Frequently asked questions
Common questions about working with the office. For anything not covered here, call or send a message.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of matters does the office handle?
Real estate and land use, landlord-tenant (for owners and landlords), construction, business and contracts, purchases and acquisitions, litigation and trials, and estate planning as a supporting part of the practice. See practice areas.
Where is the office?
111 Park Place, Suite 204, Richmond, CA 94801, in Point Richmond. Mail can also go to P.O. Box 71124, Richmond, CA 94807. See the contact page for a map.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call ahead; meetings are by appointment.
What areas do you serve?
Richmond and West Contra Costa County primarily, and the East Bay generally, on matters governed by California law. Federal matters are handled in the Northern District of California.
Who is the attorney?
Daniel R. Butt, admitted to the State Bar of California in 2012 (No. 284379) and to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit. He received his B.A. and J.D. from UC Davis and holds California real estate broker and contractor licenses. See About.
Is Daniel a certified specialist?
No. He is not a certified specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. The practice concentrates on real estate and related commercial matters.
Does the law firm do construction work?
No. Daniel’s contractor’s license informs his legal work, but the firm does not act as a general contractor.
How do I get started?
Call (510) 255-1094, email daniel@buttlaw.com, or use the contact form with a brief, non-confidential description of the matter and any deadline. The office will let you know whether it can help.
Does contacting the office make me a client?
No. An attorney-client relationship begins only when the firm confirms in writing that it represents you, usually through a signed engagement letter. Please do not send confidential information before then.
How are fees handled?
Fees depend on the matter and are set out in a written engagement agreement before work begins. California generally requires a written fee agreement when expected fees exceed $1,000.
Do you represent tenants?
The landlord-tenant practice focuses on owners and landlords. If the office cannot help, it will try to point you toward a resource that can.
How do I pay an invoice?
Use the Pay the office link, or log in to the client portal to view invoices and pay.
Can you guarantee a result?
No lawyer can. Results depend on the facts of each matter. The office will give you a candid assessment.
Where can I read about recent legal developments?
The Articles page has weekly notes on Bay Area real estate, land use, and landlord-tenant developments, and a guide to the 2027 landlord laws.
Talk with the office
Call (510) 255-1094, email daniel@buttlaw.com, or use the contact form. The office at 111 Park Place, Suite 204, in Point Richmond is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please do not send confidential details until the firm has confirmed in writing that it represents you.