Lakin Spears

About Lakin Spears

Lakin Spears has deep roots in Palo Alto. The firm says it was founded here in 1914 by Judge Egerton D. Lakin. Andrew M. Spears joined in 1946. The practice then ran as Lakin and Spears for years afterward. Conrad F. "Connie" Gullixson joined in 1951. In 1969 the firm merged with Norton & Reese, bringing in George H. Norton and Thomas D. Reese. That year it took its current name, Lakin Spears.

Today the firm describes itself as a boutique practice serving Palo Alto and the San Francisco Peninsula. It says it aims to provide prompt, efficient and value-added legal services and to carry on a tradition of excellence in legal service and commitment to the community. Its office is at 2479 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 170. The website lists 15 attorneys. Its news page shows recent hires and talks through 2026. The firm has also sponsored the Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run and Walk, which held its 41st edition in 2025.

This page describes the firm and its practice areas. It is not legal advice. It does not describe or evaluate any case result.

Family law

Family law is the larger of the firm's two practice groups. Lakin Spears offers three ways of handling a case:

• Mediation
• Collaborative divorce
• Litigation, which the firm describes as traditional representation in public court or with a private judge

The firm lists the issues its family lawyers handle. They include division of assets, complex financial issues, private equity and venture capital interests and executive and equity compensation. The list continues with business interests, spousal and child support, custody and parenting issues and later changes to support and custody orders. The firm also prepares premarital and postmarital agreements, works on living-together agreements and handles issues where estate planning and family law overlap.

For litigation, the firm says it focuses on the greater Silicon Valley area, including San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco counties.

Business and real estate

The firm's second group handles transactions rather than courtroom disputes. On the real estate side, it works on residential, retail, commercial, research and development and industrial property. The firm reviews, negotiates and drafts purchase and sale agreements, along with office, industrial, retail and residential leases.

For businesses, the group handles the formation, acquisition, operation and sale of business entities. It drafts and negotiates bylaws, operating agreements and partnership agreements. The firm names its clients in this area as individuals, investors, developers, landlords and tenants. If you are setting up a company in town, our guide to starting a business in Palo Alto covers the city side of the process. For the housing market, see our Palo Alto real estate guide.

Recent news

The firm's news page gives a sense of its activity. In May 2026 it welcomed attorney Apanuba Mahmood to the family law group. It sponsored the AAML symposium in both 2025 and 2026. Attorney Tanya E. Prioste presented to the Family Law Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association in April 2025 and recorded a presentation for CEB in October 2025. The news page also lists industry recognitions, which this guide does not repeat.

Contacting the firm

Call 650-328-7000 or use the contact page on the firm's website to set up a first meeting. The website lists each attorney with a profile page, so you can see who works in family law and who works on business and real estate matters before you call. Ask about fees and how billing works at the first meeting. Get the terms in writing. You can confirm any California lawyer's license status through the State Bar of California's public attorney search.

Family law matters can be stressful. Many people arrive at a first meeting with a long list of questions. Writing them down before the meeting and bringing key financial records helps make the first conversation productive.

Visiting the office

The office sits in the business district along East Bayshore Road, away from downtown and the Caltrain line. Most visitors drive. The Baylands Nature Preserve is a short drive away if you want a walk by the bay before or after a meeting. Our getting around Palo Alto page covers buses, bikes and rideshares for anyone coming without a car.

Location and getting there

Lakin Spears is at 2479 East Bayshore Road, Suite 170, Palo Alto, CA 94303, in the Midtown area of Palo Alto. Our Midtown guide covers what else is around.

The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.9 miles away. That is roughly a 47 minute walk or a short bike ride.

Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.

What is nearby

• Audi Palo Alto, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Mercedes-Benz of Palo Alto, service business, under 0.1 mi
• Anderson Honda, service business, 0.1 mi
• Byers Eye Institute, practice, 0.1 mi
• Stanford Federal Credit Union Embarcadero Road, service business, 0.3 mi
• Greer Park, 0.4 mi
• Palo Alto Airport, 0.6 mi
• Byxbee Park, 0.6 mi

Other professional services nearby: Jones Day (0.2 mi); Law Offices of Nancy M. Martinez, P.C. (1.9 mi); C. Bruce Hamilton, Attorney at Law (2.0 mi); Irvin, Abrahamson & Company (2.1 mi). Browse the full professional services list.

Before you go

• Most firms meet by appointment only. Call or email before visiting the office.
• Ask about fees, billing and what is included before you sign an engagement letter.
• Check professional licenses through the relevant California board, such as the State Bar or the Department of Real Estate.

About this listing

Checked October 29, 2026 against Official website; Firm history; Family law; Business and real estate. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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