Entrepreneur First. Lawyer Second

Your lawyer has read about business.

I have run them.

For more than twenty years I built and operated companies before I ever argued a case. I read your contract the way you do: as a risk to your livelihood, not a clause in a template

Book a consultation

20+ years

operating and building businesses before I practiced law

Every consultation

I handle each initial consultation myself

Your goals first

counsel built around what you are working toward, not the billable hour

How I Work

  • A short intake conversation. We talk through what you are trying to do and whether it fits the work I take on. There is no cost and no obligation for this first conversation.
  • A written scope and fee. If it is a fit, I lay out the work, the approach, and the fee in writing before anything begins.
  • The work, with you informed. I handle the drafting, review, and structuring, and I keep the business decision in view, not only the legal one.
  • A clean handoff. You finish with documents you understand and own, and a clear picture of what, if anything, comes next.

This overview is general information about how I work. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting me does not create an attorney-client relationship.

I practice law the way I ran businesses: read the whole deal, protect the downside, and keep the decision in the owner’s hands.

Luis M. Montes
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What clients say

  • Luis’ team provided super advice in my case. Luis gave me peace of mind in a convoluted business dispute, which include a messy lawsuit over literally everything. Luis’ business experience and legal acumen helped get the best deal possible and I happily recommend him.
    Denver B.

  • I’d been running my corporation, when an unfounded claim arose claiming profits. Luis was a referral. He listened to the “story, analyzed the confusion, made calls and sent “cease and desist” letters. The harassment stopped. Without filing a lawsuit!
    I recommend Luis and his team for his strategic problem solving.
    Melissa F.

  • I hired Luis to represent me in a contractual dispute. I was so impressed by not just his legal knowledge, but his wisdom and care in making sure my rights were well protected. I felt in really good hands and very much cared for as a human being as well as Luis’ client.
    Katy G

Common Questions

I focus on business law: forming a business, buying or selling one, drafting and reviewing contracts, and setting ownership and succession terms.

Yes. My work concerns matters governed by California law, and I work with clients wherever they are based. If your matter is governed by another state’s law, I will tell you plainly and, where I can, point you toward the right counsel.

No. Reaching out, submitting a form, or an initial conversation does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only when we both sign a written engagement agreement. Until then, please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information.

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Have a transaction on the horizon?

Tell me what you are working towards. If it is a fit, I will lay out the work and the fee in writing before anything begins.

Request a Consultation

Submitting a request or contacting me does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing on this site is legal advice. The relationship begins only with a signed written engagement agreement. Please do not include confidential information on your first message