Practice Areas

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Mr. Burton represents individuals, homeowners, and contractors in construction-related matters, such as negotiating and drafting construction contracts, filing mechanics’ liens, and initiating stop notices. He also handles construction defect litigation involving issues such as structural defects, defects in equipment or materials used in construction, and foundation defects.

The representation of North Bay Area and Sacramento owners (both public and private), general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, suppliers, insurers, design professionals, construction managers, and forensic laboratories in construction disputes.  This representation includes mediation and arbitration of construction disputes, preparation of construction contracts, and representation of property owners.  The specific areas of expertise include:

Analysis of Issues In Dispute:

• Consultation Concerning Performance Issues
• Payment Disputes
• Negotiation of Change Orders
• Government Code Claims
• Delay/Productivity Analysis
• Lien Release/Payment Issues
• Stop Notice, Mechanics’ Lien, Payment, and Performance Bond Disputes

Pre-Bid:

• Licensing matters with the CSLB
• Pre-Qualifications
• Review of Contract Documents
• Negotiation of Contracts
• Drafting Contracts
• During and After Performance

Defect Analysis:

• Liquidation & Tolling Agreements
• Prioritization of Rights and Remedies of Creditors/Debtors
• Evaluation of Insurance Coverage
• Arbitration, Mediation, & Litigation of Claims
• Negotiation of Disputes

From forming a new business to litigating business disputes, Mr. Burton provides a full spectrum of business-related services to clients.  He advises clients in the choice of business entity that is most suitable to their needs, draft and review business contracts, and handle employer/employee disputes.

Throughout the North Bay Area and Sacramento, Mr. Burton serves clients in the following areas:

• Commercial Litigation
• Contractual Disputes
• Complex Commercial Litigation
• Receiverships
• Covenants Not to Compete
• Disputes among Shareholders Partners, and Limited Liability Company Members
• Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith.

Mr. Burton has extensive experience handling a range of real estate matters, including residential and commercial property purchases and sales, financing of properties, and closings of residential and commercial properties. Furthermore, he also has experience in resolving real estate disputes, such as landlord/tenant and breach of contract.

Throughout the North Bay Area and Sacramento, Mr. Burton represents homeowners, commercial property owners, property managers, developers, and contractors in many types of real estate transaction matters, including:

• Residential property purchases and sales
• Commercial property purchases and sales
• Financing for residential and commercial properties
• Closings for residential and commercial properties
• Leasing issues, negotiations, and agreements

Additionally, Mr. Burton represents clients in real estate litigation and disputes, such as the following:

• Landlord/Tenant disputes, including unlawful detainers
• Property boundary disputes, including easement disputes and quiet title actions
• Land use disputes, such as zoning issues
• Breach of contract claims
• Real estate fraud claims, including requests for specific performance
• Disputes over building construction involving contractors
• Foreclosures

Our firm also assists vintners and growers in vineyard or winery purchases and sales, and with negotiating and establishing vineyard lease agreements.  Due to the unique issues that arise in this field, individuals who are considering becoming a lessor or lessee of a vineyard property should consult an attorney who has expertise in this area of real estate law and is familiar with the industry.