Fred M. Whitaker P.C.

Fred M. Whitaker P.C., Business Attorney in Newport Beach, California

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Managing PartneratCummins & White, LLP

Newport Beach, CA

Practicing business in Newport Beach since 1990.

36+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Fred M. Whitaker P.C. is a managing partner based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Fred has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cummins & White, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Newport Beach, CA
Experience
over 36 years
Known for
Business · Employment · Estate Planning
  • Handles Business, Employment, and Estate Planning matters from Newport Beach, CA.
  • Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Fred M. Whitaker P.C.: Fred M. Whitaker P.C. is a managing partner based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Fred has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cummins & White, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Fred M. Whitaker P.C.

Fred concentrates on business, employment, estate planning, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Fred handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Newport Beach, California

Fred takes business matters in Newport Beach, 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 Fred agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Newport Beach, California

Fred takes employment matters in Newport Beach, 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 Fred agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Newport Beach, California

Fred takes estate planning matters in Newport Beach, 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 Fred agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in Newport Beach, California

Fred takes m&a matters in Newport Beach, 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 Fred agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Newport Beach, California

Fred takes real estate matters in Newport Beach, 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 Fred agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Fred M. Whitaker P.C. — Over 36 years of California business experience

Fred M. Whitaker P.C. is a managing partner based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Fred has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cummins & White, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Whitaker joined Cummins & White, LLP as an associate in 1990. His practice focused on environmental insurance coverage and real estate matters. In 1993, Mr. Whitaker left Cummins & White and joined the SC Fuels of Orange, California as Vice President/General Counsel, and later became Chief Operating Officer of their Northwest Division. In 2000, Mr. Whitaker returned to Cummins & White as the partner in charge of its transactional practice and continues in this role today. Mr. Whitaker also served as Cummins & White’s managing partner from 2006-2010, and is now currently holding the position

Working with Fred on a business matter

Mr. Whitaker joined Cummins & White, LLP as an associate in 1990. His practice focused on environmental insurance coverage and real estate matters. In 1993, Mr. Whitaker left Cummins & White and joined the SC Fuels of Orange, California as Vice President/General Counsel, and later became Chief Operating Officer of their Northwest Division. In 2000, Mr. Whitaker returned to Cummins & White as the…

Clients Fred works with

Fred reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and estate planning matters in Newport Beach and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Fred M. Whitaker P.C.'s legal education and bar admissions

  • Loyola Marymount University

    J.D. · 1990

  • University of California at Berkeley

    B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Fred's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1990 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1990 · ACTIVE

Fred studied at J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Fred completed J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Fred runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Fred M. Whitaker P.C.

Fred has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Fred's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Orange County Bar Association State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

Fred M. Whitaker P.C.'s office in Newport Beach

Fred's primary office is at 2424 S.E. Bristol Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA, 92660. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cummins & White, LLP

2424 S.E. Bristol Street, Suite 300

Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Fred M. Whitaker P.C. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Fred. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Newport Beach.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Fred M. Whitaker P.C. claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Fred M. Whitaker P.C. — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Fred usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Fred charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Fred'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; Fred will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Newport Beach, 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 Fred

Fred 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. Fred confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Fred'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 Fred M. Whitaker P.C.

  • How much does it cost to hire Fred for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Fred walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Fred offer a free consultation?

    Fred charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Fred's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Fred'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. Fred gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Fred take my case if I'm outside Newport Beach?

    Fred 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 — Fred 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 Fred?

    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. Fred will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Fred accepting new business clients right now?

    Fred'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 Newport Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Fred handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Fred's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Newport Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.