Guidotti and Lee
Careful Advice and Easy Access
Firm Overview
Firm: Guidotti and Lee
Trusts, probate, estate planning and estate taxes, small business, real estate and contracts.
In its current form and location (Orinda), the firm was established in 1989. Prior to that, we were in North Oakland with another partner for many years.
Bulk of time spent is presently in estate planning and probate, and trust preparation and administration, including some sizeable matters. We also provide ongoing services to some businesses which are fairly sizeable but not publicly owned.
Main
1 Bates Boulevard
Suite 300
Orinda
CA
94563
- (925) 254-3450
- (925) 254-6411
Fees
Yes; flexible depending on subject, but generally around 1/2 hour.
Not fixed, but estimate is usually close.
$200
Office Information
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Barbara Torrey
No
Partner, Aldo Guidotti, speaks Italian.
How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?
We were originally a very general civil practice, including litigation, touching on most fields except criminal and bankruptcy. We were in the Italian neighborhood in Oakland where our former partner grew up, and would handle most problems for the neighboring families and businesses. As the age of specialization evolved and clients themselves grew older, we became more focused on estate matters.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am for it, provided that they are cautious about undertaking anything significant on their own.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing, but would advise if it is quicker and cheaper to use our own form than to fully review theirs.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Depends on the case. This is usually OK for Small Claims Court, but I would be very cautious about doing this in other matters.
Charles A. Lee
I started in our predecessor North Oakland office in 1967.
Experiencing a wide variety of clientele and problems from all walks of life, especially when we were in Oakland at a neighborhood office. Original mentoring and continued support by a senior partner with outstanding academic credentials and professional accomplishments. Experiencing a personal family life with four children, basically close, but with some significant problems to overcome, which was valuable in dealing with others' challenges including life and death matters.
My style is to try to put the client at ease and to resolve his/her matter in a manner with the least stress and cost. I attempt to minimize the client's expense while being thorough in the preparation and services needed. I strive to explain everything clearly and completely. Generally, legal writing is probably my strongest technical point.
Personal interests:Charitable/Community: Rotary Club of Lamorinda Sunrise (past president), Lamorinda Sunrise Endowment Fund (director), St. John's Presbyterian Church, Berkeley (elder), Orinda Czech Sister City Program (director), Contra Costa Performing Arts Society (counsel).
Personal: Music (I perform classical piano); sports generally, especially hiking.
- Bar Number: 37562
California , 1966
- UC Berkeley School Of Law (Boalt Hall)
L.L. B. , 1965
Berkeley, CA
- Pomona College
A.B. , 1965
Claremont, CA
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