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Paul A. Spiegel
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Paul A. Spiegel
Law Office of Paul A. Speigel
146 Stanyan Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 668-7900 | Fax: (415) 668-7901
http://www.eclecticlaw.com
A Lawyer Unlike The Others
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Emerging and established businesses; corporations; LLCs and partnerships; start-ups; arts and entertainment; trademark and intellectual property issues.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Shareholders' Rights
- Trade Associations
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Franchises
- International Transactions
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Warranties
- Art
- Communication & Media
- Gaming
- Internet
- Music
- Tourism, Travel, & Leisure
- State & Municipal Contracts
- Computer Law
- Digital Signatures
- Domain Names
- Electronic Commerce
- Business & Trade
- Foreign Investment
- Imports & Exports
- International Arbitration
- International Banking
- International Transactions
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1983
Bar Number: 112062
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of California, California and Federal Courts
Association Memberships
State Bar of California, American Bar Association, San Francisco County Bar Association
Continuing Education
Recent courses in business formation and limited liability companies; I regularly review articles and journals on business, intellectual property and entertainment law to keep current on developing issues.
Papers and Publications
70 CLR 1091 (1982) People v. Calloway, A Restriction of Remedies for Broken Plea Bargains.
Example Cases
Established and advised start-up company manufacturing and importing goods from China to the U.S.; advised on international film production and finance; theatrical adaptation of Ernest Hemingway novel; advised on sale of low-power television station to national Hispanic broadcasting network; business and operational issues for nationwide clothing manufacturing company; advised on creation and operation of Northern California Renaissance Fair, including private offering of shares.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
U.C. Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1983
Focus and Accomplishments:
Associate Editor of the California Law Review, Exchange Student in the International Legal Studies, Harvard Law School 1983.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of California at Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1979
Honors:
Graduated cum laude and with academic distinction.
Focus and Accomplishments:
European and Asian History
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I have been in private practice since 1989, helping businesses, individuals, artists, and entertainment professionals with their legal needs.
While I trained as an actor when I was young, I was determined to go into Business Law and later also found myself representing arts clients of all kinds. While I specialize in unusual clientele in the arts and entertainment industry, including film, theater, and performer's issues, I also represent existing and emerging businesses on all matters and issues, including startups, contracts, business management, negotiations and general concerns.
I also have extensive experience with intellectual property issues, including property rights, trademarks, and artist's rights. I speak several languages, and I am experienced in international business transactions as well.
Previous Employment Summary
1990-92: HITACHI AMERICA LTD., Brisbane, California
Associate corporate counsel - drafted and negotiated technology licensing and development agreements, joint ventures, product sales agreements, joint venture agreements, leases, provided consultations on corporate strategy
1986-87: MASUNAGA, NAGASHIMA & HASHIMOTO, Tokyo, Japan
International commercial representation of Japanese clientele, corporate, intellectual property, licensing, computer and technology issues, international joint ventures, immigration.
1985-86: COUDERT BROTHERS, San Francisco, California
U.S. commercial representation of international clientele, corporate, acquisitions, intellectual property, licensing, real property, hotel management, labor law.
1984: LILLICK & CHARLES, San Francisco, California
Insurance defense litigation, preparation of pleadings and memoranda, interview and deposition of witnesses, general research, attention to French automotive and aerospace clients.
1982: SHEARMAN & STERLING, New York, New York
Summer Associate, Real Estate and Corporate groups.
1978: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C.
Legislative Assistant, Government Activities & Transportation Subcommittee.
Activities and Awards
I have actively supported the Bay Area Arts community for many years. I regularly provide legal advice to artists, artists' groups and non-profit organizations.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should make every effort to educate themselves on the issues surrounding their case. Clients who can assist in their own case may be able to reduce their legal fees.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes. However, in my experience, such documents are often not sufficient for the client's needs.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach clients in business negotiations if it appears the client is able to represent himself in this matter. However, many legal issues do not lend themselves to self-representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My father was a lawyer, and I think I became a lawyer to carry on a tradition of helping people to achieve their goals and solve their problems. We live in a difficult world and most people do not have the tools to deal with things on their own; I'm trained to do that for them.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In college, I lived in the International Resident Home, where I spoke several languages, I traveled extensively, and lived and worked abroad. This has given me a broad cultural understanding. I also trained as an actor in my youth and these theater skills that I acquired allow me to think quickly on my feet and respond rapidly in a situation.
In addition, I spent a year at Harvard Law School as an exchange student from Berkeley and made the Dean's List. This taught me not to be intimidated by people with seemingly greater credentials, because when you're good you're good; that's all there is to it.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose to pursue a practice in business law because I enjoy helping people build their future and address the problems associated with growth. I also pursued a business law career to allow me time to assist artists and entertainers with their own legal problems with less concern for their ability to pay me top dollar for my services.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about my career is that it gives me the opportunity to help people while leading an independent life.
Tell us about your law firm:
I run a small law office out of my home. It's more comfortable and less intimidating than the ordinary law practice; it allows me to provide high-grade legal services to clients who may not be comfortable with the size and attitude of a downtown law firm.
My associates and I provide personalized service of the sort that cannot be found in many of the larger firms.
What are your strengths and style?
I am able to help an unusual clientèle integrate remarkable ideas into an often regimented and stratified business world. I help the unusual to achieve the extraordinary in a world that is not always meant for these things.
My style is unique, eclectic, and out of the ordinary. Like in the old Macintosh ads, I am the lawyer for the rest of us.
Personal Interests:
I am general counsel for Play Faire Productions, Inc., the production company which formed the country's first and only participant-owned and operated Renaissance Fair, and I perform at the Northern California Renaissance Fair<™>. I am passionate about the arts, theater, film, and literature, and have a strong interest in motor sports and classic and antique vehicles.
Office Manager/Assistant
Andrea DiTullio
Fax
(415) 668-7901
Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and additional hours by appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Fluent French, functional Spanish, basic Italian and residual Japanese
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Generally, no. It depends on the circumstances.
Hourly Rates
$250
Free Initial Consultation?
Generally yes, if for informational purposes only. Substantiative work performed will be charged at the hourly rate.
Typical Retainer
Generally, $3,000 but may vary, depending on 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.
