William C. Last, Jr.
Last & Faoro
520 S. El Camino Real
Suite 430
San Mateo, CA 94402
Map
Phone: (650) 696-8350 | Fax: (650) 696-8365
http://www.lastlawfirm.com
Small Real Estate Firm, Specializes in Construction Law
Legal Topic
Real Estate Law
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to work with construction design professionals, contractors, suppliers, and owners.
Sub-Topics
Architecture & Engineering
Building Codes
Buying Property
Condominiums & Cooperatives
Construction Contracts
Construction Defects
Construction Financing
Insurance
Mechanics' Liens
Real Estate Loans
Title Insurance
Title Litigation
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1978
Bar Number: 83588
Other Court Admissions
California, 1978
All U.S. District Courts in the State of California
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Supreme Court
Association Memberships
San Mateo County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Generally the courses I take are related to real estate and litigation.
Papers and Publications
Incorporated California Real Property Reporter (Contributing Editor, Matthew Bender)
California Construction Forms Manual
Example Cases
I have represented developers, lenders, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in a wide range of matters relating to mechanics' liens, stop notices, construction failures, latent defects, general contract and bidding disputes, and professional liability, as well as in disputes concerning delays, acceleration, disruption, and payment. I have drafted and reviewed numerous construction contracts. I have been successful as lead defense counsel in numerous latent defect cases, including one in which plaintiff's claim exceeded $19.5 million. In a recent matter, a client I represented in a construction delay claim won an award of damages in excess of $1.8 million, including $50,000 in punitive damages.
Education
San Francisco Law School
J.D.
San Francisco
CA
1978
Golden Gate University
M.B.A.
San Francisco
CA
1982
Taxation
University of Nevada
B.A.
Reno
NV
1972
Pre-law, History
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Last & Faoro is a highly-regarded San Mateo construction law firm serving general contractors, sub-contractors, developers, and lenders throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and the State of California. Our construction law attorneys have more than twenty-seven years of experience providing comprehensive legal representation to clients with interests in the California construction industry.
Previous Employment Summary
I started as a solo practitioner, and then worked as a partner in several law firms in San Francisco. I am now a main partner in Last & Faoro.
Activities and Awards
Presented and taught numerous construction industry programs over the past 20 years.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that it is great when a client is educated and proactive towards their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Generally, yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Under certain circumstances I will help coach clients.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was interested in helping people resolve their legal problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My ongoing desire to present seminars to members of the construction community as well as writing articles for them has helped me become more efficient and familiar with the unique aspects of construction law.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As I was going through college and law school, a number of my friends were involved in the construction industry. As a result, I became interested in the issues and problems that confronted contractors.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy being in a courtroom and trying cases as well as settling cases long before they get to the courtroom.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our lawyers are familiar with all aspects of California construction law. From contract bidding, preparation, and negotiation to surety issues, as well as construction claims to land subsidence, quality of workmanship, and materials issues, we have the skill and knowledge necessary to protect our clients' interests. In addition, our construction law attorneys have significant experience handling payment and collection issues related to private and government building contracts in California.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a licensed contractor who holds a California AB Contractors License, which has given me the knowledge of the intricacies of the construction industry. As a result I am also familiar with the problems that members of the construction industry are confronted with in trying to maintain their business.
I am a firm believer in trying to resolve cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution at the earliest stage possible, with the goal of decreasing the amount of money my clients spend on attorney's fees.
Personal Interests:
Golf, skiing, outdoors.
Office Manager/Assistant
Pola Fiorito
Fax
(650) 696-8365
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I will work with professional interpreters when necessary.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Simple Incorporations: $750 - $1,500
Review of Construction Contracts: $200 - $700
Hourly Rates
$285
Free Initial Consultation?
Depending on the circumstances, I give a 1/2 hour free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Depends on the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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