Law Offices of Peter L. Balogh

For individuals and businesses in Pacifica, California, and the wider San Francisco Bay Area seeking legal assistance, the Law Offices of Peter L. Balogh stands as a prominent option within the 'Lawyers Near Me' category. Located at 1750 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044, USA, the office is strategically positioned to serve the local community. Prospective clients can reach the firm via phone at (650) 355-8834 or mobile at +1 650-355-8834, ensuring direct lines of communication for inquiries and consultations. It is important to note that public records, such as the State Bar of California, also list a mailing address for the Law Office of Peter L. Balogh at 954 Oak Street, Sonoma, CA 95476-6140, which may indicate a change in mailing address or an additional administrative location, but the primary client-facing office information provided is for the Pacifica address.

Peter L. Balogh, the principal attorney, brings a substantial background to his practice. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1993, holding State Bar ID Number 164150. His academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, where he graduated cum laude, and a law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. This academic foundation, combined with over three decades of experience, underscores a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Mr. Balogh's biography highlights a diverse professional path, including teaching American history and political science, before establishing his general law practice immediately after passing the Bar Exam. He also speaks Hungarian, which may be a valuable asset for clients from that linguistic background.

While specific details about the immediate office environment at 1750 Francisco Blvd are not explicitly detailed in public records, it is common for legal offices in such locations to maintain a professional, accessible, and confidential atmosphere. The address on Francisco Blvd suggests a commercial setting, conducive to client meetings and legal work. The firm emphasizes its commitment to providing a supportive environment, aiming to keep overhead low to offer more personal service and cost-effective solutions to clients. They also state that they utilize the latest technology to enhance their services.

The Law Offices of Peter L. Balogh offer a broad spectrum of legal services, demonstrating a versatile practice. According to available information from their official website and other sources, Mr. Balogh has extensive experience in both transactional work and civil litigation. In the transactional realm, his expertise includes facilitating the sale of numerous businesses, preparing various contracts and leases, handling property sales from inception to completion, preparing deeds and other property instruments, and forming various business entities such as LLCs and Corporations. He has also developed membership and investment platforms to assist businesses in securing investors and selling membership interests. Furthermore, the firm handles numerous estate plans, including wills, powers of attorney, and living trusts, crucial services for individuals looking to secure their future and assets.

In terms of civil litigation, Peter L. Balogh's experience is wide-ranging, with cases in many counties throughout Northern California. He has appeared in court hundreds of times, representing clients and entities in motions, jury and bench trials, and appeals. His litigation experience covers various types of motions and discovery procedures. Notable successes cited include lawsuits against the State of California, the Department of Fish & Game, other municipalities like Brisbane and the City of San Francisco, and numerous corporations. Major achievements cited involve obtaining a Writ of Mandate against the State of California, winning a significant environmental case against a steel foundry, and handling sexual harassment cases against the City of San Francisco.

The firm also has a strong presence in landlord-tenant cases (both commercial and residential), including rent control matters and tenant buyouts. Other areas of expertise include real property matters (such as breach of real estate contracts, neighbor disputes, environmental matters, encroachments, easements and right of ways, construction defect claims), civil rights (including sexual discrimination/harassment and disability rights claims, service dog claims), business litigation, personal injury cases (presenting claims and litigation), and will contests. In family law, Mr. Balogh has handled countless custody and visitation matters, support issues, guardianships and conservatorships, restraining orders, and dissolutions from filing through to judgment, including successfully resolving seven-figure divorces with a stated 100% success rate at trials in this area. His work extends to criminal matters, including felony drug cases and DUIs. Additionally, he has represented various non-profit organizations, such as Mission Neighborhood Center, Inc., Carnival San Francisco, Sistas wit Style, Low Rider Council, and the Federation of European Carnival Cities, and has successfully formed numerous 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating a commitment to community involvement beyond traditional legal practice.

Client testimonials offer mixed but insightful perspectives. One long-term client, who has been with Peter since 1995, praises his efficiency, competence, and friendly manner, noting his reasonable and fair charges. This client highlights assistance with complicated business deals, negotiating cell site leases, and evictions, underscoring a consistent record of effective and dedicated service over many years. This positive feedback emphasizes Mr. Balogh's ability to handle complex and ongoing legal needs for established clients, building trust and a long-standing relationship. Such a long-term client relationship speaks to consistency and reliability in legal representation.

Conversely, another review presents a strong negative sentiment: "They take your money if you are even 5 minutes and 1 second late. I paid $150 for a meeting and the dude just cancels and steals your money. Also he's a jerk. Never work with this guy. I have 6 businesses and and estate and a family law issue I was considering giving to him and as a busy exec, I can't always be exactly on time. He's the worst." This critical review suggests a strict policy regarding punctuality for appointments and a perceived lack of flexibility, which led to a negative financial and personal experience for this individual. While professional firms often have policies regarding missed appointments or late arrivals, the severity of this particular client's experience highlights the importance of clear communication about such policies. Prospective clients should be aware that firms may have strict scheduling protocols and it would be advisable to clarify appointment policies and potential fees for late arrivals or cancellations directly with the firm when scheduling a consultation. This feedback also touches on personality, which can be subjective, but it's a point of consideration for those valuing a more lenient or forgiving approach to scheduling.

In terms of promotional information, the Law Offices of Peter L. Balogh primarily relies on its established presence and direct contact. The firm's commitment to "Integrity, Care, Experience, and Solutions" is a guiding principle. They aim to find the simplest, most beneficial, and least expensive means to solve a problem. If litigation becomes necessary, they pursue matters with commitment and aggressiveness, always striving to meet client needs in a cost-effective and ethical manner. The firm highlights its excellent support staff and utilization of the latest technology, alongside a strategy of keeping overhead low to provide more personal service and manage costs effectively. They emphasize their diverse background, extensive experience in civil litigation, transactional work, and criminal law, and their ability to put complex legal issues into understandable language for clients. They pride themselves on developing real connections with clients, treating them with respect, and ensuring they fully understand the legal process. The firm invites consultations to help clients determine the best course of action for their legal needs. They offer initial consultations at a rate of $50.00 for the first half-hour, with most legal services charged at $400.00 per hour. This transparent pricing for initial consultations allows potential clients to assess their needs without a significant upfront commitment.

In conclusion, the Law Offices of Peter L. Balogh offers comprehensive and experienced legal representation in Pacifica, California. With a long-standing presence and a wide array of practice areas including business law, family law, estate planning, and civil litigation, Mr. Balogh aims to provide dedicated and cost-effective solutions. While client experiences may vary, particularly concerning administrative policies, the firm's extensive background, diverse legal expertise, and positive long-term client relationships suggest a capable and committed legal partner for those seeking assistance in the 'Lawyers Near Me' category. Prospective clients are encouraged to directly contact the office to discuss their specific legal needs and inquire about current policies to ensure a smooth and effective legal engagement.