Charles A. Koss

As one of the firm's senior trial attorneys, Charles Koss has nearly three decades of experience representing individuals, small businesses and major corporations in real estate, property, employment, estate and trust litigation, and winery litigation. He has extensive experience in state and federal courts, as well as administrative, regulatory and enforcement proceedings. Mr. Koss's courtroom know-how, combined with his accounting background, gives him a unique ability to analyze and solve his clients' legal problems. He is effective in settling disputes where a business resolution can be found and, when necessary, will fiercely protect his clients' legal interests in court. He has earned Martindale-Hubbell's "preeminent" AV rating and the repeat business of many satisfied clients. Mr. Koss is also the managing Shareholder of the firm. Mr. Koss represents a diverse group of real estate clients, from individual brokers, buyers and sellers to national brokerages. He specializes in disputes that arise out of the purchase and sale of real property, including nondisclosure, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duties and enforcement of purchase agreements. Working closely with the firm's land use group, he has litigated numerous disputes over easements, right-of-use, nuisance and zoning. Through his longstanding relationship with his small business clients, Mr. Koss has developed an expertise in all aspects of employment law. He advises employers and employees about their legal options and counsels businesses on risk management and litigation avoidance techniques. He has represented clients in arbitration and before governmental agencies with jurisdiction over the employment relationship, including the California Labor Commissioner and the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission. Although an experienced transactional attorney, Mr. Koss is often sought out by the firm's diverse practice groups to help posture clients in impending litigation matters. He has developed a niche in winery litigation, representing vineyard owners and closely-held wineries in a broad range of business matters, including grape-quality issues, non-payment and shareholder disputes. He is also experienced in estate litigation, representing clients who are contesting or defending a will or trust or disputing the administration of an estate.

• Attorney

• California, 1981

• American Bar Association (Member, Real Property and Litigation Sections)
• California Trial Lawyers Association (Member)
• Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants