Pahl & Associates

Employment, Housing, Civil Rights, Veterans' Benefits

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

Firm Overview

Pahl & Associates focuses on Employment and Housing Law and Civil Rights claims for middle income individuals and Small Business Owners as well as helping Veterans get the benefits they were promised. Additionally, Penelope Pahl provides Mediation services on a wide range of cases. Pahl and Associates offers a sliding scale fee arrangement for those unable to afford full fee representation or mediation. Proof of income is required.

Example cases

Pahl & Associates routinely represents clients in cases of substandard housing conditions, employment and housing discrimination claims, sexual harassment and workplace bullying claims and wrongful termination of employment or housing. We also work with small businesses to develop personnel and rental policies and progressive discipline procedures that avoid lawsuits and help address employment and tenant issues while striving to maintain stability.

Main Office

Main
1516 Oak Street
Suite 211
Alameda CA 94501

Phone

(510) 263-9273

Websites

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Dependent on the case.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

Pahl & Associates works on a sliding scale to make legal services affordable to those unable to afford the full fee.

Hourly Rates

Sliding Scale

Office Information

Office Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and other times by appointment.
Penelope is always available in an emergency. Clients are provided with an emergency contact number that is monitored 24/7.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

Penelope speaks some French.

Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Yes. Penelope believes that legal services should be accessible both in price and explanation. She tries to work with clients to provide the services they need. Limited Scope Retainer agreements are always considered.

What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Pahl & Associates makes every effort to keep the expense of legal advice and representation down.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

As often as possible. As a mediator, Penelope usually explores the possibility of mediating a dispute first.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

Penelope provides a variety of free legal services and presents educational seminars in the community.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

We truly believe that people should be able to understand the law and properly trained attorneys should be able to explain it to them in plain English and clear terms. We also strongly believe that legal representation is often too expensive. Access to the courts should be available to everyone. Pahl & Associates works with clients to make legal advice and representation affordable.

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

Self education is always important which is why I am an admirer of Nolo Press. However, sometimes situations become complicated and you need to consult an attorney. It is your attorney's responsibility to take the time to answer all of the questions you ask about your case and explain the law in understandable terms. The law should not be mysterious. Penelope Pahl welcomes the opportunity to answer your questions and explain the law clearly and concisely.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes. Penelope has advised clients representing themselves, acted as shadow counsel and coached clients taking cases to Small Claims Court and Superior Court . If clients are interested in representing themselves in court, Pahl & Associates will help them prepare.

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

Yes. See above.

Penelope Pahl

Penelope Pahl has been practicing law for 25 years. In addition to her years as a trial and appellate attorney, over the course of her career she has also served as a Mediator, Administrative Law Judge, Superior Court Hearing Officer and Pro Tem Judge. Ms Pahl represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout California.