BUSINESS LAW

What does a "business attorney" do for the client?  

It is impossible for one attorney to be expert in every legal issue that might affect a business, however a business attorney will provide general advice on each and every issue, even if the advice is limited to identifying an issue and identifying a cost-effective plan for addressing the issue through research or the association of another attorney or professional.  A successful business attorney will be capable of representing the client on the most common issues that affect a business, including the following:

• Litigation
  
• Pre-litigation consultation and representation, including analysis of issues as they arise and representation in communications with other parties
  
• Contract review, analysis, and consultation 
• Contract form preparation
• Insurance rights and contracts​
• Human resource (employee) issues
• Lease drafting and review

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While some situations call for "scorched earth" litigation efforts, these situations are rare for most moderately-sized businesses, whose interests are usually based upon the bottom-line result as determined by costs in relation to the amount of any recovery or payments made.  An effective business attorney should be able to quickly identify and analyze most issues as they arise, to quickly determine options for further addressing each issue, and to communicate well with the client regarding options, anticipated costs, and practical factors.

As further explained with the "Bio" section of this website, David Barnier's experience allows him to effectively represent clients as their "business attorney."  Mr. Barnier has argued multiple cases in California's Appellate Courts involving the duties of care owed by a party to a contract and the jurisdictional issues affecting foreign defendants.  In each case, the Appellate Court found Mr. Barnier's arguments persuasive and ruled in favor of Mr. Barnier's client.