Peter Eric Swain, Business Attorney in Santa Monica, California
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Real Estate
AssociateatGilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation
Santa Monica, CA
Practicing business in Santa Monica since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Peter Eric Swain is an associate based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Peter has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation.
- Based in
- Santa Monica, CA
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A · Real Estate
- Handles Business, M&A, and Real Estate matters from Santa Monica, CA.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Peter Eric Swain: Peter Eric Swain is an associate based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Peter has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Peter takes on
Peter concentrates on business, m&a, real estate, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Securities
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Business cases in Santa Monica, California
Peter takes business matters in Santa Monica, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Santa Monica, California
Peter takes m&a matters in Santa Monica, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Santa Monica, California
Peter takes real estate matters in Santa Monica, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Santa Monica, California
Peter takes securities matters in Santa Monica, 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Peter Eric Swain — business lawyer in Santa Monica
Peter Eric Swain is an associate based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Peter has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation.
Peter Eric Swain is a lawyer practicing securities offerings, mergers & acquisitions, business law and 1 other area of law. Peter received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1997, and has been licensed for 26 years. Peter practices at Gilchrist & Rutter Professional Corporation in Santa Monica, CA.
How Peter handles business matters
Peter Eric Swain is a lawyer practicing securities offerings, mergers & acquisitions, business law and 1 other area of law. Peter received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1997, and has been licensed for 26 years. Peter practices at Gilchrist & Rutter Professional Corporation in Santa Monica, CA.
The kind of cases Peter takes
Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and real estate matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley
J.D. · 2000
Harvard University
A.B. · 1997
Jurisdictions
Peter's state bar admissions
California
2000 · ACTIVE
Peter studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Peter completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California at Berkeley and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Peter Eric Swain's office in Santa Monica
Peter's primary office is at 1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 900, Santa Monica, CA, 90401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gilchrist And Rutter Professional Corporation
1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 900
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Peter Eric Swain — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Santa Monica, 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 Peter
Peter 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. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Peter'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 Peter Eric Swain
How much does it cost to hire Peter for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Peter offer a free consultation?
Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Peter'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. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Peter take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?
Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?
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. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Peter accepting new business clients right now?
Peter'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 Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Peter handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 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
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