
Louis R. Chao, Business Attorney in Pasadena, California
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and Construction
AssociateatCollins + Collins LLP
Pasadena, CA
Practicing business in Pasadena since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Louis R. Chao?
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Quick answer
Louis R. Chao is an associate based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Construction. Louis has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Collins + Collins LLP.
- Based in
- Pasadena, CA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Business · Class Action · Construction
- Handles Business, Class Action, and Construction matters from Pasadena, CA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Louis R. Chao: Louis R. Chao is an associate based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Construction. Louis has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Collins + Collins LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Louis R. Chao
Louis concentrates on business, class action, construction, health care, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Louis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Class Action
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Construction
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Health Care
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Slip & Fall
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Business cases in Pasadena, California
Louis takes business matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Louis agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Pasadena, California
Louis takes class action matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Louis agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Pasadena, California
Louis takes construction matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Louis agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Pasadena, California
Louis takes health care matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Louis agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Pasadena, California
Louis takes insurance matters in Pasadena, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Louis agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Louis R. Chao — Over 31 years of California business experience
Louis R. Chao is an associate based in Pasadena, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Construction. Louis has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Collins + Collins LLP.
Louis's approach to business cases
Louis R. Chao practices at Collins + Collins LLP Read Full Bio
The kind of cases Louis takes
Louis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and construction matters in Pasadena and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Louis R. Chao's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego
J.D. · 1995
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Louis's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1995 · ACTIVE
Louis studied at J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Louis completed J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Louis runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Louis's professional memberships and bar associations
Los Angeles County Bar Association State Bar of California Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
membership
Locations
Louis R. Chao's office in Pasadena
Louis's primary office is at 790 E Colorado Blvd, 6th Floor, Pasadena, CA, 91101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Louis R. Chao
Louis has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Louis R. Chao — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Louis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Louis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Louis's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Louis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Pasadena, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Louis
Louis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Louis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Louis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Louis R. Chao
How much does it cost to hire Louis for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Louis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Louis offer a free consultation?
Louis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Louis's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Louis's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Louis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Louis take my case if I'm outside Pasadena?
Louis is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Louis will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Louis?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Louis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Louis accepting new business clients right now?
Louis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Pasadena, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Louis handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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