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Richard C. Koman
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Richard C. Koman
The Law Offices of Richard C. Koman
1400 North Dutton Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 544-5354 | Fax: (707) 545-1522
http://www.richardkoman.com
Professional, Confident, and Vigorous Representation
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with small business owners and homeowners.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Unfair Competition
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
- Liquor Licenses
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Trade Associations
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Art
- Communication & Media
- Internet
- Music
- Literary Arts
- Publishing
- Computer Crimes
- Computer Law
- Digital Signatures
- Domain Names
- Electronic Commerce
- Identity Theft
- Spam
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
- Credit Report Problems
- Debt Collection/Relief/Harassment
- Foreclosures
- Frauds, Scams, Hoaxes
- Identity Theft
- Repossessions
- Student Loans
- Truth in Lending
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
- Municipality Bankruptcy Chapter 9
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2008
Bar Number: 258099
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts.
Association Memberships
California State Bar, Sonoma County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education classes in bankruptcy (taught by the judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Northern California), civil litigation, trial practice, etc.
Papers and Publications
• "Brendlin V. California: Expansion Of 4th Amendment Standing or End of a Legal Fiction?" Empire Law Review, Spring 2008, Vol 3, No. 1.
• Numerous articles on legal developments at http://government.zdnet.com.
Example Cases
I successfully defended a debtor against a motion to confirm arbitration award; the motion was denied. I am representing a small business owner in LLC formation, trademark registration and contract drafting. I am also defending a criminal defendant in a false ID case.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Empire College School of Law
City:
Santa Rosa
State:
CA
Year:
2008
Honors:
Magna Cum Laude
Focus and Accomplishments:
Empire Law Review article on 4th Amendment U.S. Supreme Court case (Brendlin v. California); Small Claims Advisory Clinic; Elder Law Clinic.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
George Washington University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Year:
1983
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My firm is focused on creative solutions to opportunities and problems. I like to help small businesses enter into beneficial contracts, protect owners against liability, comply with laws, collect accounts receivable and when necessary, litigate. In addition, I help individuals resolve conflicts through communications, restraining orders and eviction actions, small claim counseling, and litigation. Finally, I can help creditors with collection defense and bankruptcy.
I passed the California Bar Exam - the nations most difficult - in November 2008, and was sworn in December 2008. I opened my law practice the next day, defending a credit card debtor against judgment.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to attending law school, I was a technology journalist and book editor for close to 20 years. This experience gives me a head start in understanding copyright, trademark and other IP issues small businesses face. It also gives me insight into small business issues, not just for tech companies.
Activities and Awards
Certificates of appreciation from Sonoma County Superior Court, California Rural Legal Assistance, Pro bono work for Legal Aid of Sonoma County.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I'm enthusiastic about clients using reputable books like Nolo's to understand legal procedures. The reality is that understanding the legal issues, the elements of a claim and its defenses, is the attorney's job. Explaining those issues in understandable language to clients is also a lawyer's responsibility. That said, clients should feel free to read the applicable code sections, but realize that at a certain point, legal research should be left to the lawyer.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review client-prepared documents, with the understanding that sometimes the more effective use of time is to start from scratch. If client work can reduce attorney's fees, though, I'm totally supportive.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In a small claims matter, I'm happy to do so. In a large civil matter, I don't think it's appropriate.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I spent 20 years as a writer and journalist. I decided to become a lawyer as a second career because I wanted to help people with their problems and businesses with opportunities, because I found it to be an excellent way to apply my intelligence and advocacy, and I wanted to be relevant and make a difference.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
As someone who has worked as a freelancer and employee around small businesses, I understand the needs and concerns of small business. I'm exploring "non-violent communication" as a way to enable win-win solutions for both parties. As a journalist, I have seen there are always two sides to the story and the truth is generally somewhere in between.
In addition, the art of the attorney is the art of writing - combining persuasion and authority - as someone who has worked as a professional writer for many years, my legal writing is compelling, readable and straight-forward. I'm not afraid to express myself, so I don't hide behind legalese.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I want to engage in creative, value-producing activities, so I am focused on business, intellectual property and asset protection.
What do you like best about your career?
I like working with people who are creating things. Creators need to be able to enable others to use their works, in ways that are mutually beneficial. Intellectual property is often seen in terms of stopping others from using your content, but in fact, it is a necessary discipline to allowing others to use your creations, to the benefit of both. Contract law and business formation are similar. I hear people say, "I trusted them, so we didn't have a contract." Contracts aren't about not trusting, but about enabling beneficial agreements.
While it's fun to help people create, it's also important to defend clients when things go bad. I'm not afraid to pursue every option through litigation to defend my clients' interests.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. I'm very easy to get a hold of by phone or email. I try to be very responsive and return calls as soon as possible, within the same day in most cases.
What are your strengths and style?
Strengths: Intellectual abilities, hard work, dedication to client's issues, professional demeanor.
Style: Friendly, open, communicative.
Personal Interests:
I love to hike around Sonoma County and Pt. Reyes National Seashore. I spent some time in East Africa on a reading-oriented development project, so I'm always interested in education and literacy. I'm interested in latest technology developments and national politics. I enjoy cooking good food at home.
Fax
(707) 545-1522
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend appointments always available.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Some matters are fixed-fee; however, the amount of the fee really depends on the particulars of the case.
Hourly Rates
$225 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I'm happy to meet with prospective clients at no charge for a 30-minute session. Clients should be prepared to pay a retainer at the conclusion of the consultation.
Typical Retainer
$2,000.
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.
