El Centro Municipal Lawyers

Our operation is focused on providing cost effective solutions and expert customer service to all our clients. In addition to real estate, the firm represents clients in business litigation, construction defect problems, estate planning, arbitrations and mediations. We want our clients to fully understand the legal process and what will be involved in finding a constructive result to their legal issue. I am very active in the legal and real estate community. I continue to educate myself on the most up to date information within my field. I maintain active memberships with both local and national groups in the industry....

LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES has extensive experience in advising and representing clients as OUTSIDE GENERAL COUNSEL and, if needed, LITIGATION SPECIALIST (State and Federal Courts, including appeals) and in the following practice areas: • CORPORATE AND BUSINESS LAW: Form corporations and other business entities, act as general counsel, prepare corporate and business agreements, negotiate contracts and other agreements, and advise on corporate business laws. • CIVIL LITIGATION: Corporate and business litigation (e.g., contracts, commercial leases, and collections). • GOVERNMENT, ELECTION, AND POLITICAL LAW: Advise and represent government entities regarding pending legislation, statutory and regulatory compliance, general and special elections, compliance with...

Rob Bernheimer is a public policy expert and attorney with a proven track record of providing game changing strategies to complex issues, particularly where law and politics converge in government, corporations, non-profits, clubs and homeowners associations.

With nearly a decade as a Mayor and City Councilmember, and over 25 years of experience in representing clients in government, political and legal matters, Bernheimer has served as the strategic quarterback for Fortune 500 companies, private individuals, public agencies, corporations, non-profits and global investment companies in legal, municipal and special district issues across California.

His experience includes:
- Real estate development and...

The firm focuses on personal injury, general civil litigation, especially in the area of business litigation, breach of contract, corporate dissolution and real estate litigation. The firm enjoys a clientele of small local business owners, franchisees, and individuals involved in civil disputes (both plaintiffs and defendants). In addition, the firm has partnered with local counsel in the areas of bankruptcy, criminal law and family law to provide referrals to our existing clients. Clients can expect personal interaction with each of the attorneys, rather than paralegals or secretaries.

Robert C. Martinez is an experienced trial attorney with almost 20 years in the profession and a diverse trial practice. Robert has represented private clients and government entities in state and federal court. Robert has tried both jury and bench trials throughout Southern California and he has also handled numerous arbitrations and mediations.

James P. Finigan is a native San Diegan. His schooling began in Solana Beach, CA, at Santa Fe Christian School. His studies continued at the University of Oregon, where he earned his B.S., double-majoring in Political Science & Philosophy. He then traveled east to study law at the University of New Hampshire, School of Law.

While there, he accepted the Senior Style Editor position for the Pierce Law Review, worked as a legal writing teaching assistant for both his second and third years, and was awarded a full-time internship with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, Office...

Ted J. Schneider is a partner at the Oxnard-based law firm of Schneiders & Associates, L.L.P. where he practices in the areas of business and corporate transactions, employment, municipal and public law and homeowners associations. Ted advises and represents small local businesses to publicly traded multinational companies, entrepreneurs and homeowners associations in various corporate transactions, including incorporation, mergers and acquisitions (stock and asset sales), corporate governance and employment law matters. Ted consults with his clients to draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to buy-sell agreements, lease agreements, service contracts, releases and waivers, property agreements, shareholder agreements, operating...

During World War II, the U.S. government detained my U.S. citizen grandparents because of their Japanese ancestry. Learning about our history and serving as my grandfather's caretaker inspired me to be a social justice advocate. I clerked for Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP and the Honorable Kristen L. Mix of the U.S. District Court. As an immigration attorney, I represented over 1,000 clients in removal proceedings and received honors from Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. After living in Denver and Las Vegas, I returned to the Bay Area as a third generation San Francisco public...

I'm an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer who works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. I help people who have been charged with crimes or are being investigated for them. Whether you are facing penalties for drug crimes, marijuana charges, arson, or violent crimes, I can help. Prior to starting my practice, I gained valuable experience in reviewing search and seizure motions. Many times people are wrongfully charged due to improperly obtained evidence, and that's where I can help. In addition to criminal defense, I'm also actively involved with narcotics policy and reform. I...

Daniel F. Freedman is a Government, Land Use, Environment and Energy partner at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, LLP. He handles a broad array of complex matters involving real estate development, zoning, land use entitlements, and compliance with local, state and federal regulations such as CEQA, NEPA, Coastal Act, federal and state housing laws, and historic designation regulations. Daniel is committed to providing skilled and knowledgeable advocacy focused on the best possible outcomes for his clients, who he has more than a decade of experience advising on residential, industrial, commercial and mixed-use developments, as well as projects involving renewable energy,...

Matt’s practice focuses on facilitating innovative change through legal action, and he works with private and public leaders in emerging issues and industries, ranging from internet to cannabis law. Most recently, Matt was one of the lead drafting attorneys on California’s Proposition 64, the successful ballot initiative to decriminalize and regulate cannabis for adult use. Working directly with California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders to craft the policy structure, Matt directly authored key provisions in the legislation, integrating complex legislative, political and legal considerations into a balanced, comprehensive and historic reform. For over 10...

I’ve been an attorney for going on 20 years in the greater bay area of California. When you call me, you will talk to me directly. You won’t get assigned to a paralegal or another attorney. I have a passion for practicing law and helping my clients to the best of my ability. I like talking to people and getting to the heart of the matter through direct and clear talk.

Melissa Fox, Founder and Senior Attorney of The Melissa Fox Law Firm, is an experienced civil litigator who has practiced law in Orange County for 20 years. A graduate of Brandeis University and Tulane University School of Law, Melissa is a member of the Bars of the State of California and the United States Tax Court. She also holds a California Real Estate Broker License. Equally adept at transactional advice, negotiation, litigation, and the enforcement of judgments, Melissa has earned a reputation as a leader in the legal profession.

Melissa is also a dedicated community leader. Melissa currently serves on the...

I have over 21 years experience serving Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties with superior and efficient land use, real estate, and business law services – all backed by professionalism and integrity. In my current practice in Capitola, I represent individual, business and public agency clients in a wide range of real estate, land use, and public law matters (transactional and litigation), with special emphasis on: Land use permits; Zoning compliance and red tag removal; CEQA and Coastal Act compliance and litigation; Writ of mandate litigation (against or on behalf of public agencies); Real estate transactions, disputes...