Richards Law

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

Firm Overview

I represent individuals and businesses with problems concerning commercial,
investment and residential real property. My areas of emphasis include
purchase/sale disputes, boundary and easement disputes, leases, quiet title
and partition lawsuits, escrow defalcation, notarial fraud, title and
ownership disputes, real estate fraud, construction lawsuits, and
contractor/owner disputes. Feel free to visit my website for more details.

Example cases

Spite Fence Win: I recently helped a client obtain a court order to move a fence which blocked the air and light to their house. The victory ensures a fair settlement against an unreasonable opponent. Bridge Over Trouble Water Case: I defended a landowner/developer in Napa County to prevent the expansion of an easement on his land. Plaintiffs planned on building an at-grade railroad crossing. When that was not possible, Plaintiffs sought to shift the cost and burden of building an earthen bridge onto my client. Again, a victory in court ensured fair resolution.

Main Office

Main
4695 Chabot Drive, Suite 200
Pleasanton CA 94588

Phone

(510) 548-7474
(925)231-8104

Fax

(510) 548-7488
(925)231-8109

Websites

Richards Law Website

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

$100.00 for an hour initial consultation.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

No.

Hourly Rates

$250.00

Office Information

Office Hours

Normal business hours.

Office Manager

I do not disclose this information on the internet.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

Employees at the office speak Tagalog and Cantonese.

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

I would have to decide on a case by case basis whether it was appropriate.

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

Cost is always a concern for clients and understandably so. Jobs are divided according to the task. For example, clients are not billed attorney rates for copying documents. Another example is that I have an administrative assistant/paralegal do internet research to find people.

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

Every case involves mediation, arbitration or collaborative law. I am most proud of the cases I have been able to resolve without paying for a mediator.

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

Yes, as I mentioned above, I helped organize a pro bono landlord/tenant class for the Alameda County Bar Association. I volunteered for the lawyer referral services committee. I do occasional pro bono work for individuals.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Value based on cost for services rendered. I have a unique style of vigorously fighting for my client's rights in a civilized manner.

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

Fully supported.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

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

I have not been presented with a situation where this was appropriate.

John J.R. Richards

I have been representing clients in Northern California for approximately five years.

License

Bar Number: 249073
California , 2007

* 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.