Legal Services
Home / Legal Services
Business Litigation
When a business dispute threatens your company's future, you need an attorney who fights back with precision and experience. Richard Marcus has spent over 30 years litigating commercial disputes in California and New York state and federal courts. From breach of contract to fraud and unfair business practices, he handles the full spectrum of commercial conflicts. His strategic approach protects your bottom line while pursuing the best possible outcome.
Whether you're a startup facing a partnership dispute or an established company dealing with a competitor's bad faith, The Marcus Law Firm is ready. Richard moves quickly to assess your exposure, preserve your rights, and build a winning litigation strategy. He represents businesses of all sizes with the same level of intensity and commitment. When settlement isn't possible, he takes your case to trial without hesitation.
Family Law
Family legal matters carry real emotional weight, and you deserve an attorney who understands that. Richard Marcus approaches divorce, custody, and support cases with both compassion and strategic clarity. He helps clients navigate California's complex family court system without unnecessary conflict or delay. His goal is to reach outcomes that protect your family's wellbeing, both now and in the future.
Whether you're facing a contested divorce or fighting for custody of your children, Richard is a strong advocate in your corner. He explains your rights clearly, outlines every available option, and helps you make decisions with confidence. He knows when to push for a settlement and when to litigate aggressively in court. You won't face this process alone — he is with you at every step.
Appeals
An unfavorable trial court ruling is not necessarily the end of the road. Richard Marcus has deep appellate experience in both California and New York state and federal courts, and he knows how to build a compelling case for review. He identifies reversible legal errors, crafts persuasive written briefs, and argues confidently before appellate panels. Appeals require a different skill set than trial work — and Richard has both.
Whether you lost at trial due to a procedural error, an incorrect jury instruction, or a misapplication of the law, Richard will evaluate your grounds for appeal thoroughly. He takes on appeals at every level, from the Court of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit. Time is critical — deadlines for filing a notice of appeal are strict and unforgiving. Contact The Marcus Law Firm promptly to protect your appellate rights.
Civil Litigation
Civil disputes touch nearly every area of life — property damage, personal injury, neighbor conflicts, and more. Richard Marcus provides skilled representation for individuals and businesses caught in complex civil matters throughout California. He evaluates your case with honesty, identifies the strongest legal theories, and builds a focused strategy from day one. You get straightforward answers, not vague reassurances.
From the initial filing through discovery, motions, and trial, Richard handles every phase of civil litigation with experience and attention to detail. He works to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible while never losing sight of your goals. When the other side refuses to cooperate, he escalates with confidence and skill. His competitive fees mean you get serious representation without financial stress.
Criminal Law
A criminal charge can upend your life, your career, and your freedom in an instant. Richard Marcus provides aggressive criminal defense for individuals facing misdemeanors, DUI, traffic offenses, and select felony charges in California. He moves fast to investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, and assert every legal defense available to you. Your rights matter — and he will fight hard to protect them.
Richard understands that prosecutors have enormous resources, which is why preparation and experience are everything in criminal defense. He reviews every detail of your case, from the arrest to the charges filed, looking for procedural errors or rights violations. He negotiates skillfully with prosecutors and, when necessary, takes the case to trial. With Richard in your corner, you face the system with a powerful advocate beside you.
Contract Review and Formation
A poorly written contract can cost your business thousands of dollars and years of litigation. Richard Marcus reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts across a wide range of industries and transaction types. He spots the problematic clauses, missing protections, and ambiguous language that others overlook. Getting it right on the front end is always cheaper than litigating it on the back end.
From vendor agreements and employment contracts to leases and business buy-sell deals, Richard handles the documents that keep your business running safely. He drafts with precision, using clear language that holds up in court if challenged. He also advises on non-compete clauses, intellectual property provisions, and indemnification terms. Every contract he touches is designed to protect your interests from day one.
Real Estate Law
Real estate disputes can be financially devastating and emotionally draining — whether you're a buyer, seller, landlord, or developer. Richard Marcus provides experienced legal representation in California real estate litigation, contract disputes, title issues, and landlord-tenant conflicts. He understands the local market, the applicable statutes, and the tactics the other side is likely to use. His goal is to resolve your dispute efficiently and protect your property interests.
From commercial lease disagreements to breach of purchase agreements and property fraud claims, Richard handles it all. He advises clients before they sign, during negotiations, and when litigation becomes unavoidable. His 30+ years of courtroom experience means he is never intimidated by aggressive opposing counsel or complex fact patterns. When your property is on the line, you need someone who takes it as seriously as you do.
Mediation Services
Not every dispute needs to go to trial — and a good mediator can save both sides significant time, money, and stress. Richard Marcus serves as a skilled mediator who guides parties toward fair, durable agreements in a neutral and structured setting. He brings decades of litigation experience to the table, which means he understands both sides of any dispute. His calm, methodical approach helps even high-conflict parties find common ground.
Mediation is confidential, efficient, and far less adversarial than courtroom litigation. Richard facilitates productive dialogue, manages emotions, and keeps negotiations focused on practical solutions. Whether the dispute involves business partners, neighbors, employers, or family members, he helps all parties reach clarity. A well-negotiated resolution today protects relationships and resources that litigation would destroy.
Employment Law
California employees have some of the strongest workplace protections in the country — and Richard Marcus helps you use them. He represents workers facing wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and retaliation in the workplace. Richard understands both the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and federal employment statutes, and he knows how employers try to avoid accountability. He levels the playing field for employees who deserve justice.
From filing a DFEH complaint to pursuing full litigation, Richard handles every stage of the employment law process. He investigates the facts carefully, gathers the documentation that builds a strong case, and negotiates aggressively with employers and their insurers. He also advises on non-compete agreements, severance packages, and wrongful classification claims. If your employer violated your rights, Richard will hold them responsible.
Civil Harassment
Harassment from a neighbor, coworker, acquaintance, or stranger can escalate quickly and dangerously. Richard Marcus helps victims obtain civil harassment restraining orders in California courts and defends those who have been wrongfully accused. He understands the legal standard required to obtain or fight an order, and he prepares his clients thoroughly for every court appearance. Your safety and your reputation both matter — and he protects both.
Civil harassment cases move quickly, with hearings often scheduled within weeks of the initial petition. Richard acts fast to gather evidence, prepare declarations, and present a compelling case before the judge. Whether you are seeking protection or defending against an unfair order, he brings the same level of skill and determination. You deserve an attorney who takes your situation seriously — Richard does.
Corporate Formation
The structure you choose for your business affects your taxes, your liability, and your long-term flexibility. Richard Marcus guides entrepreneurs and business owners through the formation of LLCs, corporations, and partnerships in California. He explains the real differences between entity types in plain language and helps you make a decision that fits your specific goals. Starting right is one of the most important legal moves a business owner can make.
Beyond filing paperwork, Richard drafts the operating agreements, bylaws, and foundational documents that govern how your business runs. He addresses ownership splits, decision-making authority, capital contributions, and buy-out provisions from the start. Proper formation prevents disputes before they arise and sets a clear framework for growth. Build your business on a solid legal foundation with The Marcus Law Firm.