Law Office of K. J. Petsas, PC

For local users in South San Francisco, California, and the wider Bay Area searching within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, the Law Office of K. J. Petsas, PC, presents a prominent legal resource. The office is conveniently located at 1475 Huntington Ave STE 205, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA, making it accessible for residents seeking legal counsel. Interested individuals can reach the firm via phone at (650) 624-8181 or through their mobile number, +1 650-624-8181, providing direct and easy contact points for inquiries and consultations. The firm also provides a fax number at (650) 737-7964 for official communications.

The principal attorney, K. J. Petsas, brings a wealth of experience to his practice, having been admitted to the State Bar of California in 1975, with State Bar ID Number 64757. This extensive tenure, spanning over 40 years, highlights a deep understanding of the legal system and a long-standing commitment to serving clients in the Bay Area. Mr. Petsas's background is notably diverse; he is a combat veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps before, during, and after Vietnam, and later as a reservist. This military service, which includes numerous awards and honors such as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Combat Action Ribbon, and President Unit Citation, is stated to have forged a "warrior spirit" that he applies to his legal practice. Furthermore, his experience as a prosecutor, prior to establishing his own firm, provides him with a unique perspective, particularly in criminal defense, where he has over 30 years of experience on both sides of the courtroom. His educational background includes a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law in 1975, where he received an an American Jurisprudence Award in Civil Procedure and was in the top one-third of his class, and a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of San Francisco in 1967.

Regarding the environment of the law office, its location in a suite within an office building at 1475 Huntington Ave suggests a professional and structured setting. Typically, such offices are designed to ensure client comfort and confidentiality, providing a suitable space for discussing sensitive legal matters. While specific details about the interior décor or amenities are not publicly detailed, the professional nature of the practice implies an environment conducive to serious legal consultation and work. The firm maintains an office in South San Francisco to serve clients in San Mateo County and throughout the Bay Area.

The Law Office of K. J. Petsas, PC, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, demonstrating a broad scope of practice to meet diverse client needs. Their main practice areas include:

• Family Law: This encompasses a variety of matters such as divorce (including divorce mediation), child custody and visitation disputes, child support issues, domestic violence cases, guardianships, and conservatorships. The firm aims to provide effective and compassionate legal guidance in these often emotionally charged situations, assisting clients through complex family transitions.
• Estate Planning: The firm assists individuals and families in crafting comprehensive estate plans tailored to their specific needs. This includes drafting wills, establishing various types of trusts (such as living trusts), and preparing essential documents like powers of attorney and healthcare directives to ensure assets are protected and wishes are honored, minimizing potential future disputes and taxes.
• Criminal Defense: Leveraging K. J. Petsas's background as a prosecutor, the firm vigorously challenges evidence brought against defendants in both felony and misdemeanor cases. This includes representation for DUI/DWI (drunk driving) charges and domestic violence allegations. Their experience on both sides of criminal litigation provides a strategic advantage in understanding prosecutorial tactics and building robust defenses for clients.
• Personal Injury: For individuals who have sustained injuries due to someone else's negligence, the firm seeks compensation for damages such as medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. This covers various scenarios including auto accidents, truck and motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, and wrongful death claims. They are committed to fighting for clients' rights to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Beyond these primary areas, the firm's website mentions a commitment to returning all calls within 12 hours and providing a free initial consultation, which are significant features aimed at client accessibility and engagement. They emphasize educating clients on legal and practical considerations to facilitate informed decision-making and provide personalized advice to achieve objectives, a testament to their "personal attention" feature.

Client reviews, as provided, offer contrasting perspectives on the firm's services. One review expresses significant dissatisfaction: "I experienced delay after delay. They were quick with responding about bills but for anything else it took weeks to months to get responses. I had to explain my situation over and over - they asked the same questions on each call and would forget my case I guess after each delay which added to costs since you’re paying by the minute. The office is also terrible at communication with clients. Would not recommend." This feedback points to serious concerns regarding communication efficiency, case management, and billing clarity, suggesting a potentially frustrating experience for some clients. It implies a need for clearer internal processes and improved client updates.

In contrast, another review provides a highly positive account: "This is not Alexandra palero... This is Ryan Hernandez, though it has been 10 years almost exactly still to this day I have this man to thank for mistake prevention...lol KJ hooked me up big time in all aspects! From all the right contacts to all the right medical advice...." This testimonial, while informal, strongly praises K. J. Petsas ("KJ") for his effectiveness ("hooked me up big time"), assistance with "mistake prevention," and ability to provide valuable "contacts" and "medical advice," indicating a highly supportive and successful client experience. Other positive reviews found online corroborate this, highlighting Mr. Petsas as an "amazing attorney" who is "invested in his business," "diligent and efficient," "very easy to talk to," "caring and professional," and "compassionate," often citing excellent results in personal injury and child custody cases and long-standing client relationships of over 15 years. These positive reviews frequently commend the firm's thorough communication and strategic approach, often stating that he "does not waste any time" and provides "strategic" handling of cases.

The discrepancy in reviews suggests that client experiences can vary, possibly due to the nature of individual cases, specific staffing interactions, or perhaps evolving internal processes. It is crucial for prospective clients to consider both positive and negative feedback and to use the initial consultation as an opportunity to assess the firm's communication style and case management approach for their specific needs, particularly concerning response times and consistent case understanding.

For promotional information, the Law Office of K. J. Petsas, PC, positions itself as a firm with "a warrior spirit forged by 40 years of experience," emphasizing the attorney's military background and his experience as a prosecutor. They highlight their commitment to "accurate intelligence gathering, full preparation and providing his clients with realistic problem-solving alternatives." The firm's membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a prestigious group for attorneys who have obtained verdicts or settlements of a million dollars or more, is also a significant promotional point, showcasing their capability in achieving substantial results for clients, particularly in personal injury cases. They explicitly offer a free initial consultation, which is a key promotional tool for attracting new clients within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, allowing individuals to discuss their legal challenges without immediate financial commitment. Their dedication to protecting and enforcing fundamental rights is also a recurring theme in their self-description, particularly for veterans, and they take "special pride in meeting the legal needs of men and women who have served in our armed forces." The firm aims to provide "experienced advocacy," "trustworthy counsel," and "personal attention" to all clients, emphasizing that they "will keep you up to date with developments and provide personalized advice on the best way to achieve your objectives."

In conclusion, the Law Office of K. J. Petsas, PC, located in South San Francisco, offers a wide array of legal services spanning family law, estate planning, criminal defense, and personal injury. Led by a highly experienced attorney with a unique background in military service and prosecution, the firm aims to provide strong and results-oriented legal representation. While some client feedback raises concerns about communication and administrative efficiency, numerous other clients praise Mr. Petsas's effectiveness, professionalism, and compassionate approach, often noting successful outcomes. Prospective clients are encouraged to take advantage of the free initial consultation to personally evaluate the firm's fit for their specific legal requirements and discuss expectations regarding communication and case handling.