How can we help?

It depends on your tax preferences, ownership structure, and growth plans. LLCs offer flexibility and simpler taxation; C-corporations are typically preferred for venture capital fundraising. We'll review your specific goals and recommend the right entity.

At minimum: a founder agreement (if multiple owners), an operating agreement or bylaws, customer service agreements, employment/contractor agreements, and NDAs. We can audit your existing contracts and identify gaps before they become problems.

At-will means either you or your employer can end the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason (or no reason), without notice. However, California has many exceptions — terminations cannot be based on protected categories or in retaliation for protected activity (whistleblowing, filing wage claims, etc.).

If you have 5 or more employees, yes. California requires written anti-harassment policies, sick-leave policies, and several other written documents. A handbook also clarifies expectations, reduces disputes, and provides important legal protection for the company.

Generally yes — copyright attaches automatically the moment you fix original work in a tangible form. But "work-for-hire" relationships, collaborator contributions, and platform terms of service can change ownership. Get clarity in writing before you start any project.

No. Entertainment contracts often contain rights grants, exclusivity terms, and option periods that are difficult to reverse. A 30-minute review with an attorney before signing can save you years of regret — and is often the best money you'll ever spend.

Depending on the matter, we work on hourly, flat-fee, retainer, or contingency arrangements. We discuss fee structure transparently during your consultation and provide a written engagement letter before starting any work — no surprises.

A retainer is an advance deposit held in trust to cover future legal fees. As we work on your matter, we draw down against the retainer and provide detailed invoices. Any unused portion is refunded at the conclusion of the engagement.

Invoices are issued through your secure client portal. You can review charges, pay by credit card or ACH, and download receipts directly. We also accept check and wire transfer if preferred.

First, search the USPTO database to ensure your mark is available. Then file a federal trademark application. Once registered, you must use the mark in commerce, maintain it with required filings on the right schedule, and police unauthorized uses. We handle all of this end-to-end.

All client documents and communications are stored in a secure client portal with encrypted access. We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and never discuss your matter with anyone outside the firm without your written consent.

Yes. The attorney you meet with at consultation will be the one handling your matter. We're a boutique firm — you'll have direct access to senior counsel, not be passed off to junior associates.

We provide regular updates via your secure client portal, email, and phone. You'll always know what's happening with your matter and what comes next. Time-sensitive items are clearly flagged so nothing slips through the cracks.

Yes. Communications between you and our firm are protected by attorney-client privilege from the moment you engage us. The initial consultation is also treated confidentially, even if you decide not to retain us.

You can schedule a free 30-minute consultation by calling us at (424) 484-8001, emailing info@ci-lawgroup.com, or using the contact form on our Contact page. We typically respond within 24 hours during business days.

Yes — we offer a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation so you can discuss your matter, ask questions, and decide whether we're the right fit. There's no obligation to retain us afterward.

Bring any documents related to your matter (contracts, correspondence, court papers, etc.), a brief written timeline of events, and a list of questions you'd like answered. The more context we have, the more helpful our consultation will be.

It depends on the matter. Transactional work (contracts, entity formation) typically resolves in days to weeks. Negotiations and pre-litigation matters can take weeks to months. Litigation can take a year or more. We'll provide realistic timelines during your consultation.