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Michael Mau
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Michael Mau
The Mau Law Firm
950 Harrison Street
Suite 213
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 495-8082 | Fax: (415) 495-8084
http://www.maulaw.com
Construction, Real Estate and Business Law Specialists
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Businesses of all sizes are welcome, though our focus is on local, small, and minority owned businesses, as well as property owners, homeowner's associations, landlords and tenants, and individuals in need of an attorney in Construction, Real Estate or Business Law.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Deceptive Trade Practices
- False Advertising
- Unfair Competition
- 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
- Franchises
- Lemon Law
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Warranties
- Commercial Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Disputes
- Dangerous Property
- Government Construction Contracts
- Mechanics' Liens
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
Businesses of all sizes are welcome, though our focus is on local, small, and minority owned businesses, as well as property owners, homeowner's associations, landlords and tenants, and individuals in need of an attorney in Construction, Real Estate or Business Law.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Architectural & Engineering
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Financing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Landlord
- Tenant
- Tenants' Rights
- Architectural & Engineering
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Financing
- Homeowners' Associations
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mechanics' Liens
- Mold Claims
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Landlord
- Tenant
- Tenants' Rights
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1993
Bar Number: 169355
Other Court Admissions
All California Courts; U.S. District Court, Northern District of California; U.S. District Court, Southern District of California; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California; U.S. District Court, Central District of California; and United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Association Memberships
State Bar of California; American Bar Association; Bar Association of San Francisco; San Mateo County Bar Association; and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Continuing Education
I always exceed the required number of continuing education hours both as an attorney and as a pro tem member of the judiciary.
Papers and Publications
Construction Law Primer - Mechanic's Liens
Real Estate Law Primer - Landlord / Tenant
Collection Law Primer - Abstracts of Judgment
Example Cases
Example 1: Lawsuit in the San Francisco Superior Court representing a regional structural engineering firm against a local architectural firm. The claim was for multiple breaches of contracts on three separate public works of improvement, defending against a cross-complaint alleging defective and incomplete work. After an almost two week trial, we prevailed with a Judgment in favor of my client awarding all damages requested, plus interest, and attorney's fees. We defended the cross-complaint. This was a David versus Goliath type of lawsuit, where my office went against one of the largest law firms in San Francisco, and prevailed.
Example 2: Lawsuit in the Alameda County Superior Court by a lower tiered environmental subcontractor against a contractor, a business owner and a surety company, seeking damages and defending against a construction defect cross-complaint. Judgment in favor of my client after an almost one week trial awarding all damages requested, plus interest, and attorney's fees, complete forfeiture of a contractor's license surety bond, and we defended the cross-complaint.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Santa Clara University School of Law
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Year:
1993
Focus and Accomplishments:
Law Review, Certified Law Student, and Tutor in the Academic Success Program.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of California, Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Year:
1990
Honors:
Dean's List.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Double Major in Philosophy, Law & Society.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We are Construction Lawyers, Real Estate Lawyers and Business Lawyers in the vibrant SoMa district of San Francisco, California. In our legal practice we represent a variety of businesses, but with an emphasis on general contractors, subcontractors, construction suppliers, insurance carriers and sureties, property owners, and local businesses throughout Northern California.
A boutique law firm with a large firm practice, we focus on local, minority businesses throughout the greater Bay Area!
Formed in 1999, The Mau Law Firm was previously known as the Law Offices of Michael L. Mau. Our original office was based near the civil courthouse in the Civic Center area of San Francisco. In 2002, we moved to the vibrant SoMa or South of Market District near the Hall of Justice, and remain committed to representing local businesses from the greater Bay Area. A recent milestone is having been a successful law practice for now over ten years!
Previous Employment Summary
I have gained extensive experience as a trial lawyer and advocate. I have extensive experience in the areas of Construction Law, Real Property and Commercial Litigation, Collections, Business Counseling and Insurance / Surety Defense. I have experience handling cases at all stages of litigation, but unlike many I have successful courtroom trial experience.
Initially, I worked and gained a wide variety of experience as an Independent Contract Attorney. I then practiced for approximately five years with Simpson, Aherne & Garrity, P.C., a construction law firm with offices in San Mateo and San Francisco. After a shorter stint of about one year at McLemore, Collins & Toschi, LLP, an insurance defense firm with offices in Oakland and Santa Rosa, I opened The Mau Law Firm in 1999. I am available as an attorney, arbitrator or mediator.
Activities and Awards
Judge Pro Tem, San Francisco County Superior Court
Judge Pro Tem, San Mateo County Superior Court
A+ Award, Better Business Bureau
Honor Roll, Better Business Bureau
Green Business Award, Bay Area Green Business Program
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should take some time to get familiar with the legal issue(s) they are facing, and then consult with an attorney whose practice area fits the particular need.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We will gladly review all documents provided by our clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We can certainly provide consultation to those clients who want to represent themselves, typically in Small Claims Court where attorneys are generally not allowed. For such cases, we can provide tips, legal brief writing, and trial exhibit preparation so that you can present a winning case.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have had an interest in the intricacies of the law ever since childhood and during school. At UC Santa Barbara, I began exploring the law by choosing one of my majors as Law & Society, and from there going to Law School was a natural fit.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have worked my entire life in a variety of fields during undergraduate and graduate school, and then for small, medium and large businesses. As a local, minority small business owner based in San Francisco, I can relate to the issues and challenges other local, minority and small businesses face every day.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My first full time job after law school was with a firm that specialized in Construction Law, which is where I learned to enjoy this practice. As my career continued, the practice areas evolved into the much related fields of Real Estate Law and Business Law, and these remain our focus today.
What do you like best about your career?
The freedom enjoyed by any business owner of creating your own destiny, plus the satisfaction of helping clients in need.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am predominantly a solo practitioner, but I do retain independent contract attorneys to assist as needed. I personally interview and screen every potential client before The Mau Law Firm can be retained, and once retained, I directly oversee a client's file even if one of our independent contract attorneys is providing legal services.
What are your strengths and style?
We are a boutique law firm with a large firm practice. Our style is effective, efficient, and one-on-one representation.
Personal Interests:
Green Building Techniques and Innovations; Technology; Golf; Travel; Beagles and Labradors.
Fax
(415) 495-8084
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We will offer discounts to clients who are members of certain affiliated trade associations, and to clients referred by Nolo.
Hourly Rates
Typically between $325 and $350.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial phone consultations are available, largely to ensure that a potential client's need is within our practice areas.
Typical Retainer
Yes, our typical retainer varies from approximately $2,500 for small matters or referrals, to $7,500 for large matters or established businesses.
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.
