Shannon B. Jones Law Group was founded by Shannon B. Jones in October 1998. Shannon B. Jones, a resident of the Alamo-Danville area since 1981, wanted to establish a local law practice, but provide the highest quality of services consistent with her training and background.
Upon graduating with honors from the University of Southern California Law School, Ms. Jones practiced for three years with the Walnut Creek law office of Bowles & Verna. She subsequently practiced with the international law firm of Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold ("Sedgwick Detert"), based out of San Francisco. At Sedgwick, Detert, she represented many large national and international companies in business and real estate disputes. She also successfully defended an insurance company in a $125 million insurance bad faith case.
In 1998, Ms. Jones left Sedgwick, Detert to establish a local law practice focusing on the representation of local businesses and individuals. Ms. Jones' vision in establishing the Shannon B. Jones Law Group included the following:
- Representing local businesses and individuals and providing high quality legal services comparable to a large international firm conducive to Ms. Jones' background;
- Ensuring that clients are provided with appropriate legal advice taking into account risks and cost;
- Ensuring the highest level of client communication and being available within 24 hours to address client inquiries; and
- Contributing to the community.
Since 1998, the Law Group has grown to eight lawyers and seven legal assistants. In 2008, the Law Group expanded by offering alternative dispute resolution services through Diablo Mediation Services ("DMS"). DMS was founded in an effort to work toward quick and amicable resolutions for clients and the community at the least cost possible.
Shannon B. Jones Law Group specializes in the representation of businesses, real estate brokers and agents, parties in real estate transactions and disputes, construction projects and litigation and other business ventures. The Law Group's practice is generally made up as follows: real estate 75%; construction 10%-15%; and business formation and litigation 10%-15%.
The Law Group currently represents over 5,000 real estate agents in Northern California. Ms. Jones is a member of the California Association of Realtors' Strategic Defense Panel and is endorsed by the California Association of Realtors. She also is the author of the best-selling real estate book, "A Real Estate Agent's Practical Guide to Avoiding Litigation"
The Law Group also represents numerous general contractors, developers and subcontractors, as well as individuals and other businesses in real estate transactions, construction matters and business issues.
The Law Group handles the following:
Litigation
Our office represents real estate agents, brokerages, mortgage brokers, contractors and businesses in litigation. All of the attorneys in our office are experienced litigators with substantial knowledge and expertise regarding the local courts. Our office represents clients in all aspects of litigation throughout California and aggressively defends litigation filed against its clients.
Real Estate Transactional Assistance
Our office represents real estate agents, individuals and businesses requiring assistance in any real estate transaction. The services include preparation of specialized transactional documents, and advice and counseling on the implications of existing documentation, handling of residential and commercial transactions from the date of agreement through the close of escrow and drafting recordable agreements, notices and other documents to accomplish the goals of our individual clients.
Construction and Developer Assistance
Our office represents general contractors, subcontractors, and developers of real property in preparing appropriate contracts, resolving disputes related to their business activities and advising them of their obligations under the law. Our office also handles resolving disputes and litigation involving contracts and developers including construction defect, nondisclosure and mechanic's lien actions.
Commercial and Residential Landlord Tenant Assistance
Our office has a broad range of residential and commercial landlords that we assist in managing their real estate properties. Services include drafting of commercial and residential leases, as well as addenda or other agreements necessary to document the landlord's interests and the tenant's obligations. Our office also assists in resolving disputes with tenants as they arise during the tenancy and in unlawful detainer actions, as necessary.
Counseling and Risk Management Training To Prevent Litigation
To avoid litigation and its costs, we provide our clients with assistance in any transaction which may result in a dispute, or which presents unforeseen complications. Ms. Jones also provides risk management training to the firm's real estate agents several times each year to provide up-to-date information to the clients regarding the ever-changing obligations imposed on these professionals.
Once a dispute arises, our office analyzes the merits of each party's position and advises our clients regarding proper resolution. Our office represents clients in mediation and otherwise assists in informal settlement discussions.
Business Formation and Documentation
Our office assists clients in creating proper legal entities to manage their investments, developments, joint ventures, and other real-estate related projects. These services include advice regarding the different legal entities, formation of the entities and annual compliance with reporting requirements.
