Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Matt Kumin
Kumin, Sommers LLP
870 Market Street
Suite 1142
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 434-4500 | Fax: (415) 434-8453
http://www.kuminsommers.com
Small Business with Special Rates for Nolo Referrals
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
I also work with medical marijuana start-ups, bars and restaurant start-ups, partnership and shareholder agreements, and commercial leases.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Deceptive Trade Practices
- False Advertising
- Unfair Competition
- Liquor Licenses
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Shareholders' Rights
- IRS Disputes
- Negotiating Payments & Settlements
- Tax Evasion Defense
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Art
- Bad Faith
- Insurance Subrogation
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
Bar Admissions
CA, Aug 1995
Bar Number: 177561
Other Court Admissions
Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California; All California State Courts; United States Tax Court.
Association Memberships
California State Bar.
Continuing Education
I was a Keynote Speaker National Lawyer's Guild Workshop on Section 1983, Settled Civil Rights. I have over 200 hours in continuing education covering business transactions, litigation, and civil rights.
Papers and Publications
Community Economic Development and Employee Ownership (NCEO, Oakland, 1987).
Example Cases
I acted as counsel for Ruby Skye (formation), one of San Francisco's largest and most popular night clubs.
I also served as counsel for Asia SF during formation (popular restaurant/performance venue in San Francisco).
Patterson v. City of Oakland (jury trial in Oakland's Festival at the Lake police riot - co-counsel with John Burris).
McClosky v. Evans (SF police officer forced to pay $52,000 in attorneys fee to Evans who had complained about officer McClosky's conduct and had to defend herself against McClosky's subsequent defamation suit against her).
Ascarte v. Fresno (federal civil rights action settled for $775,000).
Education
Degree:
B.A. Urbanization & Urban History
School:
Brown University
City:
Boston
State:
RI
Year:
1980
Honors:
B.A. with Honors
Focus and Accomplishments:
History, Sociology and Political Science.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Northeastern University School of Law
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Cooperatives and civil rights.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The firm was founded in 1995 with of counsel Stephen Collier. John Burris joined as of counsel in 2004. The firm is well-known for assisting small businesses in start up and acts as general counsel for numerous corporations throughout the Bay Area. The firm is also well-known for litigating civil rights issues on behalf of individuals and businesses.
Previous Employment Summary
In my previous legal experience prior to opening up my law firm in 1995, I was a contract attorney for different law firms and a paralegal for Powers, Venick, Lyle and Ray. I also was an Adjunct Professor of Law teaching Labor and Corporations Law at New College of California School of Law. My other work experience includes time spent as an Organizational Consultant, Director of Development, and Director of Community Economic Development.
Activities and Awards
I am currently an Adjunct Professor of Law teaching Legal Research and Writing at Hastings College of Law. I am also an Adjunct Professor of Law teaching the same, Legal Research and Writing, at Golden Gate Law School. I am extremely involved in the community. I mentor law students and prospective law students. I assist them in the direction they want to go and help build their resumes. Additionally, at times I also provide internships. In October 2008 I was named as KRON-4 Television's "Best of the Bay" Small Business Attorney for San Francisco County
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My firm's philosophy is to ensure that clients are partners in any matter. No client is ever surprised by billing since they are informed of cost estimates prior to any work starting. Clients are encouraged to do as much of the legal and administrative work on cases as possible and that philosophy is reflected in specific language in the retainer agreement.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am absolutely willing to review client-prepared documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have no problems with coaching clients wanting to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to be a lawyer because of my belief that representing those generally unable to secure low cost legal assistance secures democracy. This philosophy extends to poor victims of civil rights violations and small business owners alike.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Prior to becoming an attorney, I was a labor and community organizer and an educator.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have always been interested in small businesses, particularly since I was exposed to small businesses through my father's CPA practice.
What do you like best about your career?
I like that there's always something new coming in the door.
Tell us about your law firm:
I practice in a suite with other solo practitioners, which is a very collegial environment. It also ensures that each of us can use each other as a resource. My firm has two of counsel, both prominent civil rights attorneys. I handle my business practice alone and typically litigate with other attorneys.
What are your strengths and style?
I listen to clients and help them determine the best goals for their situation. I'm a problem-solver and I like to be very creative when assisting clients.
I am relaxed but persistent, on-time, disciplined and diligent.
Personal Interests:
I like music, the outdoors, politics, and spending time with friends and family.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(415) 434-8453
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Incorporations are priced at $1,200.
Hourly Rates
$250 to $300 per hour, depending on services.
Free Initial Consultation?
This depends on the type of case.
Typical Retainer
Our typical retainer is $1,000.
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.
