Rafael Rios | Saint Helena Small Business Lawyer

• Napa County Bar Association Member
  1994 - Present
• Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Mexican-American Vintners Association
  Present

• Over 25 years of experience practicing law.

I assisted a woman whose husband passed away transfer the family home into her and her minor son's name through probate. The home was the only asset of the estate and title was in the deceased husband's name alone. There was a mortgage on the property and she had no idea what to do. Some time had passed before she found me. We were able to deal with the husbands creditors and she and her son were able to keep the home.

To build a successful practice you have to build and maintain an excellent reputation for being honest, truthful, practical, and realistic about what you can and cannot do for the client. You have to listen and identify the client's real problems and goals. You must work with the client and not in isolation from the client to formulate a plan or strategy achieve the best outcome you can and always keep the client involved.

See above.

Very important in some cases, in business and real estate transactions and disputes it is very helpful to be familiar with the local economy and market, knowing and having worked with or against other local attorneys often broadens the possibilities for structuring deals and/or reaching settlement. In matter that go before out local courts, its always helpful to have an attorney with whom the judges and court personel are familiar.

An orientation, feedback to that allows the potential client to better assess his or her case. People often base their expectation on what other non-lawyers have told them or something they read - which is almost always inaccurate. That initial orientation can often help reset expectations, a better understanding of the potential clients matter, and often helps relieve some stress.

The names and contact information for everyone involved in the matter for conflicts checks.

I grew up in my community, I have an excellent reputation in my community. My goal is to educate the client so that we can work together on their matter which often leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction to the client.

Helping my clients be successful.

Business. I also have an MBA and enjoy consulting with clients in planning and operating their businesses.

I serve on our local community college board of trustees