Business Details
38 Years
experience
Northern California Legal Services
Wheatley, Sopp & Madsen LLP has provided comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses in Northern California since 1988. Our firm combines decades of legal experience with personalized attention to deliver strategic solutions across diverse practice areas including business law, real estate, estate planning, and civil litigation. We maintain the highest standards of legal proficiency and ethical integrity, as evidenced by our AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell - the legal profession's most respected peer-review system. Our attorneys bring specialized expertise in complex legal matters while maintaining deep local knowledge of Sacramento, Amador, El Dorado, and Placer County jurisdictions.We prioritize client communication and transparent representation, ensuring clients receive practical legal counsel tailored to their specific needs. Our commitment to excellence extends to every case, whether representing businesses in commercial transactions or individuals in estate matters. We maintain strong community ties through our Folsom office, serving clients throughout Northern California with dedicated legal advocacy.
Services
Business Formation
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Transactions
Estate Planning
Franchising Law
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of combined legal experience in Northern California
- Our attorneys maintain AV Preeminent peer-review ratings for legal excellence
- We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's needs
- Our team has deep local knowledge of Sacramento area jurisdictions
- We combine big-firm expertise with personalized client service
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
Services
Business Formation
Our attorneys provide comprehensive business formation services including entity selection, incorporation, and compliance documentation. We help entrepreneurs establish corporations, LLCs, and partnerships while considering tax implications and liability protection. Our legal team ensures proper registration with state authorities and prepares essential governance documents.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in civil litigation matters involving business disputes, real estate conflicts, and personal injury claims. Our experienced trial attorneys develop strategic approaches for dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation. We handle complex litigation cases with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes while minimizing client costs.
Real Estate Transactions
Our firm handles all aspects of real estate transactions including purchase agreements, title examinations, and closing documentation. We represent buyers, sellers, and lenders in residential and commercial property transactions. Our legal services ensure compliance with California real estate regulations and protect client interests throughout the transaction process.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and advanced healthcare directives. Our attorneys help clients protect assets, minimize estate taxes, and ensure proper inheritance distribution. We provide probate representation and trust administration services to guide families through post-death legal requirements.
Franchising Law
Our legal team assists franchisors and franchisees with franchise agreement negotiations, compliance matters, and dispute resolution. We provide guidance on franchise disclosure documents, territory agreements, and operational requirements. Our services help businesses maintain compliance with federal and state franchise regulations.
People
Donald P. Madsen
Attorney
Donald P. Madsen brings extensive legal experience in business transactions and real estate law. He focuses on providing practical legal solutions for corporate clients while maintaining strong client relationships. His practice emphasizes contract negotiations and commercial real estate matters.
Richard D. Sopp
Attorney
Richard D. Sopp specializes in civil litigation and estate planning. With decades of courtroom experience, he represents clients in complex legal disputes while offering strategic estate planning guidance. His practice balances aggressive advocacy with practical legal counsel.
Robert M. Wheatley
Attorney
Robert M. Wheatley focuses on real estate law and business formation. He helps entrepreneurs establish new businesses and guides clients through property transactions. His practice emphasizes clear communication and proactive legal representation for individuals and small businesses.
Questions
What areas of law does Wheatley Sopp & Madsen specialize in?
We specialize in business law, real estate transactions, estate planning, civil litigation, and franchising law for Northern California clients.
How long has the firm been in practice?
Our attorneys have provided legal services in Northern California since 1988, with decades of combined legal experience.
What locations do you serve?
We serve clients throughout Sacramento, Amador, El Dorado, and Placer Counties from our Folsom office.
What makes your firm different?
We combine AV Preeminent-rated legal expertise with personalized service and deep local knowledge of Northern California jurisdictions.