Our Practice Areas
Helping Californians at Every Stage of Life and Business
In order to start the review of your matter, you must reach out the the relevant department, which are organized by practice area. Please read below to learn more about each, and then use the form to tell us more about your circumstances.
Estate Planning
Estate planning involves more than drafting documents. It requires understanding personal goals, business interests, tax considerations, and long-term family dynamics. We assist individuals and families with wills, trusts, incapacity planning, and strategies designed to protect assets and provide clarity. Whether preparing for retirement, succession, or unexpected events, our approach focuses on structure, foresight, and durability.
Learn MoreOur Estate Planning Areas of Focus
Corporate Business
Businesses face legal issues at every stage, from formation and governance to contracts, disputes, and restructuring. We advise companies and owners on internal operations, risk management, and conflict resolution. Our work includes helping businesses navigate disputes that can affect leadership, stability, and long-term growth.
Learn MoreOur Corportate Business Areas of Focus
Civil Litigation
Civil disputes can involve contracts, partnerships, business conflicts, employment law, or other high-stakes matters. We represent individuals and organizations across California courts, developing litigation strategies grounded in preparation and careful analysis. From initial filings through trial, we focus on protecting our clients’ interests and positioning cases for strong outcomes.
Learn MoreOur Civil Litigaion Areas of Focus
Labor & Union Representation
We represent labor unions and public sector associations across California, including law enforcement, fire services, education professionals, and state employees, in matters ranging from collective bargaining to administrative proceedings.
Our team provides guidance on proceedings before bodies such as the California State Personnel Board. We also support labor organizations in formation, governance, and focused training.
Our Labor & Union Representation Areas of Focus
California State Personnel Board
Public employees face a unique disciplinary and appeals process governed by strict procedural rules. We represent clients before the California State Personnel Board in matters involving discipline, termination, and appeals. These cases often impact careers and retirement benefits, requiring careful preparation and advocacy.
Learn MoreOur California State Personnel Board Areas of Focus
Employment Law
We represent employees across California in wage and hour disputes and class or collective actions involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, misclassification, and more. Our team handles both individual claims and large-scale litigation on behalf of groups of private sector and unionized public employees.
Learn MoreOur Employment Law Areas of Focus
Personal Injury
Serious injuries can disrupt income, stability, and long-term plans. We represent individuals injured due to negligence, working to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. These cases require careful documentation, negotiation, and, when necessary, litigation.
Learn MoreOur Personal Injury Areas of Focus
Employment Law
We represent employees across California in wage and hour disputes and class or collective actions involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, misclassification, and more. Our team handles both individual claims and large-scale litigation on behalf of groups of private sector and unionized public employees.
Learn MoreOur Employment Law Areas of Focus
Veterans Benefits
Veterans often encounter delays or denials in pursuing benefits they earned through service. We assist with claims preparation, appeals, and representation in related proceedings, helping veterans navigate complex requirements and documentation processes.
Learn MoreOur Veterans Benefits Areas of Focus
Criminal Defense
Criminal charges can affect employment, reputation, and personal freedom. We defend individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges, ensuring rights are protected and evidence is thoroughly examined. Our work involves early intervention, negotiation when appropriate, and trial preparation when necessary.
Learn MoreOur Criminal Defense Areas of Focus
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Our Approach
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience across multiple areas of law. That experience shapes how we evaluate cases, identify risks, and anticipate how matters are likely to unfold. Preparation is central to our work. We believe effective advocacy begins long before a hearing or trial.
Clients receive direct counsel. We are candid about strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes. Clear communication and disciplined strategy guide each stage of representation. Matters are handled thoroughly, with attention to both immediate concerns and longer-term implications.
Across practice areas, our team works collaboratively. Attorneys, labor representatives, and professional staff coordinate to ensure that cases are managed efficiently and consistently. Whether advising a business, defending a professional license, or representing an individual in court, our focus remains steady: informed strategy, careful preparation, and committed advocacy.
Getting Started With
Goyette, Ruano + Ulmer
Step 1
Share the details of your situation so we can understand the legal issues involved.
Step 2
We evaluate your options and outline a practical strategy.
Step 3
If we move forward together, we take the lead and stay engaged through resolution.
Not Sure Where Your Legal Issue Fits Within the Above?
Many circumstances do not fall neatly into a single category. A conversation with our full-service California law firm can help you learn more about where you stand now, and what your options are.
Our FAQs
Most companies wait until there is a dispute. Often, earlier involvement makes a difference. A California corporate attorney can assist with contracts, governance, restructuring, and internal conflicts before they disrupt operations. We advise businesses throughout Northern and Central California on practical legal strategy.
Collective bargaining and grievance matters can affect operations and leadership decisions. A California labor representative can help employers prepare, respond, and negotiate from a position of structure and clarity. Goyette, Ruano + Ulmer represents employers statewide in labor negotiations and related proceedings.
State Personnel Board matters move quickly and follow strict rules. If you are a public employee in Sacramento, Modesto, or elsewhere in California, early legal guidance can help protect your position and benefits. We represent public employees in appeals and disciplinary proceedings.
Some disagreements resolve informally. Others require formal action. A California civil litigation attorney can assess the risks, evidence, and timing before filing suit. Goyette, Ruano + Ulmer represents individuals and businesses in courts across California, including San Francisco and Fresno.
Criminal charges create immediate uncertainty. A California criminal defense lawyer reviews the evidence, protects your rights, and prepares a defense strategy. Early involvement matters. We represent individuals facing charges across the state and are ready to help you.
Licensing investigations often begin quietly but can carry serious consequences. Speaking with a California license defense attorney early can help you respond appropriately and protect your credentials. We represent professionals across California facing board investigations and disciplinary action. Don’t let your license slip away, fight back with experienced advisors.
Yes. Benefits denials often involve documentation or procedural issues that can be addressed on appeal. A California veterans benefits lawyer can review your file and determine the appropriate next steps. We assist veterans statewide in pursuing the benefits they earned.
Most cases begin with a conversation about what happened and how the injury has affected your life. A California personal injury attorney evaluates liability, damages, and insurance coverage before advising on next steps. We represent injured clients in Sacramento, Fresno, and across Northern and Central California.
Legal issues do not always fit neatly into one category. If you are unsure where to begin, a brief conversation can help identify the right direction. Goyette, Ruano + Ulmer serves clients throughout California, including Sacramento, Modesto, Redwood City, and San Francisco.