Gillaspey & Gillaspey

For individuals and businesses in San Diego, California, navigating legal challenges often requires seeking professional guidance. The name Gillaspey & Gillaspey may be recognized by some in the community, associated with legal services in the past. This article provides information based on publicly available data about the firm, noting its historical presence and areas of practice, while also highlighting critical current information regarding its ability to practice law in California.

Historically, Gillaspey & Gillaspey, particularly through attorney Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, appears to have engaged in various legal matters, including business law and probate cases, as indicated by client reviews. One review, specifically, refers to Mr. Gillaspey as "the best business lawyer in San Diego," suggesting that he previously held a positive reputation among some clients for his work in this area. Another review points to involvement in a probate case, indicating a broader scope of civil practice.

However, it is paramount for anyone considering legal services to be aware of the current professional standing of any attorney. According to the State Bar of California, Steele Nicolson Gillaspey (Bar Number 145935), the attorney associated with Gillaspey & Gillaspey, was officially disbarred from the practice of law in California, effective May 26, 2019. This means he is no longer eligible to practice law in the state. The State Bar posts consumer alerts online for disbarred attorneys, and the decision documents indicate that disbarment was a result of multiple acts of professional misconduct, including failing to promptly release client papers, failing to refund unearned advanced fees, failing to maintain records, failing to respond to client inquiries, failing to perform legal services with competence, maintaining an unjust action, failing to report court-imposed sanctions, and making misrepresentations to a court.

Therefore, while this article presents historical context, it is crucial that any local user in California understands that Gillaspey & Gillaspey, under Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, cannot currently provide legal representation. This information is provided for educational purposes based on public records and is not an endorsement of current legal services.

Gillaspey & Gillaspey was formerly located in the bustling financial and legal district of downtown San Diego, making it historically accessible for clients throughout the city and surrounding areas of California. The address for the office was 225 Broadway Suite 2220, San Diego, CA 92101, USA. This location places it within a prominent building in a central area of San Diego.

The 225 Broadway address offers convenient accessibility through various modes of transportation. For individuals traveling by car, the office is situated close to major freeways, including Interstate 5, State Route 163, and State Route 94, providing straightforward routes from different areas of San Diego County. Downtown San Diego typically offers numerous parking options, including nearby parking garages and metered street parking, although these can vary in availability and cost.

For clients utilizing public transportation, the location was highly accessible. The building is within walking distance of several Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus stops and trolley stations, including those serving Civic Center and America Plaza. This would have made it a practical option for individuals who preferred public transit. Furthermore, being located in downtown San Diego means the firm was historically in close proximity to federal and state courthouses, which could have streamlined legal proceedings and court appearances.

However, given the disbarment of Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, the primary attorney associated with this firm, it is important for locals to understand that this address no longer functions as an active legal office providing services under Mr. Gillaspey's representation.

Based on available public records and past client reviews, Gillaspey & Gillaspey, through attorney Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, historically provided legal services in several civil areas. It is important to reiterate that these services are no longer available from Steele Nicolson Gillaspey due to his disbarment. Historically, the firm appeared to focus on:

• Business Law: One client review specifically commended Mr. Gillaspey as a "business lawyer," suggesting the firm handled various legal matters for businesses, which could include contract disputes, business formation, commercial transactions, or other corporate legal needs.
• Probate Cases: Another detailed client review describes involvement in a "mothers probate case," indicating that the firm previously handled probate law, which involves the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, including validating wills, distributing assets, and resolving debts.
• General Civil Litigation: While specific details are limited, a firm engaging in business and probate law would typically also handle general civil litigation, which encompasses a broad range of non-criminal disputes between parties that require resolution through court proceedings, mediation, or arbitration. This can include issues like breach of contract, property disputes, or financial disagreements.

It is crucial for residents of California to understand that the services listed above are based on past activities of the firm and the attorney. Due to the disbarment of Steele Nicolson Gillaspey in 2019, he is legally prohibited from offering these or any other legal services in California. Any search for an attorney for these practice areas should focus on actively licensed and in-good-standing legal professionals.

The historical public record of Gillaspey & Gillaspey and attorney Steele Nicolson Gillaspey reveals certain features and highlights, alongside critical disciplinary information:

• Historical Client Commendation: Prior to disciplinary actions, one client review praised Mr. Gillaspey as "the best business lawyer in San Diego," indicating a past positive reputation in specific areas of practice. Another review from a different client noted his responsiveness and dedication to "keeping his clients in mind."
• Previous Practice Areas: Public information indicates that Mr. Gillaspey had a history of handling business law and probate cases, demonstrating experience in those fields.
• Admission to Bar: Steele Nicolson Gillaspey was admitted to the State Bar of California on March 13, 1990, indicating a legal career that spanned nearly three decades before his disbarment.
• Central Downtown Location: The firm's office was situated in a prime downtown San Diego location, offering convenient access to clients and proximity to legal institutions.

CRITICAL CURRENT STATUS (CONSUMER ALERT):

• Disbarred from Practice: The most significant and critical information regarding Steele Nicolson Gillaspey is his disbarment from the practice of law in California, effective May 26, 2019 (State Bar Number 145935). This means he is permanently ineligible to practice law in the state.
• Reasons for Disbarment: Public records from the State Bar of California indicate that the disbarment stemmed from multiple acts of professional misconduct across various client matters. These acts included:
  • Failing to perform legal services with competence.
  • Failing to promptly release client papers and property.
  • Failing to promptly refund unearned advanced fees.
  • Failing to maintain records and render an accounting of client property.
  • Failing to respond to reasonable client inquiries.
  • Maintaining an unjust action.
  • Failing to report court-imposed sanctions to the State Bar.
  • Making misrepresentations to a court (misconduct involving moral turpitude).
  • Failing to inform clients of significant case developments.
  • Failing to comply with court orders.
  • Failing to cooperate in State Bar investigations.
• Default Disbarment: His disbarment occurred by default after he failed to appear at disciplinary proceedings, despite having actual notice.

This disbarment is a severe disciplinary action and means that Steele Nicolson Gillaspey and by extension, Gillaspey & Gillaspey under his representation, cannot legally offer or provide any legal services in California.

As a law firm that historically handled business and probate matters, Gillaspey & Gillaspey, through Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, would have typically operated on a professional fee structure common in the legal industry. Such firms generally do not offer consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business might.

However, standard practices that reputable law offices might offer, which benefit clients, include:

• Initial Consultation: It is common for law firms to offer an initial consultation. This meeting typically allows prospective clients to discuss their legal matter, receive preliminary advice, and understand the potential legal strategies. While the specific terms (e.g., whether it is a free consultation or a fee-based consultation) would have varied, such an initial discussion is crucial for both parties to assess the case and determine if the firm is the right fit.
• Transparent Fee Discussions: Reputable law offices generally engage in clear discussions about their fee structures (e.g., hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or retainer agreements) during the initial consultation. This transparency helps clients understand the financial aspects of their legal representation from the outset.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION:

Given the critical information that Steele Nicolson Gillaspey has been disbarred from the practice of law in California since May 26, 2019, any discussion of "promotions" or "special offers" from Gillaspey & Gillaspey is now irrelevant regarding new legal services. The firm, under his representation, is legally unable to offer or provide any legal services whatsoever in California. Locals seeking legal assistance should not consider this entity for current legal needs.

For historical reference, the contact information associated with Gillaspey & Gillaspey was:

• Address: 225 Broadway Suite 2220, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
• Phone: (619) 234-3700
• Mobile Phone: +1 619-234-3700

URGENT CONSUMER ADVISORY:

As previously stated, Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, the attorney associated with Gillaspey & Gillaspey, was disbarred from the practice of law in California effective May 26, 2019. This means he is no longer eligible to provide legal services. Any attempt to contact this office for current legal representation purposes should be reconsidered, and individuals should instead seek actively licensed attorneys through the State Bar of California's official attorney search. If you believe you were a victim of attorney misconduct, you are urged to file a complaint with the State Bar.

For residents and businesses across San Diego, California, seeking legal representation, it is crucial to rely on attorneys who are actively licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California. While Gillaspey & Gillaspey, associated with Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, previously had a physical presence in downtown San Diego and, according to one past review, was considered a "best business lawyer" by some, the current legal status of Mr. Gillaspey renders the firm unsuitable for providing legal services today.

The fact that Steele Nicolson Gillaspey was disbarred from the practice of law in California effective May 26, 2019, due to serious professional misconduct, means he is no longer legally able to represent clients. This is a critical consumer alert that any Californian seeking legal assistance must be aware of. While the historical location was convenient and some past reviews were positive, the fundamental requirement for legal representation is an attorney's active and valid license.

Therefore, for any local resident of California, Gillaspey & Gillaspey, under the representation of Steele Nicolson Gillaspey, is not suitable for current legal needs. When seeking legal counsel, locals are strongly advised to consult the official State Bar of California website to verify an attorney's current license status and disciplinary history to ensure they choose a qualified and eligible legal professional to protect their interests. The provided contact information and historical context are shared solely for informational purposes, emphasizing the importance of current licensure in the legal profession.