Firm Overview
I, William Dickerman, am the firm’s principal. I have been practicing law in Southern California since 1977. I have been awarded the legal profession’s highest recognition for both legal competence and ethical conduct: the coveted Martindale-Hubbell “AV” rating. The “A” rating is for legal ability and takes into consideration experience, nature of practice, and qualifications. It places me in the “very high” to “preeminent” class. The “V” rating is for general ethical standards.
Nothing is more important to me than having my clients feel secure in entrusting me with their important concerns. I pledge to do everything to justify your trust. Whether you are general corporate counsel, a Fortune 500 company, a small business, or an individual, I want you to be able to sleep well, knowing that I am at work to get you the best possible result at a very reasonable cost.
I emphasize working closely with our clients, because no one knows your business and your goals as well as you do. I communicate regularly with my clients and seek their continuing input, treating you with the regard and respect to which you are entitled. Many clients come to me to escape their attorneys, who can’t be bothered to communicate or return calls, and then present outrageous invoices. My staff and I return phone calls promptly. You will never need to wonder about the status of your case. This is one factor that accounts for the many fine long-term relationships that I have developed with my clients.
I strive to ensure that my clients achieve their legal goals in the most cost-effective manner possible: I don’t want my clients to fight the good fight into bankruptcy. Here is what one appreciative long-time client has to say about the attention I pay to efficient case resolution:
I have many friends and business acquaintances who are attorneys, but I always tell people who need legal representation to call Bill Dickerman first. The reason is simple. For the several legal matters you’ve handled for me over the years, I’ve always been impressed by your ability to apply your legal expertise in a practical, efficient manner, bringing issues to a speedy conclusion with a minimal of hassle and expense.
B. Usen, President/CEO
I will provide you with the information you need to make a wise decision regarding the best way to proceed:
- I will give you a clear sense of the potential outcomes of your case. If I believe it isn’t worth pursuing, I will not hesitate to say so.
- I will provide you the option of negotiation, mediation, or litigation, explaining the benefits and risks of each.
- I will give you a cost-benefit analysis of each option so you understand the possible financial impact of your actions.
To achieve the best possible result in a legal matter, the opposition needs to know that your lawyer will aggressively and effectively represent you. If you wish to litigate against serious opposition, you need an experienced and aggressive litigator with results to back him up. Otherwise, your opposition will not give your case the respect that it deserves.
Whether I achieve your goals through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial depends on the specifics of your case, your litigation objectives, and such practical considerations as time and expense. No matter what litigation strategy is best suited to your situation, I commit myself to your position and see it through to the end. Relatively few cases need to go to trial: but sound strategy and preparation promote excellent results through negotiated settlements or such alternative dispute resolution techniques as mediation and arbitration.
My firm is unusual in that we will accept appropriate business and personal litigation matters on a contingency fee basis. Sensitive to clients’ concerns about the high cost of lawsuits, I try to enable every client to afford access to the legal system.