Warhurst Law Office solves legal challenges in property, business and family matters, including

  • Representation in courts, at arbitrations, and before government agencies;
  • General business and employment matters;
  • Drafting and enforcing contracts;
  • Real property transactions and litigation;
  • Nonprofit corporations, close corporations, and LLCs; and
  • Sensitive resolutions of family disputes and breakups.

Services


Bill Warhurst is a multi-disciplinary lawyer who uses his 40 years’ experience in key business practice areas to craft ideal solutions to legal challenges, both simple and complex. Bill encourages clients to focus on practical resolutions, but he can aggressively pursue all legal remedies when needed.

Call 650-288-3390 to learn why an attorney with broad experience can give you the best possible results.

Download brochure of services offered by Warhurst Law Office
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Services for Real and Personal Property
Services for Families
Services for Businesses and Employees
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William R. Warhurst


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Multi-Disciplinary Law.  Few lawyers devote their legal careers to solving legal challenges for businesses and families. Instead, most lawyers focus on a particular area of law early in their careers. They become a “divorce lawyer” or a “civil litigator” or a “corporate attorney.” In my experience, though, clients do not truly want a divorce, or a lawsuit, or a corporation per se. I believe clients want thoughtful, feasible solutions to their problems with the best results taking into account all expenses, including their lawyer’s fees. Clients with marital disputes want prudent action to resolve or minimize all disputes with their partner. People who suffer a loss want redress, and people who are sued want to pay no more than is truly proper on the facts as well as on the law. Folks starting a business do not need a corporation so much as they need to protect their personal assets from the risk their nascent business will fail. 

I was fortunate that my first law firm assigned me not to a specific practice group, but instead to “specialize” in the legal practices no other lawyer had at that firm – the legal challenges that either combine specialty practices or that are not part of any established legal practice group. The assignment forced me to focus on the problem from the client’s perspective and the broadest range of possible solutions, because I rarely had two lawsuits or two transactions arising from similar facts. Those struggles taught me to focus on problem solving for my clients, no matter their situation, the client's needs, or the applicable law.

Today, I tell folks simply that I solve legal challenges for businesses and families. Because I have been a multi-disciplinary lawyer for 40 years, I have obtained both a breadth and depth of experience in law. Today most of my practice falls into the areas of real estate litigation, family law, employment law, business entity formation and advice, and contract drafting.


"AV" rating. In 1989, Bill received Martindale Hubbell's “AV” rating for legal skill and ethics, and has maintained his rating for 30 years. Bill is licensed to practice in California, Nevada, and every federal court in California, as well as the United States Court of Claims.

Brief History. In 1990, Bill joined Musick, Peeler & Garrett, a Los-Angeles based, multi-office firm as a partner in the litigation department. For several years, Bill represented a major plumbing manufacturer in lawsuits involving more than 10,000 California residents. Bill moved to the San Francisco office of Musick, Peeler & Garrett in 1992, and later formed a boutique firm of Link & Warhurst in 1996, focused on business and employment matters. From 2000 to 2015, Bill practiced with Hannig Law Firm, continuing his multi-disciplinary “specialty.”

Legal Volunteering. Bill has received the Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award three times from the Bar Association of San Francisco for his pro bono work in child custody and domestic violence matters. Recently, Bill volunteered for twelve years in Santa Clara County Superior Court as a temporary judge for family law settlement conferences and small claims trials. 

Public Participation. Bill has also served on local civic boards and governmental committees, including the Citizen Advisory Committee of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, the Redwood City Home Loan Improvement Committee, the Redwood City Community Task force on Street Tree Policies, and Redwood City International, supporting sister-city relationships and cultural events. 

Lawyer as Counselor


The doors of attorneys used to say “Attorney and Counselor at Law.” The double moniker emphasizes that lawyers focus on providing guidance toward solutions that make sense and addressing the needs of those who seek our help. Put another way, you want a counselor first to avoid needing an attorney. A coach is a counselor – an expert, a trusted advisor directing from the sidelines -- but unlike a coach, an attorney is in the game, on the field, calling plays as an agent for the client's best interests.

For me, acting as “counselor” is the most rewarding part of what I do, because I use my skills & experience to help the client make the decisions that are best for that client.

A long-term relationship based on understanding the client and the client's business or family is most valuable for the client. My clients know that I invest in the client’s success, rather than approach the engagement as just a project, job, or case to work on. 

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What clients are saying:


“It was a struggle worth the end result. An end which would have never been possible without your unyielding commitment Bill to ethics, your standard to do your very best, and always your extraordinary patience and kindness with me.”

— Lorraine J.

“I can without question recommend Mr. Warhurst to anyone seeking the best in legal representation. He is not only an expert in the law, but he is an honest and compassionate advocate. I am so grateful he was introduced to me! I had stopped being represented by my first lawyer because of an alarming lack of follow through. Bill was able to study the case in a short time and proceed in my best interests and reach a quick resolution. He was so dependable and proactive. I never felt overcharged or under served in my association with Bill. He goes the distance with his clients and is concerned about them as people.”

— Rosemary F.

“Thank you so much for representing my brother. Your knowledge and competence were truly appreciated and made everything go as smoothly as possible. I could not have hoped for a better person and attorney to represent my brother.”

— Linnea W.

Engagement


Where applicable, the names and cities of all persons and businesses potentially involved with the dispute or transaction are needed for a conflict of interest check before the initial discussion.

Not every lawyer is a good fit for every client. Initial discussions, whether in person or by phone, should assess the potential working relationship and general expectations of skill, cost, and time to completion. These initial discussions are always without charge. In addition, explanations of relevant law can be offered a​s a matter of public education without forming an attorney-client relationship, but to protect both the client and the attorney, specific legal advice cannot be given without an engagement agreement. Legal opinions -- the application of law to specific facts -- are subject to charge pursuant to the engagement agreement.

California law closely regulates the legal profession. Fee agreements are one of the many regulated areas of legal practice. With a few exceptions, a lawyer may provide services exceeding $1,000 only with a written engagement agreement meeting legal requirements, but in nearly every situation, the client should insist on a written agreement. Be suspicious of any lawyer who does not require that you sign an engagement agreement or who offers a very short initial agreement. The minimum information and required consumer warnings probably cannot be squeezed into a very short document and still have it written in a consumer friendly fashion.

While many legal services, such as contract review and trademark registration, can be provided entirely by email, no attorney-client relationship will be accepted solely based on email exchanges.

Disclaimers


This site contains general information that may not be up to date. Nothing on this site or associated pages should be taken as legal advice for any specific case, matter, or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Electronic mail or other communications to Warhurst Law Office (or any of its attorneys, staff, or agents) from your receipt of this information cannot be guaranteed to be confidential. Warhurst Law Office advertises only in California. William R. Warhurst is responsible for the content of this website.

Past results are not indicative of future results, and are not a guarantee of any result. Testimonials or endorsements on this website do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

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