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Roy N. Johnston
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Roy N. Johnston
Law Offices of Roy N. Johnston
1400 N. Dutton Ave.
Suite 21
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 545-6542 | Fax: (707) 545-1522
http://www.rnjlaw.com
Experienced, Comprehensive Real Estate Advisor
Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
I enjoy both residential and commercial real estate matters, both transactions and litigation.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Buying & Selling
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Conveyancing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Land Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Buying & Selling
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Conveyancing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Land Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Property Taxes
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1996
Bar Number: 185409
Other Court Admissions
California, Federal 9th Circuit
Association Memberships
California State Bar; Sonoma County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I regularly attend continuing education seminars in real estate law, business law, and estate planning. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours.
Papers and Publications
Columnist for the "Upbeat Times" in Santa Rosa, California.
Example Cases
We handle many types of real estate problems and disputes. We often handle cases in which the buyer discovers defects that were not disclosed by the seller as required by law. For example, we recently had a case in which a young couple purchased a home that they later discovered had been a commercial building! We also assist homeowners who have boundary disputes, or problems with shared driveways and other easements.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Empire School of Law
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Year:
1996
Focus and Accomplishments:
My electives focused on real estate law, business law and mediation.
Degree:
A.A. Business Administration
School:
Casper College
City:
Casper
State:
WY
Year:
1970
Focus and Accomplishments:
Business Administration
Degree:
B.S. in Business Administration
School:
University of Wyoming
City:
Laramie
State:
WY
Year:
1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
Business Administration with an emphasis in pre-law.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Our firm focuses on real estate law, business law, construction law, estate planning, and probate and trust administration. We do both transactional work and litigation.
We started as a one-attorney firm in 1997, and have grown to two attorneys and two support staff.
Previous Employment Summary
I began my legal career as a solo practitioner, and then spent nearly two years with the largest law firm north of San Francisco. I missed the closer relationship that I had with my clients working at a smaller firm, so I started my own firm. We now have two attorneys, and plan to add another attorney in the next few years.
Activities and Awards
Settlement conference panelist for Sonoma County Courts. Arbitration panelist for the California State Bar and Sonoma County Bar Association. Member of the oversight committee for the Sonoma County Lawyer Referral Service.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage my clients to be very involved with their case. In fact, I consider them as partners in the decision-making process. There are two types of decisions in every case: Legal decisions and strategic decisions. Many of the legal decisions have to be made by me. But almost all of the strategic decisions can be made by the client. This means the client stays in control and sets the pace and tone of the case. I find that this dramatically increases the client's satisfaction with the way the case is proceeding and the final results.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
This is a very important part of my practice. I encourage my clients to prepare as much of the documents as they can, which saves both time and money.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am very willing to coach clients during the negotiation stage, even to the point of "ghost writing" letters for them. I also have assisted clients in preparing their case for small claims court.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoy helping people achieve their objectives and solve problems.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Before practicing law, I was a sales manager for a computer manufacturer, Burroughs Corporation, and an executive director for two conference centers. As a result, I have a wide background in business and real estate matters. As part of my responsibilities, I hired and worked with lawyers, so I understand how to streamline and maximize the efficiency of the attorney-client relationship.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy real estate, both the purchase and sale of homes and commercial property, and the resolution of problems arising out of the ownership of property.
What do you like best about your career?
Getting to know my clients as we work together on their cases.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our entire staff, of two attorneys and two secretaries, is dedicated to our clients and their legal needs. The attorneys, Roy Johnston and Jack Benge, have a total 32 years of legal experience. The secretaries, Trina and Crystal, are the lifeblood of our organization, and work closely with the clients to help them gather the information needed for their cases, and to keep them informed of the progress of their case.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a people person, so I enjoy getting to know my clients and understanding their needs and desired outcome. During negotiations, I am a tough but realistic negotiator and strive to get the best results for my clients. Should litigation be necessary, I am a strong advocate for my clients.
Personal Interests:
When not working for my clients, my wife Barbara and I enjoy sailing on the San Francisco Bay, working on our 100-year-old Italianate house, and spoiling our three granddaughters.
Office Manager/Assistant
Trina Brannen
Fax
(707) 545-1522
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Typical real estate fixed fees are: $1,500 to represent a home buyer in a transaction, $2,500 to represent a home seller.
Hourly Rates
$250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free 1/2 hour initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Between $1,500 and $5,000, depending upon 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 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.
