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Peter J. Bassing

Peter J. Bassing

Law Office of Peter J. Bassing
4300 Redwood Highway
Suite 100
San Rafael, CA 94903

Phone: (415) 258-9987  |  Fax: (415) 258-0681
http://www.bassing.com

Contact Peter J. Bassing

Integrity and efficiency in a comfortable atmosphere.

Legal Topic

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Preferred New Clients

I like working with clients at any stage of estate planning or estate
administration. I can be most effective in counseling clients with
regard to real estate transactions before they enter a binding agreement.

Real Estate Transactions

Real Estate Litigation

Commercial Litigation

Entity Formation and Governance

Sub-Categories

Taxes
  • Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
  • Property Taxes
  • Tax Planning
Estate Planning
  • Charitable Giving
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Drafting Trusts
  • Drafting Wills
  • Estate Administration
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts
  • Living Wills
  • Probate

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1974
Bar Number: 63315

Other Court Admissions

I am admitted to practice before all California state courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Courts for Northern, Central and Eastern Districts of California.

Association Memberships

State Bar of California, Marin County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association

Continuing Education

I complete continuing Legal Education with emphasis in Estate Planning and Real Property topics.

Example Cases

Trahan v. Trahan (2002)99 Cal.App.4th 62; Young v. State (1982)129 Cal.App.3d 559

Education

Degree:

A.B.

School:

University of California, Berkeley

City:

Berkeley

State:

CA

Year:

1970

Honors:

Summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Focus and Accomplishments:

Political Science

 

Degree:

J. D.

School:

University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall)

City:

Berkeley

State:

CA

Year:

1974

Honors:

Graduated in top 10 percent of class

Focus and Accomplishments:

I was invited to join law review.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I have practiced in Marin County, with an emphasis on estate planning, estate administration and real estate, for over thirty years. My clientele includes individuals, and small to mid-size businesses and associations.

Previous Employment Summary

Instructor, College of Marin, Legal Principles of Real Estate

Activities and Awards

- Teaching Assistant, College of Law, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- Junior College Teaching Credential; former instructor, "Legal Aspects of Real Estate," San Francisco City College.
- Past Member, Committee on Administration of Justice of State Bar of California.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
While client self-education is by no means necessary for effective counsel and representation, a client who has educated himself or herself will often have considered in advance some of the issue and decisions which arise in the estate planning context.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am willing to review client-prepared documentation. However, in my experience, the process of providing thorough review and adequate comment is frequently as expensive, if not more expensive, than using attorney-prepared documentation.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Usually not; years of experience have shown this to be rife with possibilities for misunderstanding.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

In addition to family background, I found that I had native ability in the required skills and substantial interest in the subject matter. Once practicing, I found that I enjoyed assisting clients and problem solving.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

My pre-law general education, emphasizing analysis and writing, has proven invaluable in the practice of law.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

The subject matter is challenging and the need is present.

What do you like best about your career?

I most like its variety.

Tell us about your law firm:

Although I practiced in partnership with other attorneys for many years, I enjoy the independence a "solo" practice offers. My clients appreciate knowing where the "buck stops."

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths are probably in analysis of difficult issues and situations, and my writing ability.


Straightforward

Personal Interests:

My personal interests include family, music, dogs and reading.

Office Manager/Assistant

Alicia Nuyens

Fax

(415) 258-0681

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. plus evenings and weekends by arrangement

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Although a more complete "menu" of fees can be seen on my web site, my fees for a living trust "package" for a married couple are presently $1,550 or $1,975, depending upon the size of the estate.

Hourly Rates

For work billed hourly, $310/hour

Free Initial Consultation?

There is an initial free consultation for estate planning work. However, this does not include review of client-prepared documentation.

Typical Retainer

$500

Understanding Fees

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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.