Introducing Our New Alamo, CA Location to Serve You Better - Alves Radcliffe

Introducing Our New Alamo, CA Location to Serve You Better

We’re excited to announce that Alves Radcliffe LLP has opened a new office in Alamo, California, expanding how we serve Bay Area clients. Our firm has long represented homeowners, contractors, developers, and businesses across Northern California. With this location, clients can expect more direct access to business and commercial law services and experienced counsel closer to home.

Why Alamo? A Strategic Choice

Alamo sits at the heart of the East Bay, where property development, construction, commercial transactions, and real estate investments converge. Establishing an office here helps us bridge the distance between clients and counsel and handle county-level matters such as permits, zoning, and construction law efficiently. Clients who once traveled across the region can now meet with attorneys locally. Our construction law team will also operate from this location to assist with contract drafting, change orders, and dispute resolution.

Broad Legal Services You Can Access

The Alamo office delivers the same comprehensive services that define our firm. Clients can receive guidance on:

  • Construction contracts, change orders, and dispute resolution (California Contractors State License Board offers public license verification)
  • Contractor fraud, overbilling, and unpermitted work
  • Real estate transactions, zoning, and ownership transitions
  • Corporate filings and business formation requirements (California Secretary of State Business Portal provides public filing resources)

For additional reading on legal risk-management strategies, see our article “How a Construction Attorney Can Hammer Out Your Contract Concerns” which explains how precise contracts and early legal input save money and minimize disputes.

History, Expertise & Local Impact

For over two decades, Alves Radcliffe LLP has delivered measurable results. With more than 25 years of combined litigation experience, partners Suzanne Alves and Scott Radcliffe provide strategic, practical legal advice rooted in deep courtroom and transactional experience. The Alamo expansion continues our legacy of responsiveness, precision, and client-first service across the Bay Area.

Helping Businesses Navigate Local Growth

As Contra Costa County expands, new development brings both opportunity and complexity. Our attorneys advise contractors, developers, and business owners on compliance, risk management, and deal structuring to promote sustainable growth.

5 Ways Our Alamo Office Supports Local Clients

  1. Direct Access: Meet with attorneys locally for faster responses and in-person strategy sessions.
  2. Regional Insight: Guidance tailored to Contra Costa County rules and local planning departments.
  3. End-to-End Support: From contract drafting to litigation, services remain fully integrated.
  4. Cross-Practice Collaboration: Seamless coordination between business, construction, and real-estate divisions.
  5. Community Engagement: Our team participates in regional business events and outreach programs to stay aligned with local priorities.

What Clients Can Expect

Visiting our Alamo office means smoother consultations, quicker document exchange, and stronger collaboration on matters requiring local presence. Whether you need contract drafting, construction oversight, permit review, or representation, the Alamo team operates with the same client-first approach that defines Alves Radcliffe LLP.

If you’re in Alamo, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Danville, or the surrounding areas, consider scheduling a meeting at our new office. We look forward to partnering more closely with the communities we serve. Reach out today to arrange a consultation tailored to your legal needs. Feel free to contact us for location details, parking guidance, and office protocols. We’re excited about this new chapter and committed to making your legal experience easier, clearer, and more effective.

Top Legal Risks Investors Should Discuss With a Securities Attorney - Alves Radcliffe

Top Legal Risks Investors Should Discuss With a Securities Attorney

Every investment carries risk, but not every risk is visible. From misleading disclosures to poorly structured agreements, even experienced investors can face avoidable losses. A skilled securities attorney helps identify and reduce those risks before they grow into serious problems. Understanding these legal challenges allows investors to protect both their portfolios and their peace of mind.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance Gaps

One of the largest risks for investors is failing to keep pace with changing securities regulations. For example, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recorded 552 disciplinary actions in 2024, a jump of 22% over 453 actions in 2023. Many of these actions involved record-keeping, disclosure and supervisory failures—highlighting that even compliant-looking firms may harbor regulatory gaps. A securities attorney reviews filings, private placements and partnership documents to detect these issues early and protect investors from investigations or forfeited claims.

A securities attorney reviews filings, private placements, and partnership documents to ensure compliance with SEC and state rules. They help detect issues early and protect investors from costly investigations that could undermine otherwise sound opportunities. Clients with business ownership interests can also benefit from a corporate counsel who understands both transactional and regulatory exposure.

Misrepresentation and Fraud in Investment Offers

Not every investment pitch tells the whole story. Some exaggerate potential returns, while others hide risk or financial instability. When fraud occurs, investors often discover too late that offering documents restrict recovery options.

One California investor learned this firsthand. After joining a private technology venture recommended by a friend, he discovered key liabilities missing from disclosures. With help from a securities attorney, he filed a rescission claim and recovered most of his investment. This outcome demonstrates how early legal review protects capital before any funds are transferred.

Warning Signs of Investment Misrepresentation

Recognizing the signs early can prevent years of disputes and substantial financial loss. Be wary of these common red flags in private investment agreements:

  • Promised or “guaranteed” returns
  • No third-party audit or valuation
  • Pressure to invest before reviewing documentation
  • Missing or inconsistent financial records

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Investment advisors and company officers owe a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their clients. Breaches occur when personal profit outweighs investor protection. When advisors recommend products that serve their own financial gain, the impact can be devastating.

A securities attorney investigates whether fiduciary obligations were violated. They examine performance reports, communication records, and fee structures to uncover conflicts of interest. By presenting documented evidence and citing relevant precedent, attorneys strengthen claims during arbitration or litigation.

Insider Trading and Information Risks

Trading on material nonpublic information is illegal and carries severe penalties. Many investors underestimate how easily a casual “tip” can cross the line into insider trading. Even inadvertent involvement may result in civil enforcement or criminal liability.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) warns that acting on nonpublic information violates federal law. A securities attorney helps investors understand where ethical behavior intersects with compliance obligations and how to respond if questionable information arises during business dealings.

Dispute Resolution and Investor Recovery Options

When disputes occur, investors can pursue arbitration, mediation, or litigation. Most investment contracts include arbitration clauses that may restrict recovery if not reviewed in advance. A knowledgeable attorney helps clients interpret those clauses and ensure the right to a fair process is preserved. Attorneys can also assist with filing FINRA claims, recovering losses from fraudulent brokers, and negotiating settlements. In many cases, early involvement leads to faster, more favorable outcomes.

Effective investing requires strategic awareness. The best investors treat legal risk management as a core part of their overall financial plan. Reviewing agreements, verifying disclosures, and consulting a securities attorney establishes a framework for long-term protection. Schedule a confidential consultation with Alves Radcliffe LLP to discuss how proactive legal review can reduce exposure and help you navigate complex securities regulations with confidence.