Peter M. Stanwyck

Peter M. Stanwyck is an Oakland business attorney who advises small and midsize Bay Area companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals. His practice focuses on business formation, contracts, leases, acquisitions, sales, and dispute resolution. He helps clients structure partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies and address questions involving employees and independent contractors. Since 1975, his legal work has centered on ongoing business relationships and the decisions business owners face as their operations develop or change.

Peter graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968 and from its Boalt Hall School of Law in June 1971. He was admitted to practice in California in January 1972. As an undergraduate, he participated in debate and later coached the university’s debate team while studying law. His legal education and early interest in argument and communication helped lay the foundation for a career involving negotiation, business counseling, and the resolution of commercial disagreements.

Peter advises business owners buying and selling companies, negotiating commercial agreements, and managing ownership or contract issues. His transactional practice includes entity formation, contract preparation, lease negotiations, and advice about working relationships with employees and contractors. When conflicts arise, he uses negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation to address them. His work reflects experience with both preventive legal planning and the practical steps required when business disputes interrupt an organization’s operations. He also advises clients facing changes in business ownership, operating responsibilities, and contractual commitments.

Peter M. Stanwyck has served in community leadership roles, including chair of the Oakland Library Commission, vice president of the Oakland Zoo, and treasurer of the Oakland Museum Association. He has also served on the boards of the Oakland Ballet and Easter Seals. His approach to business law emphasizes sustained relationships and providing useful information before important decisions are made. He aims to help business clients manage legal issues while continuing to pursue their commercial goals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Law Offices of Peter M. Stanwyck
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Chairman, Oakland Library Commission
• Vice President, Oakland Zoo
• Treasurer, Oakland Museum Association
• Board Member, Oakland Ballet
• Board Member, Easter Seal Society
• Coach/manager, Little League Baseball

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California, Berkeley
  Graduated

Awards & Badges