John A. Safyurtlu |
Gregory Thompson |
Paula A. Farthing |
BA, UCSB, 1991 JD, USD, 1995 LA Direct Dial: (213) 233-9452 OC Direct Dial: (949) 989-2182 SD Direct Dial: (619) 727-5322 Email : John.Safyurtlu@GeneralCounselPC.com |
Areas of Practice
Mr. Safyurtlu has specialized in business law for more than a decade. He has represented start-ups, small businesses, Fortune 500 corporations, banks, professionals, insurance companies and insured individuals in both state and federal courts. Mr. Safyurtlu is admitted to practice in all California state and federal courts. He founded GC in 2004 to continue his specialization as General Counsel for small businesses.
Current Representations
Mr. Safyurtlu's current litigation docket includes a wrongful termination matter; a software contract dispute; and a series of Federal "ADA" claims against local business owners by a professional plaintiff. Mr. Safyurtlu also provides his business clients with ongoing counsel as to pending business decisions. In the course of his corporate practice he has created new business entities, negotiated contracts, assisted startups with capital financing, and handled asset purchases.
Education and Background
Mr. Safyurtlu was born in New York City but lived much of his life throughout Europe, where he learned to speak his native French and Turkish before English. He moved to California in 1978 and graduated in 1991 from UC Santa Barbara. He attended law School at the University of San Diego, where he graduated in 1995 and was admitted to practice that year. While in law school he clerked for the Hon. David O. Carter (U.S. District Court Judge) and for the U.S. Department of Justice.
After law school Mr. Safyurtlu spent his first 10 years of practice at large litigation law firms in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, including one of the 25 largest law firms in California. During this time he founded two satellite offices. From this experience he learned how to view issues not only as a lawyer, but as a businessman.
An avid watersportsman, Mr. Safyurtlu was on both the water polo and sailing teams throughout high school and college. He was a beach lifeguard in Orange County for four years, and continues to surf as often as his litigation practice and office management duties allow. He considers himself a movie-buff, enjoys political fiction novels and time with his wife, Bonnie Lynn, and daughters Elena Janine, 6, and Lauren Emily, 3.
Professional Affiliations
Mr. Safyurtlu is a member of various Bar Associations and is also the past president of ATASC, the Association of Turkish Americans of Southern California.
