Pavel Kolmogorov

I am a seasoned and accomplished litigator with a distinguished track record of success in navigating complex civil litigation. I earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, one of the nation’s most prestigious legal institutions, and am admitted to the State Bar of California and Washington D.C. My career spans a wide range of legal practice areas, including business litigation, trademark and copyright disputes, inverse condemnation, defamation, premises liability, and personal injury cases.

My deep understanding of the legal system, coupled with my sharp analytical skills and strategic thinking, has enabled me to achieve outstanding results for my clients. I have successfully represented individuals and businesses in State and Federal Courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations, consistently delivering favorable outcomes in high-stakes disputes.

Known for my meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to my clients, I provide exceptional legal representation tailored to meet the unique needs of each case. Whether tackling intricate legal challenges or fighting for justice, my professionalism and dedication make me a trusted ally for those seeking outstanding legal services.

University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Litigation Counsel

Kolmogorov Law

2024 - Current

Senior Litigation Counsel

Brower Law Group, APC

2021 - 2024

Litigation Associate

Barrington Legal, Inc.

2019 - 2021

Attorney

Hausfeld, LLP

2017 - 2018

Business Lawyer for Corporations in California

Pavel Kolmogorov

June 2, 2025

Motion to Compel Guide

Pavel Kolmogorov

June 1, 2025

Civil Litigation Deadlines Quick Guide (California)

Pavel Kolmogorov

May 29, 2025

Understanding Pleading and Motions in California Civil Litigation

Pavel Kolmogorov

May 22, 2025

Breach of Real Estate Contract in California: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Investment

Pavel Kolmogorov

May 12, 2025

Navigating Complex Civil Disputes: Strategies to Success

February 3, 2025

The Price of Business, Radio Show

https://usabusinessradio.com/navigating-complex-civil-disputes-strategies-to-success/

Corporate Finance Fundamentals

Berkeley Law Executive Education

2024

Client's Choice

Avvo

2025

Client's Choice

Avvo

2024

Silver Client Champion

Martindale-Hubbell

2024

California State Bar  # 321018

2018 - Current

California

State Bar of California

ID Number: 321018

Since 2018

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

ID Number: 90017982

Since 2023

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Q. How can I exit a home co-ownership with repair disagreements?

June 25, 2025

A: If you wish to exit quickly and cannot reach an agreement, filing a partition action is your most direct legal option. A partition action compels either the physical division of the property or (more commonly) its sale, with proceeds divided according to ownership interests (CCP §§ 872.010 – 874.240). Given it's a residential fixer-upper, a court typically orders a sale and distributes proceeds after deducting reasonable costs and fees.

Regarding the repairs, under the law, a co-owner who unilaterally incurs repair expenses typically cannot force other co-owners to reimburse costs unless those expenditures were reasonably necessary to preserve the property (Civil Code § 843). Routine improvements or renovations that are not critical to maintaining or preserving property value usually require the consent of all co-owners.

I would suggest that you notify your partner (preferably in writing/email) of your refusal to consent to repairs and your unwillingness to pay. Then, attempt mediation or negotiation to reach a voluntary buyout or agreement. If not successful, file a partition action to force a sale. ... Read More

Q. Is it legal for a board member to use employees for another company?

June 12, 2025

A: Generally speaking, the situation you've described is not allowed. Here are the main issues I see:

1. Director’s Breach of Duty: Directors must act in the best interests of their company and its shareholders. Using the company's employees for another business without proper approval, documentation, or payment could be seen as self-dealing—essentially, the director benefiting personally at the company's expense. This is a violation of the director’s duty of loyalty.

2. Wage and Employment Issues: Your company is currently paying employees for work they're doing for someone else. This could create wage and hour problems, such as unpaid overtime or missed breaks. Both your company and the director's other company could face legal responsibility as joint employers, exposing you to significant financial and legal risks.

3. Insurance Risks: Your insurance policies (including workers’ compensation) cover employees only when they're performing tasks for your company. If someone gets injured while working for the other business, your insurer might refuse to cover it, forcing your company to bear these costs directly.

4. Competition and Corporate Opportunity Issues: The director is effectively taking resources from your company and giving them to his other business for free. This unfair advantage can lead to legal claims against him, including claims for unfair business practices or lawsuits from shareholders.

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Legal counsel can advise you on your options, including possibly stopping this practice through the courts, recovering lost wages, or even removing the director from his position. ... Read More

Q. Is the Manager's conduct lawful in altering contact without notice in a CA LLC?

May 16, 2025

A: The manager's conduct in changing the contact method without notice or consent may not be lawful under California LLC laws and the operating agreement, depending on the specific terms of the operating agreement and the manager's fiduciary duties. California law provides that the operating agreement governs the relationship between members and managers, as well as the conduct of the LLC's activities. If the operating agreement specifies a particular contact for the manager and does not allow unilateral changes without member consent, the manager's actions could violate the agreement (Cal. Corp. Code, § 17701.10)

Additionally, managers in a manager-managed LLC owe fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the LLC and its members, and they must act in good faith and deal fairly with the members. (Cal. Corp. Code, § 17704.09) Changing the contact method in a way that restricts access to financial information or communication with the manager could potentially breach these duties.

Under California law, members of an LLC have the right to request and receive certain financial information, including annual cash flow statements, for purposes reasonably related to their interests as members. For LLCs with more than 35 members, the manager is required to provide an annual report containing financial statements, including a statement of cash flows, within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year. Members representing at least 5% of the voting interests or three or more members may also request interim financial statements, which must be provided within 30 days of the request. (Cal. Corp. Code, § 17704.10) If the manager or investor relations team fails to provide this information, they may be in violation of these statutory requirements.

To regain direct communication with the manager, you should first review the operating agreement to determine whether the manager's actions violate its terms. If the operating agreement has been breached, you may consider taking legal action to enforce its provisions. Additionally, you can make a formal written request for the financial information you are entitled to under California law. If the manager fails to comply, you may seek a court order compelling the manager to provide the requested information. Furthermore, if the manager's conduct constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty, you may have grounds to pursue a claim for damages or other remedies. (Cal. Corp. Code, §§ 17701.10, 17704.09, 17704.10) ... Read More