The Law Office of Geoffrey A. Norris

Emphasizing Integrity and Client Satisfaction

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

I started the firm in 1990 as a sole practitioner in Monterey County. By the year 1992, I had two partners and our practice became more diverse. My portion of the practice focuses on family law. In addition, I still handle select personal injury cases and civil cases.

Example cases

Lengthy trial in 2005 on the issues of asset tracing and the ownership of assets acquired with significant personal injury proceeds in a marital dissolution proceeding.

One month long jury trial in Monterey County in 2004 where the jury awarded approximately two times what I asked for and gave the opposing side nothing.

Main Office

Main
5 Harris Ct., Bldg. N
Suite 2
Monterey CA 93940

Phone

(831) 649-3600

Fax

(831) 656-1244

Websites

http://www.montereylegal.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Our initial consultation is $150.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

We work on an hourly rate.

Hourly Rates

Attorney: $300 per hour.
Paralegals: $100 per hour.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Office Manager

Allison Jaramillo

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

Spanish and French

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

In Family Law, you have the most opportunities to make the biggest difference in people's lives for the better.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

Client education is very important. As part of the initial intake and interview at our firm, we routinely hand out to new and prospective clients a divorce and/or child custody folder(s) containing a wealth of information to educate the client on these issues and to help save attorney fees. The information provided teaches clients about a system that is often alien to them.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

We will review documents prepared by clients; however, we will not sign off on documents prepared solely by clients.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

We routinely consult individually on an hourly basis with parties who are going through mediation, and occasionally those parties who choose to represent themselves.

Geoffrey A. Norris

Prior to November of 1990, I worked for M. Michael Meheen as an associate attorney. Before passing the bar, I was a law clerk for the Century City law firm of Rogal & Coggan.

I am continually working on continuing education areas in family law and trial work. I am a better family law attorney because of my trial work in the civil area. My undergraduate experience taught me to welcome diversity in ideas and people.

I have the ability to listen to the needs of our clients and present those needs in the context of their case in a court of law.

I emphasize integrity and client satisfaction in my work.

Personal interests:

I am a Pacific Grove resident. I have been married for 18 years and have 3 children. Passions outside the law include motorcycles, surfing (was Monterey County #1 men's division), skiing and cycling.

License

Bar Number: 142782
California , 1989

Education

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. , 1989
Los Angeles, CA
1988 Southwestern University Exceptional Achievement Award in Estate and Gift Taxation; 1989 American Jurisprudence Award in Insurance Law
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. , 1985
Santa Cruz, CA

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.