Litigation and trials
State and federal trial and appellate work, including jury trials, for property, construction, landlord-tenant, and business disputes.
Trial experience
Daniel R. Butt has been a member of the State Bar of California since 2012 and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His litigation experience includes dozens of trials, including jury trials. Clients come to the office when a real estate, construction, or business problem has turned into a lawsuit, or is about to.
Kinds of cases
- Real property disputes: boundaries, easements, title, partition, and failed sales (see real estate)
- Landlord-side unlawful detainer cases and lease disputes (see Richmond landlord counsel)
- Construction payment, lien, defect, and delay claims (see construction law)
- Contract and business disputes, including disputes among owners (see business and contracts)
- Appeals and writs arising from these matters
Where cases are heard
Most of the office’s cases are in Contra Costa County Superior Court and neighboring East Bay courts. Federal matters are heard in the Northern District of California, which has courthouses in Oakland and San Francisco, among others. Some disputes go to arbitration because a contract requires it. The office has written about local rules and practice in West Contra Costa.
How a case usually unfolds
Most civil cases move through similar stages: an early evaluation of the facts, documents, and deadlines; pleadings; discovery, including document exchange and depositions; motions; settlement discussions or mediation; and, if the case does not resolve, trial. Most civil cases settle before trial. Preparing each case as if it will be tried is often what makes a fair settlement possible.
Early evaluation
The most useful thing a client can do is call early and bring the documents: contracts, correspondence, photos, invoices, notices, and any court papers. Deadlines to respond to a lawsuit are short, often 30 days for a civil complaint and much shorter in an unlawful detainer, and statutes of limitation can bar a claim entirely. An early look lets the office explain the options, the likely costs, and the risks before you commit to a course.
No promises about outcomes
Every case turns on its own facts, the law, and the decision-maker. The office will give you a candid assessment, not a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
I was served with a lawsuit. How long do I have to respond?
For most California civil complaints, 30 days after service. Unlawful detainer cases are much shorter. Call right away so the deadline is not missed.
Do you handle jury trials?
Yes. Daniel’s experience includes dozens of trials, including jury trials.
Do you handle federal cases?
Yes. Daniel is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit.
Will my case go to trial?
Most civil cases settle, but some do not. The office prepares cases with trial in mind so that you have real options either way.
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.