Business Details
27 Years
experience
Civil Law Attorney Serving Northern California
Established in 1999, our firm brings decades of combined legal expertise to clients across Northern California. With a background in forestry and timber operations, we uniquely bridge industry knowledge with legal practice in civil matters. Our focus areas include real property disputes, estate planning, business transactions, and environmental law. We have represented clients in complex litigation involving easements, construction defects, and land use regulations. Our practice extends to probate proceedings and administrative law, serving individuals and businesses alike. As a former director of key industry associations, we maintain deep connections within the forestry and legal communities.Our commitment to personalized service ensures tailored legal strategies for each client's unique needs. Located in Palo Cedro, we serve Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Shasta Counties with dedicated representation. We maintain active involvement in local planning and conservation efforts, reflecting our community-focused approach. Our track record of successful case outcomes demonstrates our proficiency in navigating both state and federal legal systems.
Services
General Civil Practice
Real Estate Law
Forestry & Logging
Business Contracts
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Environmental Law
Land Use
Agricultural Law
Construction Defects
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Licensed in California state and federal courts including US Supreme Court
- 25 years of timber industry experience prior to legal practice
- Former chairman of California Forestry Association Board of Directors
- Active participant in local land use planning commissions
- Successfully passed California bar exam on first attempt
Services
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles property disputes, title issues, and land transactions. We represent clients in boundary disputes, easement negotiations, and real property litigation. With deep understanding of Northern California's unique land use challenges, we protect property rights through strategic legal action and settlement negotiations.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance healthcare directives. Our approach considers each client's family dynamics and asset structure to ensure proper succession planning. We help clients establish living trusts to avoid probate and maintain privacy in estate administration.
Forestry Law
Specializing in forestry-related legal matters, we represent clients in timber operations compliance and environmental regulations. Our unique background in forestry management informs our representation of clients in logging permits, land use conflicts, and environmental enforcement actions.
Business Contracts
We assist businesses with contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution. Our services include business formation, partnership agreements, and commercial transaction documentation. We help clients resolve contract breaches and enforce business agreements through litigation when necessary.
Probate Law
Our probate practice guides executors through estate administration processes. We handle will validation, asset distribution, and creditor claims resolution. With experience in contested probate matters, we represent estates and beneficiaries in disputes over testamentary intent and asset management.
People
Thomas M. Herman
Attorney & Owner
Licensed since 1989, Tom Herman combines forestry expertise with legal practice. Former timber industry manager with 25 years' experience, now focusing on civil law in Northern California. Specializes in real estate, environmental law, and estate planning.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus on civil law including real estate disputes, estate planning, forestry regulations, business contracts, and probate matters across Northern California.
How long have you been practicing law?
I've practiced law since 1989, with independent practice since 1999, combining legal expertise with 25 years of prior forestry industry experience.
Which counties do you serve?
Our practice covers Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Shasta Counties, with court admissions throughout California and federal circuits.
Can you handle complex litigation cases?
Yes, we have extensive experience in complex civil litigation including boundary disputes, construction defects, and environmental regulation cases.
