Redwood City - Silicon Valley Trial Law Firm Practice Areas Overview

With more than 80 years of combined legal experience, the partners at Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau represent clients in San Mateo County, the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley in civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts and provide extensive legal counseling in business and real estate matters. Our lawyers have particular expertise in the following areas:

• Business counseling and dispute resolution. There are a number of things that a business can do if it finds itself involved in a dispute. Your business is important and deserves skilled attorneys with the dedication, experience, and resolve to represent you throughout your dispute. Alternative dispute resolution approaches such as arbitration and mediation often are the wisest choice in business disputes. When these approaches or settlement are not possible, our firm is ready to represent you at trial. Our firm also provides in-depth business counseling from formation through daily operational issues, including drafting employee handbooks to help minimize potential liability.
• Criminal defense. If you become embroiled in any type of criminal matter, it is important that you seek representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. A conviction of even a misdemeanor can lead to jail time, and a criminal record that can have serious repercussions in your life. Our firm is available to represent clients for all types of criminal charges and investigations.
• Labor and employment.  Businesses need to stay abreast of the constantly changing labor and employment laws or risk being sued or fined for non-compliance or violations. Our firm has extensive experience in labor and employment law matters, and we can prevent you from making mistakes that can be costly. In the event you become involved in any type of labor or employment dispute, we have years of experience in representing clients in these areas. Whether it is discrimination, wage and hour disputes, or a pregnancy leave issue, we can be counted on to provide the effective representation that you need.
• International business. Our lawyers regularly represent corporations and business with international issues.

Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau is also available to represent clients for the following:

Examples of our past cases include:

• Defending multi-million dollar disputes between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs
• Defending professional athletes against drunk driving charges
• Probate disputes involving historic estates
• Defending a foreign corporation on charges of criminal and civil antitrust violations.
• More than 200 jury trials, and numerous arbitrations and mediations for a variety of individuals and businesses

Experienced litigation counsel and advice in Redwood City, San Mateo County & Silicon Valley

The attorneys at Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau have the experience, knowledge, and advocacy skill to successfully handle any litigation matter in the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley or elsewhere.  From complex commercial disputes to sensitive criminal matters, our firm has a proven record of success.  For outstanding legal representation, contact Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau today.