How much does it cost to hire Nicole for a legal case?

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

Does Nicole offer a free consultation?

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

How long do legal cases in California typically take?

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

Can Nicole take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?

Nicole 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 — Nicole 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 Nicole?

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

Is Nicole accepting new legal clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Nicole Buffa — Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 20 years of legal practice

AttorneyatLatham & Watkins LLP

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing law in Costa Mesa since 2006.

20+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Are you Nicole Buffa?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Nicole Buffa is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CA. Nicole has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Based in: Costa Mesa, CA
Experience: over 20 years
Known for: legal services

Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Meet Nicole Buffa — legal lawyer in Costa Mesa

Nicole Buffa is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CA. Nicole has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.

Nicole Buffa is a lawyer. Nicole received a degree from UCLA SOL, Los Angeles, CA, and has been licensed for 20 years. Nicole practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

The kind of cases Nicole takes

Nicole reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

UCLA SOL, Los Angeles, CA Univ of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
—

Jurisdictions

Nicole's state bar admissions

Admitted to The Stat
2006 · ACTIVE

Nicole studied at — in UCLA SOL, Los Angeles, CA Univ of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.

Law school and academic background

Nicole completed — in UCLA SOL, Los Angeles, CA Univ of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nicole runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Nicole Buffa's office in Costa Mesa

Nicole's primary office is at 650 Town Center Drive, 20th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Latham & Watkins LLP

650 Town Center Drive, 20th Floor

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Nicole Buffa

Nicole 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Nicole Buffa — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a legal attorney in Costa Mesa, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 Nicole

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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. Nicole confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Nicole Buffa

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