A Message to Our Business Clients

The current economic climate has created dramatic and lasting change for all business. In their efforts to become more efficient, many large companies are “right sizing” and working to reverse prior acquisitions and mergers. New and existing small to mid size companies appear to be expanding into new areas where the crisis has given rise to opportunity. New partnerships, businesses and alliances are forming quickly, just as windups and dissolutions are on the rise. One consistency to the change is that all businesses are demanding more from their legal representation to include a higher standard of work, personal attention and creative payment agreements. Appreciating the needs of the contemporary business client, it is important for us to convey what our clients can expect from our firm.

As a provider of a professional service, Gaston & Gaston APLC cannot simply be “as good as” our competition. The best way for us to develop our clients’ loyalty and satisfaction is to provide more, much more, than what other law firms are capable of or willing to offer. Based upon an understanding of the needs of the entrepreneur and businessperson, and driven by our strong determination to outperform the competition, we actively strive to provide superior legal services, in all areas of our practice, to all of our business clients.

The cost for legal representation can vary widely, from several hundred dollars to help prepare or review a contract, to several hundreds of thousands of dollars for a full-blown business litigation or business dissolution case. However the approach to any business legal matter asks the following question: Will you, the client, receive value for your expense and will that expense further the ultimate goal of your business?

We strive to provide what our experience has shown to be of significant value for our business clients:

1. Personal attention to the case and client with open and ready lines of communication
2. Full opportunity for the client to be actively involved in all decision making
3. Attention to detail
4. A clear appreciation for the ultimate goal of the business (read more)

All work performed by this office is meant to help you meet your business goal. Examples help explain this concept.

Company ABC creates and markets high-end medical products. An employee named John Doe leaves ABC and begins working at another company, Company XYZ. Six months later, a substantial number of clients switch to John’s new employer, Company XYZ. ABC had taken pains to keep its client list secret, as that is the lifeblood of the company, and in fact has had all employees sign a contract assuring that all contacts made during their employ are to remain with ABC. Is it worth litigating against John and XYZ to compel the company to stop using its client list and to return any profits received from its use?

If the business goal is to keep current customers and prevent the improper use of their client list, absolutely, yes.

Another example: Jose and Mary created and operate an LLC that offers financial consulting advice to professional athletes. The business has been successful for the past ten years, has name recognition in the market, and provides a handsome profit each year. Jose has recently married, desires to move to Zurich to be with his new wife, and wants a full payout for his share of the business that is valued at approximately $10 million dollars. Mary wants to continue the business with the recognized brand name, but will have difficulty writing Jose a check for $5 million dollars.

Does it make sense for Jose to litigate and force court supervised dissolution of the business? Of course not. This is a waste of money and the unnecessary destruction of a highly profitable company. Close

All attorneys are bound by rules of ethics to “zealously advocate” for their clients. Unfortunately, this is sometimes interpreted by legal professionals to mean bringing every cause of action and every possible motion, employing the use of every discovery vehicle possible, taking depositions of any possible witnesses, and preparing for a full trial, with jury, with all the attendant costs. This office takes a different view.

While applying the above model of “zealous advocacy” is sure to keep associates busy and cost an exceedingly large amount of money, it is often not in the client’s best interest to do so. Our firm represents and protects each client while holding firmly in mind the ultimate business goal as determined by the client. (read more)

Corporation ABC has brought a case against John Doe for his misappropriation of their trade secrets. During discovery ABC has requested that John produce a copy of the client list taken from ABC. ABC has a copy of the list. John admits that he has the list, but refuses to produce the physical document.

Question: Is it worth bringing a motion to compel this document?

Answer: To do so would necessitate hours upon hours of attorney time and one, if not several, court appearances. There are perhaps additional facts that would recommend that course of action, but probably not. Close

In sum, as a client of Gaston & Gaston, APLC, you can expect, and will receive, superior legal representation, which you will value and which will further your business goals.

Frederick W. Gaston
President
Gaston & Gaston, APLC

At the Law Firm Gaston and Gaston we specialize in Civil Litigation with a focus on contract, Business law, and Intellectual Property litigation. With over 70 years of combined trial experience we are committed to aggressive litigation. We understand your needs and will provide care and guidance in fighting for you! The time to call is now: 619-398-1882.

The Law Firm of Gaston & Gaston was first established in 1981 by the partnership of Ian F. Gaston and Albert S. Gaston (Father of Ian) and is continued through the collaboration of Ian F. Gaston and Albert Gaston’s grandson Frederick W. Gaston.

Albert Gaston graduated from Murphy High School in 1931, after which he “read law” with the firm of Dozier & Gray for three years.  He then attended Cumberland Law School in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he earned his law degree in one year and was then admitted to the State Bar of Alabama.

To begin, Albert Gaston practiced law with the Federal Government for seven years in Washington, D.C. as principal construction attorney for the Federal Public Housing Authority.  It was during that time he earned an L.L.M degree from Catholic University.

In 1946, Albert Gaston left the Federal Government to enter private practice and thus began to build a respected name in the private practice of law.  Albert handled both criminal and civil cases in both the Federal and State courts throughout his career which continued until his passing in 1988.

In 1968, Ian Gaston, son of Albert, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law 4th out of 107, and immediately began to help his father in building the family practice.  Shortly thereafter, a partnership was formed with other local attorneys, with various modifications through 1981, following which Ian and Albert Gaston established the firm Gaston & Gaston.    

In 1999, Frederick Gaston (son of Ian) left his position in Naval Intelligence, and began his legal studies at the University of San Diego. Upon graduation Frederick immediately began work to continue the family tradition of quality legal counsel and to continue the firm name of Gaston & Gaston.

Currently, Frederick W. Gaston is the lead counsel in all matters and cases of Gaston & Gaston, San Diego.  Ian F. Gaston, being both the mentor and father of Frederick W. Gaston, is “of counsel” and offers advice, counsel, and guidance in all matters which would benefit from his experience and significant wisdom in the practice of law.

With years of trial experience we are committed to aggressive litigation. We understand your needs and will provide care and guidance in fighting for you.

Gaston & Gaston's Service Area

Our service area includes Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Seal Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Oceanside, San Diego, Del Mar, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Pasadena, West Covina, Norwalk, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Cerritos, Claremont, Culver City, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Park, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Monterey Park, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Marino, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, West Hollywood and YOUR city!