to force the issue of repairs is through code enforcement in your city. They can levy fines against landlords who don't respond to their citations. It is possible to get a court order for repairs, but the process is not quick and the tenant has a significant burden of proof.

What should I do if I expect to have a legal dispute with my landlord?

Document document document. Put things in writing, especially repair requests; take pictures, be clear and calm in your communications. Write like a jury might read your texts or emails. Don't assume your landlord will agree a conversation happened. Keep copies of all notices and communications with them. I can provide advice tailored to specific situations, and possibly write a letter on your behalf, as part of a paid consultation, but the advice above is universally helpful in all situations.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Free Consultation

A statue of a lady justice on top of a desk.