Peter started his career as a litigator and tried dozens of cases of all types - criminal, civil, jury, non-jury, state & federal. His experience as a trial lawyer included the following:

• Contractual dispute cases representing contractors, subcontractors and developers in the state and federal courts.
  
• Sued various agencies of the Federal Government handling cases involving contractual disputes and in every case either won at trial or obtained a favorable settlement for the client.
  
• Argued case before the United States Court of Claims in Washington D.C. and obtained a 7-0 favorable decision.
  
• Handled all litigation for an American Stock Exchange Company.
  

Peter's experience as a trial lawyer has given him great insight as to the handling and resolution of all types of legal disputes. Although sometimes necessary, it is usually better to avoid litigation which is stressful, expensive and time consuming.

Peter's experience has helped in structuring transactions in such a way as to avoid disputes and when disputes do arise to resolve them without the necessity of litigation. Peter has assisted many clients in structuring complex real estate transactions and in forming joint ventures and partnerships for the purpose of developing both residential and commercial projects. Peter has also been a developer and his projects include The Verona Office Building and El Tovar By The Sea in Santa Monica developed with his partner architect Vito Cetta.  He was also involved in the development of The Tower, a 24 story office building in Westwood. The homes sold by Peter include the magnificent Del Mar oceanfront residence depicted below.

If after a consultation at no charge, a client elects to retain Peter a fee arrangement is agreed upon which can be either hourly, a flat fee or a fee contingent upon the outcome depending upon the circumstances.

Peter can be reached at 858-525-3256 or peter.lewi@masterpiecesd.com