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Jeffrey R. Pratt
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Jeffrey R. Pratt
Jeffrey R. Pratt, Attorney at Law
1901 First Avenue
Suite 188
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 338-8100
http://www.jprattlaw.com
Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
I strive to provide appropriate representation for a variety of clients needing legal services.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Defects
- Homeowners' Associations
- Insurance
- Mold Claims
- Renting & Leasing
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Buying & Selling
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Homeowners' Associations
- Insurance
- Mold Claims
- Mortgages
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Litigation
Bar Admissions
CA, Oct 1993
Bar Number: 165885
Other Court Admissions
All California State Courts; United States District Court, Central District of California
Association Memberships
California State Bar, San Diego County Bar
Continuing Education
I comply with the Bar's continuing education requirements and supplement that with additional relevant courses when available.
Example Cases
I have successfully litigated large and complex lawsuits resulting in multi-million dollar settlements for my clients. I have also won some very contentious trials.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Ball State University
City:
Muncie
State:
IN
Year:
1985
Honors:
Member of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society
Focus and Accomplishments:
President, University Student Senate
Vice President, University Student Association
Major: Political Science
Minor: Sociology, Spanish
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of San Diego
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1992
Honors:
American Jurisprudence Award, Remedies, Spring 1992; National Order of Barristers, 1992
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court;
Member, National Mock Trial Team 1990-1992;
Second place, Association Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), Regional Competition, Portland, Oregon, March 1991;
National Invitational Trial Competition - Tournament of Champions, St. Petersburg, Florida, 1991;
Finalist (4/328), First-Year Moot Court Competition, April 1989;
Associate Editor, Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues, 1991-1992.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I am a solo practitioner, which means that I am the attorney handling my clients' matters and that my clients always have a direct line to me. As a counselor, I strive to provide my clients with understanding and thoughtful advice. As a litigator, I focus on achieving a fair, just and cost-effective result for my clients. At the same time, I bring to the table the ability, if need be, to fight hard and effectively for my clients' causes. Certain defendants, who lost to me at trial several years ago, have at times publicly referred to me as a "hired gun." What I am is an advocate, hired to protect my clients' interests. I take this obligation very seriously.
Previous Employment Summary
Before I started my own firm, I was a senior associate with a firm that represented homeowners associations throughout Southern California, where I successfully litigated large construction defect cases, real property ownership and entitlement matters, business and contract disputes, personal injury, harassment and assault cases, and homeowner association matters. Prior to that, I worked as an associate for a very capable civil litigator on real property, construction, and personal injury actions.
Activities and Awards
I try to separate my business from my personal life, and although I have forged good professional relationships with my colleagues over the years, I generally do not engage in extra-curricular law-related activities.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
This question doesn't have a simple answer. A client has the right to be informed about and understand his or her legal claims and the work the attorney is doing on their behalf. A client who independently develops an understanding of the legal issues involved may have a greater comfort level with the legal process and may even make the attorney's job more productive. In that context, I applaud it. But it certainly is not required, as the client is entitled to rely on the skill and expertise of their attorney.
But too much "educating", especially with the proliferation of cursory sources of information on the internet, may not be a good thing. Just like I don't try to be a doctor, I don't want my clients to try to be attorneys. And in the context of litigation, almost everything the client does is "discoverable" by the other side, which means that the client's research, opinions, and conclusions could become the subject of the client's deposition, and could possibly be used against them at trial.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It depends upon the documents and the purpose for which they are intended.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to help clients prepare for certain small claims matters.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Two reasons: First, because I enjoy helping people solve tough problems; second, because I love to be an advocate for causes I believe in.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Work experience would include every case I have handled. You truly learn something from everyone. Sometimes you learn what to do, sometimes you learn what not to do. Probably the most important educational experience would be my participation in the national mock team and national and regional trial competitions in law school.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I enjoy the issues.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about my career is winning at trial.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe that I have several. I am a deep thinker who doesn't give up on a problem until I solve it. I am also a talented oral advocate.
My style varies. I am not always outwardly aggressive. One can't always go in with "guns blazing," because blazing guns don't always solve the problem. A good litigator needs to be a good negotiator, a tough fighter, and one who can calm an escalating situation. Sometimes my job requires compassion. Sometimes it requires listening. Sometimes it requires jumping into the fray. It depends on the circumstances.
Personal Interests:
They are numerous and most importantly include my family. I am an avid motorcyclist, a NAUI and PADI certified SCUBA diver, and an expert alpine skier. I also enjoy playing piano and composing music.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Client meetings by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Basic Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Depends upon the nature of the case.
Hourly Rates
Depends upon the nature of the case.
Free Initial Consultation?
Sometimes provided for initial evaluation.
Typical Retainer
The retainer will depend upon the complexity of 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.
