Business Lawyers for San Francisco, California
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William B.
Attorney based in Southern California (for in-person matters), taking clients globally/remotely for CA-specific and Federal legals needs. Owner and operator of Alchemist Attorney, Inc. (www.alchemistattorney.com).
"Work product was good with only minor revisions for additional information."
Michael D.
I have been a litigator in state and federal jurisdictions throughout the United States for the past 15 years, save for an eight-month stint as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for a credit card processing company. I am an asset to any firm looking for support with any type of motion work or coverage for appearances, if necessary. I like to refer to myself as a self-proclaimed "walking code of civil procedure." I look forward to working with you and helping however I am able. Thank you for your consideration.
"Responsive, transparent and clear with fees, explained clearly the best course of action. Recommend"
Scott M.
I am Scott Mayer of The Mayer Law Group, Professional Corporation (please see my law firm website: mayerlawgroup.us, and my professional references on the site). I have been a successful California real estate attorney for over 30 years. I am unique as I am a real estate lawyer, broker, and developer who has experience with every aspect of real estate. I have managed three real estate platforms, including a national real estate development firm, a real estate family office with over $1 billion of commercial real estate under management, and serving as the Chief Real Estate Officer for Orange County, CA. I have managed the purchase and sale of over 125 commercial and residential properties, including the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements and the handling of due diligence, financing, and closing matters. I have negotiated over 225 commercial and residential real estate leases. I have managed the ground-up development of over 70 real estate projects. Most importantly, I am client-centric attorney who enjoys counseling clients on real estate matters. My role is to make sure my client's questions are answered, transaction issues are discussed and resolved, and my client's goals are successfully met.
"I hired Scott to review a commercial real estate contract, and I was very pleased with his work. He demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge throughout the process, clearly explaining key terms and potential issues in a way that was easy to understand. Scott was thorough and detail-oriented, which gave me confidence that nothing important was overlooked. He was also readily available whenever I had questions, making the process smooth and stress-free. He completed the review on time, which was critical for my transaction. Overall, I would highly recommend Scott to anyone in need of a reliable, responsive, and knowledgeable real estate lawyer."
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Elizabeth J.
Libby Jamison founded E. Grace Law Firm after nearly two decades practicing law across federal agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. She has advised at the highest levels of government and built a career defined by tackling complex, high-stakes legal and policy challenges. Her practice focuses on business, employment, veteran, and family law matters, drawing on her wide scope of experience including nearly seven years as counsel at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her legal experience spans federal agency counsel, firm ownership, and nonprofit work. She is licensed to practice in California and Washington and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. Beyond legal practice, she has led as a nonprofit president, chaired a U.S. Chamber of Commerce economic empowerment zone, and served on an American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel. Her work has been recognized by: Mighty 25 Awardee (2023) Changemaker of the Year, Military.com (2019) Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar (2019)
"Libby is amazing to work with! She was very thorough and got everything done ahead of schedule. I look forward to working with her again in the future"
Brittany P.
A dedicated real estate attorney with a proven track record of advising and representing clients across all facets of real estate law. Known for delivering exceptional, client-centered service that fosters long-term relationships and repeat business. Skilled in managing complex transactions and providing strategic legal guidance tailored to each client's needs. Committed to staying current on legal developments and industry trends to ensure the highest standard of legal counsel.
"Brittany was very professional and very responsive in getting my prenup reviewed. I appreciated her communication throughout the process."
Erin B.
I am a licensed attorney who has been practicing California law since 2013. As a licensed attorney, I have acquired significant experience in almost every area of the law. I’m currently pursuing remote career opportunities, as I currently reside in Wilmington, NC. I moved to Wilmington in September 2019 (because my partner became a federal judge here) and started my own California law practice (while working from Wilmington) in February 2020. I am now excited to explore new career opportunities. I am seeking a role that will be an excellent fit for me, given my professional experience, skill set, inherent creativity and extroverted nature.
Niki Z.
With more than 20 years of nonprofit, small business, and government experience, Niki can assist you on a wide range of legal issues, including creating new entities and avoiding compliance pitfalls.
Hung C.
Hi, I’m a tech lawyer who helps startups move fast without breaking things legally. I work with founders, product teams, and early-stage companies tackling messy legal and compliance challenges. From launching MVPs to signing your first customers, raising capital, or issuing tokens, I make sure legal supports your growth, not slows it down. With 15+ years of experience at global tech companies and in-house roles, I’ve helped startups across AI, Web3, SaaS, and gaming lay solid legal foundations. I bring sharp, practical advice that fits your stage, your budget, and your ambitions. I offer fractional general counsel support - senior legal expertise without the full-time overhead. Here’s how I can help: Product & Privacy Launch smart with privacy-by-design, strong TOS, and compliance (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, etc.). Commercial Contracts SaaS, vendor, data, pilot, licensing. I’ll help you close clean, scalable deals. IP & Open Source Protect what you build. I’ll guide you on patents, trade secrets, and open source use. Crypto & Web3 Token grants, incentive plans, securities and tax issues, DAO structures - I’ve done it. AI Legal & Governance I advise AI teams on legal risk, model oversight, and emerging regulations (US, EU, global). Fundraising & Corporate Stay investor-ready with clean docs, smart governance, and solid equity structure. Regulatory Strategy Fintech, payments, data. I'll turn complex rules into actionable legal strategies. I speak founder. I’ve been inside startups and know what scrappy, strategic legal support looks like. If you're looking for a hands-on legal partner to help you build responsibly and scale with confidence, let’s talk.
June 12, 2025
Tameem A.
With nearly a decade of in-house experience at publicly traded and high-growth technology companies, I bring a practical and business-focused approach to negotiating and managing a wide range of commercial agreements, including SaaS, licensing, procurement, and enterprise contracts. I lead strategic negotiations, advise on risk, and collaborate cross-functionally to support scalable legal processes. My background includes enhancing contract frameworks, refining templates, and driving alignment between legal strategy and business goals.
July 11, 2025
Aristos K.
I am a San Francisco attorney with specific expertise representing the public with residential and commercial real estate interests in the Bay Area. I apply my background in dispute resolution services, contract analysis, and conflict management to identify and produce long-term results for clients amidst demanding and unforeseen circumstances.
Anna V.
Multilingual California Attorney with experience in Immigration, Real Estate, Contracts.
September 22, 2025
Rosanne M.
Rosanne (Rosie) Brady Muschenheim is an experienced estate planning attorney practicing law exclusively in trusts, estates, business, and tax law. She studied advanced tax law by taking several courses through Boston University's LLM program. She served as the Western Region Estate Planning Consultant for Bessemer Trust Company in addition to running her own law firm. Rosie spent several years working in Silicon Valley at a prestigious law firm serving ultra high net worth clients, including Founders, Directors, and Officers at companies such as Google, Netflix, Juniper Networks, Tesla, DocuSign, Looker, Nvidia, Xilinx, and Fortinet. Rosie spent time practicing in Honolulu, Hawaii serving ultra high net worth clients, including descendants of Hawaiian royalty. While in Orange County, Rosie assisted many high net worth clients of notable fame in the entertainment industry and the manufacturing industry. Rosie started her own law firm to provide a more customized and personal service to clients than what is offered through larger law firms. Trust is essential to building client relationships, and with her own law firm Rosie is able to provide more attention and care to each client matter.
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Browse Lawyers NowBusiness Legal Questions and Answers
Business
Founders' Agreement
California
Can a founders agreement be modified after it has been signed?
I am part of a startup team and we have recently signed a founders agreement that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and equity distribution among the founders. However, as we continue to work together and the business evolves, we have realized that certain aspects of the agreement need to be modified to better reflect our current needs and goals. We would like to know if it is possible to make amendments to the founders agreement, and if so, what is the process and potential implications of doing so.
Phillip Z.
Yes, a founders agreement can be modified after signing, but several steps must be followed: 1. Mutual Consent: All founders must agree to the changes. 2. Documentation: Changes should be documented in an amendment referencing the original contract and specifying which clauses are modified. All parties must sign this amendment. 3. Legal Review: A lawyer should review the changes to ensure they are legally sound. 4. Consistency: Ensure changes align with other legal documents. Approach modifications carefully, as they can significantly impact the startup's rights, obligations, and ownership structure.
Business
LLC Operating Agreement
California
LLC and capital structure?
I am the founder and owner of a small business that is in the process of transitioning to an LLC. I am interested in understanding the capital structure of an LLC and how it differs from that of a sole proprietorship. I am looking for advice on how to ensure that my business is properly capitalized and structured in order to maximize its potential for success.
Russell M.
Well, putting aside the very important detail that an LLC offers limitation of liability and a sole proprietorship does not, the difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC is that you can allocate the profits to others through membership interests. This means you can bring on one or more investors and allocate the capital appreciation, profit and cash flow to the investors with the same or different terms from your interest, and that you can share profits with employees through a "profits interest". There is a great deal of flexibility that you can use through a properly drafted operating agreement.
Business
Buy And Sell Agreement
California
Can you please explain the key components of a Buy Sell Agreement and how it can protect my interests as a business owner?
I am a small business owner and I am currently in the process of forming a partnership with another individual to expand our operations. We have been advised to create a Buy Sell Agreement to outline the terms and conditions under which one of us can buy out the other's share in the event of certain triggering events such as death, disability, or retirement. I am not familiar with the specifics of a Buy Sell Agreement and would like to understand its key components, such as the valuation method, funding mechanisms, and how it can protect my interests as a business owner.
Dolan W.
Hello! My name is Dolan and thanks so much for coming to contractscounsel.com! A Buy-Sell Agreement is your partnership’s safety net. It sets up the rules for what happens if one of you leaves the business whether it’s due to death, disability, retirement, or just wanting out. It’s a way to avoid messy situations and keep things smooth if life throws a curveball. It's basically a set of instructions for you and your partner. One of the main things it covers is how to value the business. You don’t want to argue later about what it’s worth, so the agreement spells out how you’ll figure that out like using a formula, getting an appraisal, or updating the value regularly. It’s all about keeping things fair. In most cases, it's best just to make your best guess or hire an accountant to do it for you. Then there’s the funding part. If one of you leaves, the other needs a way to buy their share. This could mean using life or disability insurance, setting money aside, or agreeing to a payment plan. Life insurance is a popular choice because it ensures there’s cash on hand without straining the business. It also protects you by making sure shares can’t just be sold to some random outsider. Plus, it lays out exactly how the buyout process works so there’s no room for surprises or drama. It’s all about clarity and avoiding conflicts. In short, it’s a must-have if you’re starting a partnership. It keeps you both protected, helps avoid headaches. Let us know and we can draft one for you. Thanks again!
Business
LLC
California
LLC or S-Corp?
I am starting a public speaking consulting business with one other person. Most of our work will be done virtually and do not need an office space and will not have a physical product. We do not have investors. We have received conflicting advice about whether to form a llc or an s-corp. The s-corp has been suggested by some as the best for tax purposes, but others have warned that it is much more expensive to start and harder to maintain. What would be best for our situation?
Briana C.
For a small service business with no outside investors, the LLC form probably offers you more advantages than the corporation. (For example, LLCs offer greater flexibility, fewer corporate formalities, and pass-through taxation which is especially beneficial in the early stages of an LLC if you have other income sources.) The S-Corp election does not affect your choice of entity (LLC or corporation). Either kind of entity can make the S-Corp election, which just tells the IRS how you should be taxed. You can form an LLC at the beginning and make the S-Corp election for that LLC in the future, if and when it makes sense (you will still be an LLC then, but an S-Corp for tax purposes only). The S-Corp election only makes sense to do once your net profits reach a certain level. The purpose of the S-Corp election is to reduce your taxes. Filing the S-Corp election is not itself very expensive, but you will need to incur the costs of running payroll. (LLCs don't have to run payroll.)
Business
Liquor License
California
Can a restaurant owner transfer their liquor license to a new location?
I am a restaurant owner and I am considering relocating my business to a new location within the same city. I currently have a liquor license for my existing establishment and I would like to know if it is possible to transfer this license to my new location, or if I would need to go through the application process again. I have invested a significant amount of time and money in obtaining the current license and I want to ensure that I can continue serving alcohol at my new establishment without any legal issues or delays.
Dolan W.
Hello! My name is Dolan and I'm happy to help. As a restaurant owner in California planning to move within the same city, you can transfer your existing liquor license to the new spot through a "premises-to-premises" transfer. This involves applying to the California Department of ABC for approval. The ABC will check both your qualifications and whether the new location fits their standards. Keep in mind, that applying doesn't guarantee approval; the ABC might deny the transfer if the new place doesn't meet their criteria. To get started, you'll need to submit specific forms and fees to your local ABC district office. The process usually includes posting a public notice at the new location for 30 calendar days and possibly informing nearby residents, depending on local rules. Typically, the whole process takes about 55 to 65 days, but it can be longer if there are protests or other issues. Remember, during the transfer process, you must follow all ABC regulations, including paying any necessary renewal fees to keep your license active. If your current place is closed for 15 consecutive days, you're required to surrender your license to the ABC within that time. However, during the surrender period, which can last up to a year, you can transfer the license to another location or person, as long as all renewal fees are paid. I hope this helps! Thanks again! Dolan .
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