How much does it cost to hire John for a adr case?

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

Does John offer a free consultation?

John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in California typically take?

Simple adr 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can John take my case if I'm outside Encino?

John 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 — John 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 John?

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

Is John accepting new adr clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

John M Balian, ADR Attorney in Encino

Quick answer

John M Balian is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. John has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Balian Law Group.

Based in: Encino, CA
Experience: over 33 years
Known for: ADR · Appellate · Business

Handles ADR, Appellate, and Business matters from Encino, CA.
Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters John takes on

John concentrates on adr, appellate, business, estate planning, and irs. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Encino, California

John takes adr matters in Encino, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Encino, California

John takes appellate matters in Encino, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Encino, California

John takes business matters in Encino, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Encino, California

John takes estate planning matters in Encino, 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 John agrees to represent you.

IRS cases in Encino, California

John takes irs matters in Encino, 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 John agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet John M Balian — adr lawyer in Encino

John M Balian is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. John has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Balian Law Group.

John M Balian is a lawyer practicing estate & income tax planning, irs audits, appeals & tax court and 9 other areas of law. John received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge, and has been licensed for 33 years. John practices at Balian Law Group in Encino, CA.

Working with John on a adr matter

John M Balian is a lawyer practicing estate & income tax planning, irs audits, appeals & tax court and 9 other areas of law. John received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge, and has been licensed for 33 years. John practices at Balian Law Group in Encino, CA.

Who John represents

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and business matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Southwestern Law School
J.D. · 1993
California State University, Northridge B.S. Tax California State University, Northridge M.S. Tax
—

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

California
1993 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Southwestern Law School and — in California State University, Northridge B.S. Tax California State University, Northridge M.S. Tax.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Southwestern Law School and — in California State University, Northridge B.S. Tax California State University, Northridge M.S. Tax. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

John M Balian's office in Encino

John's primary office is at Penthouse, 16133 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA, 91436. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Balian Law Group

Penthouse, 16133 Ventura Blvd.

Encino, CA 91436

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John M Balian

John has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with John M Balian can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire John M Balian — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Encino, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John M Balian

How much does it cost to hire John for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Encino?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new adr clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by adr attorneys like John M Balian. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona
What Should I Do If Mediation Fails In Minnesota?
I've been trying to mediate a separation agreement in Minneapolis, MN, but it feels like we’re not making any progress. If mediation fails, I’m worried about what my next steps sho
1 verified answer · ADR · Minnesota

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Encino, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

John M Balian, ADR Attorney in Encino, California

Quick answer