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Peter N. Brewer
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Peter N. Brewer
Law Office of Peter N. Brewer
350 Cambridge Avenue
Suite 200
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: (650) 327-2900 | Fax: (650) 327-5959
http://www.BrewerFirm.com
You will ENJOY working with us.
Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
I successfully resolve disputes for clients, including: real estate brokers, agents, and their clients; mortgage brokers and their clients; title companies, developers, investors, homeowners; buyers and sellers; tenants; lenders and borrowers; corporations, partnerships, and individuals; creditor's rights in bankruptcy.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Buying & Selling
- Construction Defects
- Conveyancing
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Building Codes
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Defects
- Conveyancing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1979
Bar Number: 87971
Specialty Certifications
Real Estate is not offered as an area of specialization.
Other Court Admissions
All courts of California and Idaho
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association, Idaho State Bar Association, Santa Clara County Bar Association, Palo Alto Area Bar Association
Continuing Education
I, and all of the attorneys at my firm, substantially exceed the minimum continuing education required by the State Bar. We regularly participate in all conferences of the California Association of Realtors, and the California Mortgage (Brokers) Association.
Papers and Publications
My firm regularly writes articles that are published in various publications such as the California Mortgage (Brokers) Association newsletter, the United (Foreclosure) Trustee's Association newsletter, and the Foreclosures.com website. You can see some of our articles on our website at www.BrewerFirm.com.
Example Cases
I routinely protect home purchasers who find that the house they bought was misrepresented. I also defend sellers who are wrongly accused of misrepresentation. Recently, my firm had brilliant successes in suing insurance companies that refuse to pay insurance benefits when our clients experience losses.
Education
Degree:
Associate of Arts
School:
Menlo College
City:
Menlo Park
State:
CA
Year:
1970
Focus and Accomplishments:
Graduation
Degree:
B.A.
School:
California State University, San Jose
City:
San Jose
State:
CA
Year:
1973
Focus and Accomplishments:
Machine Tool Technology & Metals
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Santa Clara, School of Law
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Year:
1979
Focus and Accomplishments:
Litigation and trial practice
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
California and Idaho
Firm Focus and History
My firm's practice areas include real property, collections, business disputes, construction defect, mortgage lending law, secured creditor's rights (such as collection of judgments), and creditors' rights in bankruptcy proceedings. Clients of my firm span California and we have cases all over the state from Shasta to Tahoe to the Central Valley and Southern California.
Previous Employment Summary
I have been a lawyer for over 25 years, and am also licensed by the California Department of Real Estate as a broker. For five years I was a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of one of the nation's biggest real estate lenders, giving me unique experience and expertise in real estate, business and lending matters, both large and small. More recently I worked in the real estate and litigation division of Liccardo, Rossi, Sturges & McNeil, a 22-lawyer firm in San Jose.
Since starting my own office in Palo Alto in 1995, my firm and I continue to serve the legal needs of real estate and mortgage brokers, agents, brokerages, title companies, developers, investors, other real estate professionals and their clients. My firm and I also represent clients in debt collection, breach of contract matters, and other litigation and transactional work.
Activities and Awards
I frequently sit as a Judge Pro Tempore on the Santa Clara County Superior Court, and I am a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association's Fee Arbitration Committee. I am the past Chair of the Real Property Committee section of the SCCBA as well.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am better able to help clients who are invested in their own success, so I appreciate clients who make an effort to be informed consumers of legal services, and we help in every way we can.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to do so in the context of the greater assignment. I do not accept little bits and pieces of a legal dispute or transaction. Often it is quicker and therefore cheaper to draft documents from scratch rather than working from an inferior template presented by the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will coach them to hire competent representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
It is in my genetic makeup and could not be suppressed. My father, grandfather, and uncles are all lawyers. Conversation at the family dinner table was often more like a debate. I tried to be an engineer and metalurgist, but the call of the courthouse was too great to be denied.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My engineering and machinist background sharpen my analytical skills.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I decided to do real estate because it fascinates me. It runs in my veins.
What do you like best about your career?
I like coming to work every day, meeting new clients, getting kind referrals. All these things make the stress and pressure worth the effort.
Tell us about your law firm:
We have the BEST group of lawyers anywhere. We all get along and enjoy working together. The atmosphere in our office is one of professionalism and collegiality. Our staff are the best.
What are your strengths and style?
I am efficient in providing quality legal services at reasonable prices, without wasted effort and unnecessary expenditure of time. I am able to keep a focus on the goal post and not get distracted by the sidelines.
I am friendly, not too formal, but determined and tenacious.
Personal Interests:
I am interested in aviation, motorcycles, all things mechanical, rollerblading, international travel, meeting foreigners, spending time with my family including our adorable dogs.
Office Manager/Assistant
Amy
Fax
(650) 327-5959
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Italian
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We charge $3,500 for representation in a FSBO ("For Sale By Owner") transaction.
Hourly Rates
$350/hr. for senior partners, ranging down to $200/hr. for some associates, and $75-80/hr. for law clerks and paralegals.
Free Initial Consultation?
There is no free initial consultation. That is more typical in personal injury matters. We will give you an assessment of your situation, advise you of your alternatives, and suggest an approach to your problem. For that we expect to be paid fairly.
Typical Retainer
Often, no advance fees are required. In some instances we will require between $3,500 to $7,500 initially, kept in trust until earned, and replenished as used.
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.
