Christopher John Bakes, Business Attorney in Sacramento, California
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratLocke Lord Llp
Sacramento, CA
Practicing business in Sacramento since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Christopher John Bakes?
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Quick answer
Christopher John Bakes is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Christopher has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Sacramento, CA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · Entertainment · General
- Handles Business, Entertainment, and General matters from Sacramento, CA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Christopher John Bakes: Christopher John Bakes is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Christopher has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Christopher's practice areas in Sacramento
Christopher concentrates on business, entertainment, general, government, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Entertainment
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General
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Government
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IP
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Sacramento, California
Christopher takes business matters in Sacramento, 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Sacramento, California
Christopher takes entertainment matters in Sacramento, 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
General cases in Sacramento, California
Christopher takes general matters in Sacramento, 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Sacramento, California
Christopher takes government matters in Sacramento, 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Sacramento, California
Christopher takes ip matters in Sacramento, 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 Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Christopher John Bakes, business attorney serving Sacramento
Christopher John Bakes is a partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and General. Christopher has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Locke Lord Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Christopher works from Sacramento, California and takes on business matters across the region.
Christopher John Bakes is a lawyer practicing business litigation & dispute resolution, construction, real estate & finance and 8 other areas of law. Christopher received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Christopher practices at Locke Lord LLP in Sacramento, CA and 1 other location.
Working with Christopher on a business matter
Christopher John Bakes is a lawyer practicing business litigation & dispute resolution, construction, real estate & finance and 8 other areas of law. Christopher received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. Christopher practices at Locke Lord LLP in Sacramento, CA and 1 other location.
Clients Christopher works with
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and general matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Christopher studied and practices
University of San Francisco School of Law
J.D. · 1981
University of San Francisco
B.A. Economics · 1978
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
New York U.S. Distri
2010 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2009 · ACTIVE
California
1981 · ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. Economics in University of San Francisco.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. Economics in University of San Francisco. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Christopher's legal honors and published work
Christopher has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Christopher's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco Santa Clara County Bar Association State Bar of California The District of Columbia Bar
membership
Locations
Christopher John Bakes's office in Sacramento
Christopher's primary office is at 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 1800, Sacramento, CA, 95814. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christopher John Bakes — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Christopher. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Sacramento.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Christopher John Bakes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Christopher John Bakes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher'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; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Sacramento, 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 Christopher
Christopher 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. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher'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 Christopher John Bakes
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher'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. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
Christopher 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 — Christopher 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 Christopher?
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. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new business clients right now?
Christopher'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 Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Christopher handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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