Buffington & Aaron

For residents and businesses across San Francisco and throughout the greater California region, complex legal matters often require the focused attention of experienced professionals. Navigating the intricacies of business disputes, real estate challenges, or complex trust and estate issues demands not only legal acumen but also a personalized approach. Buffington & Aaron, A Law Corporation, has established itself as a reputable boutique law firm in San Francisco, dedicated to providing high-level legal services in specialized areas. This article aims to offer a comprehensive overview of Buffington & Aaron, detailing their areas of practice, their commitment to clients, and why they are a suitable choice for locals in California seeking sophisticated legal solutions.

The accessibility of legal counsel is paramount for clients, and Buffington & Aaron's office is strategically located to serve the diverse needs of the California community. The firm is situated at 388 Market St #900, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This address places them firmly within San Francisco's vibrant Financial District, a hub of business activity and easily reachable for individuals from various parts of the Bay Area and beyond.

The 388 Market Street location offers exceptional convenience. It is well-served by San Francisco's extensive public transportation network, including Muni bus lines and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations, all within a comfortable walking distance. This makes the office accessible for clients commuting from different neighborhoods within San Francisco, as well as from surrounding cities in the East Bay, North Bay, and South Bay. For those traveling by car, numerous commercial parking facilities are available in the vicinity, ensuring that clients have viable options for reaching their appointments. The central and prestigious location not only reflects the firm's professional standing but also underscores its commitment to client convenience, making it a practical choice for legal representation for California residents.

Buffington & Aaron distinguishes itself by focusing on several key areas of litigation and advisory services, allowing their attorneys to develop deep expertise and provide highly effective solutions. Their practice areas are tailored to address the sophisticated needs of individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, and other entities. While recent public information indicates that the core attorneys, George Buffington and Diane Aaron, and Laurie Cross, have joined Sideman & Bancroft, LLP, the services they provided under the Buffington & Aaron name continue to reflect their significant expertise. These services include:

• Business Litigation: Representing businesses in a wide array of disputes, including breach of contract, partnership disputes, fraud, unfair competition, and other commercial disagreements. They aim to resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial.

• Real Estate Litigation: Handling disputes related to real property, such as purchase and sale agreements, property line disputes, landlord-tenant issues (for commercial properties), title disputes, and construction defects. Their expertise helps clients protect their real estate investments and rights.

• Trust & Estate Litigation: Providing robust representation in contentious probate matters, trust disputes, will contests, allegations of elder financial abuse, and fiduciary breaches. They assist beneficiaries, trustees, and executors in navigating complex and often emotionally charged situations to protect inheritances and ensure wishes are honored.

• Small Businesses: Offering comprehensive legal advice to small to medium-sized businesses, including matters related to business formation and succession planning, operations, acquisitions, and compliance. This holistic support helps businesses thrive while mitigating legal risks.

• Financial Elder Abuse: Protecting elderly clients from financial exploitation, including cases involving undue influence, fraud, and misappropriation of assets. This crucial service helps vulnerable individuals and their families recover lost assets and hold perpetrators accountable.

• Assault & Battery: Representing individuals who have suffered harm as a result of intentional physical contact, seeking compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

• Employee Benefits Law (ERISA): Specializing in advising businesses on the complexities of employee retirement plans (e.g., 401(k), defined benefit, ESOPs), executive compensation, and other employee welfare benefits. This includes compliance with IRS and DOL regulations, plan design, and fiduciary duties. (This area reflects Diane Aaron's specific expertise).

• Tax Law and Planning: Providing counsel on various tax matters for businesses and individuals, including tax planning, tax controversies, and governmental audits, aimed at optimizing benefits and minimizing tax liabilities. (This area reflects George Buffington's specific expertise).

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Transactions: Advising on the legal aspects of buying and selling businesses, including due diligence, contract drafting, and negotiation, ensuring smooth and legally sound transitions.

The firm’s reputation and success are built upon several key features that set them apart in the California legal market:

• Boutique Firm Advantage: As a boutique law firm (prior to the recent transition), Buffington & Aaron was able to offer a highly personalized and accessible level of service. This approach fosters strong client relationships and ensures direct communication with experienced attorneys.

• Proven Trial Attorneys: The firm emphasizes its strength as "trial lawyers and negotiators." This singular focus on litigation means they are always prepared to take a case to court if a favorable settlement cannot be reached, providing clients with robust advocacy.

• AV 5.0 Peer Review Rated Partners: Both George Buffington and Diane Aaron have consistently achieved an AV 5.0 Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. This peer recognition underscores their exceptional competence and integrity within the legal profession.

• Creative Problem Solving: The attorneys at Buffington & Aaron are known for their ability to find "creative solutions to difficult problems." This innovative approach helps clients achieve optimal outcomes even in complex or challenging legal situations.

• Responsiveness and Efficiency: Clients benefit from the firm's commitment to being responsive, accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. These operational qualities are crucial for managing client expectations and delivering value.

• Collaborative Approach: The firm has historically worked closely with other professionals such as accountants and financial advisors, adopting a team approach to identify clients' goals and produce comprehensive business solutions.

• Extensive Experience of Principals: George Buffington and Diane Aaron have collaborated for over 25 years, bringing decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of their practice areas. George Buffington's career spans over 40 years.

In the legal profession, particularly for sophisticated areas like business, real estate, and trust & estate litigation, traditional "promotions" are not typically offered. However, law firms often provide an initial consultation service. While specific details on Buffington & Aaron's consultation fee policy (if any, post-transition) are not explicitly stated, it is a common practice for firms of their caliber to offer a comprehensive initial meeting. This allows prospective clients in California to discuss their specific legal needs, understand the complexity of their situation, and explore potential strategies without an immediate financial commitment for the full scope of work. This provides immense value by enabling clients to make informed decisions about their legal representation. Individuals interested in their services are encouraged to inquire about the terms of an initial consultation when contacting the firm.

For individuals and businesses in California seeking experienced legal counsel in the areas of business, real estate, trust & estate litigation, or sophisticated tax and employee benefits matters, you can contact Buffington & Aaron at the following details:

• Address: 388 Market St #900, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

• Phone: (415) 391-9600

• Mobile Phone: +1 415-391-9600

It is important to note for potential clients that the attorneys George Buffington, Diane Aaron, and Laurie Cross, who constituted Buffington & Aaron, have joined Sideman & Bancroft, LLP as of January 1, 2025. While the contact numbers above for Buffington & Aaron may still be active or redirect, for the most up-to-date contact information and to confirm their current practice under the Sideman & Bancroft umbrella, it would be advisable to also consult the Sideman & Bancroft LLP website or call their main line.

For locals in San Francisco and across California, Buffington & Aaron, now with its key attorneys integrated into Sideman & Bancroft, LLP, continues to represent a highly suitable choice for specialized legal needs. Their central San Francisco location offers convenient access, while the deep expertise of George Buffington and Diane Aaron in areas like business litigation, real estate litigation, trust & estate disputes, and complex tax and employee benefits law provides a significant advantage. The firm's reputation for highly ethical standards (AV 5.0 Peer Review Rated), creative problem-solving, and a client-focused, responsive approach ensures that individuals and businesses receive sophisticated and effective legal representation. For Californians navigating challenging disputes or planning complex business and estate matters, engaging with attorneys who possess such a breadth of experience and a commitment to personalized service, as exemplified by the former Buffington & Aaron partners, is crucial for achieving favorable and efficient outcomes.