Buffington & Aaron

Navigating the complexities of legal matters can often feel daunting, whether you're a business owner seeking strategic counsel or an individual planning for the future. For residents and businesses across California, particularly those in the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, finding a trusted and experienced legal partner is paramount. This is where firms like Buffington & Aaron step in, offering a long-standing reputation for professional, insightful, and client-focused legal services. They have been a cornerstone of the San Francisco legal landscape, providing essential guidance across a range of specialized practice areas.

While Buffington & Aaron itself has a distinguished history, it's important for potential clients to note a significant development. As of January 1, 2025, the lawyers who comprised Buffington & Aaron, including George Buffington and Diane Aaron, have joined forces with Sideman & Bancroft LLP, a well-established San Francisco law firm with a history dating back to 1978. This strategic move aims to provide clients with even greater depth of experience and a broader range of legal offerings, combining the focused expertise of Buffington & Aaron with the comprehensive resources of a larger firm. This transition ensures that the dedicated service and specialized knowledge clients have come to expect continue under a new, enhanced umbrella. This article will focus on the legacy and expertise brought by the professionals formerly of Buffington & Aaron, now integrated into Sideman & Bancroft.

This collaboration means that individuals and businesses in California seeking assistance with complex business, tax, and estate planning matters can now benefit from the combined strengths of both entities. The commitment to delivering high-quality legal solutions and personalized attention remains at the forefront, now supported by an even more expansive network of legal professionals and resources.

Location and Accessibility

The firm, now operating under the Sideman & Bancroft LLP name, maintains a central and highly accessible location in the heart of San Francisco. Their office is situated at 388 Market St #900, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. This prime downtown address places them within easy reach for clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Being located on Market Street, one of San Francisco's major thoroughfares, means excellent connectivity via public transportation. BART and Muni lines are readily available, making it convenient for individuals traveling from various neighborhoods within the city or from surrounding communities in the East Bay, North Bay, and Peninsula. The Embarcadero BART and Muni station is just a short walk away, offering direct access from numerous locations. For those driving, the office's downtown location is well-served by nearby parking garages, although it's always advisable to plan for city parking in advance. The proximity to major financial and business districts further enhances its accessibility for corporate clients and allows for efficient meetings and collaborations.

Services Offered

The legal professionals who were formerly part of Buffington & Aaron, and are now with Sideman & Bancroft LLP, bring a wealth of experience in specialized legal areas. Their practice primarily focuses on:

• Business Formation and Succession Planning: Assisting new and established businesses with the legal groundwork for their operations, including structuring, agreements, and strategic planning for future transitions or growth. This includes comprehensive counsel on optimizing benefits for business owners while minimizing costs and complexity.
• Tax Law: Providing expert guidance on complex tax matters for both individuals and businesses. This encompasses navigating intricate tax regulations, advising on compliance, and strategizing for tax efficiency.
• Estate Planning: Helping clients establish comprehensive estate plans that protect assets, ensure smooth wealth transfer, and address end-of-life wishes. This involves wills, trusts, probate, and other related legal instruments designed to secure your legacy.
• Commercial Litigation: Representing clients in various business disputes, including breach of contract claims, real estate disputes, business fraud, investment fraud, and labor and employment disputes. The firm emphasizes aggressive preparation for trial while also exploring alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration.
• Employee Benefits Law: Expertise in retirement planning matters, including the preparation and amendment of various benefit plans (401(k), defined benefit, ESOPs, etc.), ensuring compliance, and resolving issues related to employee welfare benefits like COBRA.

Features / Highlights

The professionals associated with Buffington & Aaron (now part of Sideman & Bancroft LLP) are distinguished by several key features and highlights that set them apart:

• Specialized Expertise: The attorneys possess deep knowledge in their specific practice areas, particularly in business, tax, and estate law. This specialization allows them to offer nuanced and highly effective solutions for complex legal challenges. For instance, George Buffington has a broad background in business and is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant, providing a unique financial perspective to legal issues.
• Client-Centric Approach: Testimonials highlight a strong commitment to client support and clear communication. Clients consistently praise the firm's attorneys for their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to explain complex legal concepts in an understandable manner.
• Strategic and Proactive Counsel: The firm is known for its forward-thinking approach, helping clients anticipate potential issues and implement proactive strategies to mitigate risks, particularly in business formation and succession planning.
• Litigation Acumen: With a strong focus on commercial litigation, the attorneys are prepared to take cases to trial when necessary, while also skilled in leveraging alternative dispute resolution methods to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. Their preparation for trial is described as aggressive and thorough.
• Reputation and Trust: The integration with Sideman & Bancroft LLP further solidifies their standing in the legal community, combining the trusted reputation of Buffington & Aaron with the broader resources and established history of Sideman & Bancroft.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotional offers may vary and are best confirmed directly with the firm, the attorneys formerly of Buffington & Aaron (now with Sideman & Bancroft LLP) have historically offered free initial consultations for business litigation matters. This practice allows potential clients to discuss their situation, receive an initial assessment, and understand their legal options without an upfront financial commitment. It reflects a commitment to client accessibility and informed decision-making. We recommend contacting Sideman & Bancroft LLP directly to inquire about current consultation policies or any other special offers they may have for new clients seeking their specialized legal services.

Contact Information

To connect with the legal team that includes the professionals formerly of Buffington & Aaron, now at Sideman & Bancroft LLP, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 388 Market St #900, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
• Phone: (415) 391-9600
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-391-9600

Given the recent integration, it's always advisable to confirm specific contact procedures or direct lines with Sideman & Bancroft LLP, as the broader firm may have updated contact protocols. However, the listed phone numbers should connect you to their San Francisco office.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For California residents, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area, seeking sophisticated and reliable legal counsel in business, tax, or estate planning, the legal professionals formerly of Buffington & Aaron, now integrated into Sideman & Bancroft LLP, represent an exceptional choice. Their long-standing reputation for expertise, combined with a deeply client-focused approach, ensures that individuals and businesses receive tailored and effective legal solutions.

The strategic move to join Sideman & Bancroft LLP has only enhanced their capabilities, providing clients with access to a wider array of resources and a larger team of accomplished attorneys, all while maintaining the personalized attention that was a hallmark of Buffington & Aaron. This collaboration means that whether you're establishing a new venture, navigating complex tax implications, or meticulously planning your estate, you have access to top-tier legal minds right in the heart of San Francisco.

Their central location on Market Street ensures easy accessibility for locals, whether by public transport or car, making legal consultations convenient and stress-free. The commitment to understanding each client's unique needs and delivering practical, strategic advice makes them a highly suitable partner for addressing your most important legal matters. Choosing them means choosing a team dedicated to protecting your interests and helping you achieve your personal and business objectives with confidence.