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David S. Miller
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David S. Miller
Westlake Law Group
2277 Townsgate Road
Suite 212
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Phone: (805) 230-1120 | Fax: (805) 379-1292
http://www.westlakelawgroup.com
Large Corporation Experience for the Small Business
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with small businesses and entrepreneurs. I can help both those that are starting a new business and those with an established business.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Mergers, Acquisitions, & Divestitures
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- International Transactions
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
- Construction Defects
- Construction Disputes
- Dangerous Property
- Mechanics' Liens
- Defense Contracts
- Defense Procurement
- Federal Contracts
- Business & Trade
- Customs
- Imports & Exports
- International Transactions
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1998
Bar Number: 195634
Other Court Admissions
United States District Courts: Central District of California, Oregon
Association Memberships
American Bar Association, California State Bar, Ventura County Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Texas State Bar
Continuing Education
I attend seminars and conduct self study in areas that will assist my practice. I am a member of the American Inns of Court, in which I earn MCLE by examining various legal and ethics issues with other local attorneys. As a member of the Texas State Bar, I often must earn additional continuing education hours to satisfy their requirements as well as the Califoirnia requirements.
Papers and Publications
Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Journal - International Aviation Law Anarchy: Zicherman v. Korean Air Lines Dismantles the Warsaw System, 20 LOY. L.A. INT'L & COMP. L.J. 165 (1997).
Example Cases
Typical Recent Cases: Wiley v. City of Simi Valley (Violation of Civil Rights - Federal, Central District); Lussier v. DaimlerChrysler Corporation (Products Liability - Ventura, East County); Coronado v. Samson, Coldwell Banker (Real Estate Fraud - L.A., Chatworth); Loiseau v. Neal (Insurance Fraud - Travis County, Texas District Court); Ruffinen v. Fedder (Partnership Dispute - Ventura, East County); People v. Root, (Vehicular Homicide - Merced County); Barry Sandler Enterprises v. Gentile (Business Dispute - L.A., Downtown).
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Loyola Law School
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1997
Focus and Accomplishments:
Prior to transferring to Loyola, I attended Whittier Law School where I was ranked first in my class, earned two American Jurisprudence Awards, was on the Whittier Law Review, was named the West Publishing Outstanding Scholar, and competed on the Jessup International Moot Court as a Whittier representative.
At Loyola, I served as the Note and Comment Editor of the Loyola International and Comparative Law Journal, competed in the Scott Moot Court, and finished in the top 20% of my class.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
School:
California State University, Northridge
City:
Northridge
State:
CA
Year:
1992
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California, Texas
Firm Focus and History
I established my practice in 2004 after leaving my position as General Counsel for a large aerospace corporation in Los Angeles. Although I began as a generalist and have practiced in a wide variety of legal areas, I am now focusing more closely on the legal issues of small businesses as well as estate planning, general civil litigation, and criminal law.
My practice most often focuses on small business issues, including business formation, transactional (contracts and agreements), litigation and dispute resolution, collections, employment issues, and virtually all other legal matters that confront the small business owner.
Previous Employment Summary
For six years I was the West Coast General Counsel for Bae Systems Aircraft Controls, a UK-based aerospace corporation. I performed all legal services for three West Coast facilities and supported several other offices across the nation. My work included significant transactional and contractual matters, major acquisitions, government and international contract drafting and negotiations, import/ export control, complex litigation management, support of legal issues related to employment, and many other matters.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is helpful for the client to have an understanding of the basic legal issues that they are facing. This often makes our discussions and my advice more understandable and useful to them.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to do so. In transactional matters, this can be very helpful by saving the client money as well as ensuring the correct details are included in the transaction. I strongly recommend, however, that the client involve a lawyer at the outset to ultimately avoid unnecessary effort.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have done this in the past and am willing to do so in the future as long as the client fully understands the risks.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I love working with people, and the law touches every aspect of a person's life. I was drawn to the law because I felt that I could make a difference in some lives by preventing or resolving conflicts and disputes.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My fourteen years in the corporate world prior to law school gave me a great foundation on which to build a business law practice.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Small businesses cannot afford a full time legal counsel, yet they often face legal issues and disputes that could wipe them out. I felt that I could apply my years of corporate experience to the small businessperson and enable them to overcome these legal obstacles.
What do you like best about your career?
I love to help clients to protect their business and their livelihood, or to get a just resolution of a dispute.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am the only person in my office, so my client's deal with me directly. I pride myself on my communication with my clients. I will always return your calls or emails and do my best to keep you informed of the status of any matter with which I am dealing.
What are your strengths and style?
Writing, problem solving, persuading, analyzing - I always seek to evaluate each situation and realistically understand what will be the best result for the client, and fight for that result.
Personal Interests:
I am a martial artist; I have horses, dogs, and cats; I love to hike and camp.
Fax
(805) 379-1292
Office Hours
Generally Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:30,
or by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I often will set a fixed price for estate plans, business formation, and certain criminal matters. The price will vary depending upon the issues involved.
Hourly Rates
$250
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. I am willing to meet for an hour at no charge so that the client can determine whether they believe I am the right lawyer for them and I can decide whether I am willing to take the case.
Typical Retainer
Varies by matter.
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.
