team-member

William Lee Buus

Costa Mesa, CA

Licensed for 26 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Litigation

Language

English

About

William is a trial lawyer who has handled a wide variety of business litigation cases in state and federal court, as well as before various administrative agencies. He has also argued before federal and state courts of appeal. Among others, he has handled cases involving claims of trademark infringement, patent infringement, copyright infringement, unfair competition, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, fraud and false claims, breach of fiduciary duties, wrongful termination, disputes arising in the sales of businesses, securities litigation before FINRA, real estate disputes, mortgage fraud, and insurance-related matters. His cases have been the subject of news media reports, including major newspapers and television. Most recently, William conducted three separate jury trials in which he obtained defense awards for his clients – one a renowned baker accused by another restaurant/bakery of violating a covenant not to compete, another an entrepreneur accused of committing fraud in a large telecommunications deal with a large Vietnamese telecommunications company, and another an automobile wheel distributor who was accused of failing to pay for product manufactured, but untimely delivered, by a Taiwanese company.  He has also secured a $2.89 million verdict for an after-market automobile parts distributor in a trademark infringement suit against a Taiwanese company.  William also obtained a $1.2 million verdict against a doctor and a medical clinic in a False Claims Act/retaliatory employment termination case brought by an aggrieved employee.  Additionally, he has obtained multi-million dollar judgments in three separate cases against Ponzi-schemers; one for $86.5 million, another for $45 million, and another for $10 million.  He has also obtained numerous preliminary injunctions preventing parties from committing wrongful acts, writs of attachment preserving assets for collection, and orders appointing receivers to take control over and preserve personal property and/or real property in dispute. Because of his litigation successes, from 2009 to the present, William has been named as a "Super Lawyer"  in Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine, having been recognized by his peers as one of the top lawyers in Southern California. He has also received the highest rating of “10” on AVVO since 2009, and has been recognized four times by OC Metro Magazine as one of Orange County’s top lawyers. He is currently an associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a prestigious association of trial attorneys.  He has also been invited to join the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a register of attorneys who have obtained multi-million dollar judgments and verdicts. William is very pleased to be working with Eric Schiffer, a talented lawyer not to mention a long-time friend. “In addition to being a superb lawyer and having extensive experience in appeals and litigation, Eric brings a unique understanding of consumer finance, mortgage banking, and intellectual property. Because of him, we have a well-rounded litigation practice and can offer a wide variety of litigation, appellate, and transactional services for our clients.” William previously served on the Board of Directors for the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, and was also the Chamber’s Secretary. He has been a judge pro tempore for the California Superior Court in Orange County, acting as a settlement officer for various types of disputes. He has also authored several articles on law practice for the Los Angeles Daily Journal, including articles on proving damages as well as getting and keeping the jury's attention. He was also on the staff of Southwestern University School of Law’s law review, and was invited to join Southwestern’s moot court honors program. William has also passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in 1991.

Practices Areas

Litigation

Language

English

Contact

Schiffer & Buus APC959 South Coast Drive, Suite 385Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Lilit
March 5, 2019

Bill was my attorney for an aribitration I filed and was my second attorney on the case. I live in LA and Bill, who works in OC, was referred to me by another attorney. My case was quite sensitive and no attorney was willing to take it because they simply weren't listening or cared enough. But I knew right away Bill was different from the 8 or 9 previous attorneys I spoke with (including the first one I hired). He is very approachable, trustyworthy, has a great sense of humor and is beyond humble. This man is full of so much wisdom but you wouldn't know until you work with him. He's kind, patient and confident- the best qualities you can ask for in an attorney. Needless to say, we won the case and I truly believe no other attorney would have been capable. I'm grateful beyond words.

Hua
April 28, 2017

Bill and his team are very professional and always available to answer the questions and concerns.

Flo
April 27, 2017

Truly a godsend, Bill Buus agreed to take on my Wrongful Termination/Whistleblower Retaliation case approximately a year ago. Since I have been his client, he has shown me the utmost professionalism and a genuine sense of care. His ability to patiently explain legal jargon in laymen terms as well as prepare me for the unknown of the deposition process and when my case goes to trial are greatly appreciated. Bill Buus responds to my emails, texts, and phone calls immediately. I can definitely state in no uncertain terms that had it not been for Mr. Buus being my legal counsel, there is no telling where my life would be right now. I am eternally grateful to this outstanding, knowledgeable, expert, ethical, etc. lawyer for representing me. It is lawyers like Mr. Buus that give the legal profession its honorable name! Thank you Bill for being the BEST lawyer ever!

Tom
April 27, 2017

Bill was a pleasure to work with. He had great command of all the case information. His tact was aggressive yet attainable. I would hire him again.

Anthony
April 27, 2017

Bill, not only was great in defending my company and I through legal battles, he also was a power house when it came to letter writing with legal complaints. In addition, he more than knew his facts and details when it came to battling with opposing counsels. I would recommend Bill Buus and his Ferm to anyone for any reason.

Melanie
July 13, 2014

Mr. Buss is not only very professional, but a good listener and describes cases and situations to his clients in an easy to understand, truthful manner. A quick thinking, confident litigator, articulate and well prepared. Respectful of your needs and concerns. He is there to win and fight for you. He is not in it for the money. He was successful in getting a mediation so that our expenses would not be overwhelming - where other attorneys would rather take it to court. He is a winner in our HOA (Homeowners Association) case! And we were winners because we had such an outstanding, knowledgeable attorney - Bill Buus. Thank you!.

anonymous
February 26, 2013

My husband and I plus another couple required an attorney to represent us as plaintiff's in a lawsuit with our homeowners' association. We retained Bill Buus and are very happy for our decision. Bill always presents the risks plainly to us. He's helped guide us through the long and arduous process of suing a group and continues to guide us. He has led us artfully down the legal path of what is possible and what is not. Since this concerns something as personal as home, neighborhood, neighbors and community, Bill has skillfully dealt with our emotions. Bill Buus has made a very difficult process bearable.

Wendy-Ann
September 10, 2009

Bill was our lifesaver in a TM dispute. I honestly do not know what we would have done without him. We would have lost our life's work. In court he was aggressive but not egotistical. At no time was it about him, it was always about us. He helped us get through our depositions and didn’t hold back when he knew I was starting to fold under the pressure. He reassured me and kept me strong while being deposed. With his help, I made it through! Bill is an honorable man and for two people who trusted no one, we knew that Bill Buus was indeed someone we could always trust. We still retain him as our Atty. and really thank God for Bill saving our livelihood! We are so ever indebted to him.

Nik
September 9, 2009

Bill has handled many legal issues for me over the many years I have known him. In most cases, he has figured out a way to AVOID a lawsuit and figuring out my best options. He takes a very practical approach in applying the law to any situation. Although he is a fabulous litigator (as evidenced by his experience and successes), he has been best at giving me good advise when needed, and knowing when to pick a fight or when to exit gracefully.

Angelina
September 9, 2009

Mr. Buus is an amazing attorney. He's representing a group of us in a "mass-action" lawsuit. Over the last 12 months in working with him, Mr. Buus has been very accomodating to all our needs, communicative (explaining step-by-step the progression of the case), and has a way about him that makes us all have a sense that he's taking good care of us. Even though he is extremely busy, he has always returned my phone call the same day. That to me is very important, which is why I will continue to use him as my attorney. I have also found Mr. Buus to be knowledgeable in many areas of law, which, again, gives me the comfort in knowing that I have an excellent attorney representing me.

Lilit
March 5, 2019

Bill was my attorney for an aribitration I filed and was my second attorney on the case. I live in LA and Bill, who works in OC, was referred to me by another attorney. My case was quite sensitive and no attorney was willing to take it because they simply weren't listening or cared enough. But I knew right away Bill was different from the 8 or 9 previous attorneys I spoke with (including the first one I hired). He is very approachable, trustyworthy, has a great sense of humor and is beyond humble. This man is full of so much wisdom but you wouldn't know until you work with him. He's kind, patient and confident- the best qualities you can ask for in an attorney. Needless to say, we won the case and I truly believe no other attorney would have been capable. I'm grateful beyond words.

Hua
April 28, 2017

Bill and his team are very professional and always available to answer the questions and concerns.

Flo
April 27, 2017

Truly a godsend, Bill Buus agreed to take on my Wrongful Termination/Whistleblower Retaliation case approximately a year ago. Since I have been his client, he has shown me the utmost professionalism and a genuine sense of care. His ability to patiently explain legal jargon in laymen terms as well as prepare me for the unknown of the deposition process and when my case goes to trial are greatly appreciated. Bill Buus responds to my emails, texts, and phone calls immediately. I can definitely state in no uncertain terms that had it not been for Mr. Buus being my legal counsel, there is no telling where my life would be right now. I am eternally grateful to this outstanding, knowledgeable, expert, ethical, etc. lawyer for representing me. It is lawyers like Mr. Buus that give the legal profession its honorable name! Thank you Bill for being the BEST lawyer ever!

Tom
April 27, 2017

Bill was a pleasure to work with. He had great command of all the case information. His tact was aggressive yet attainable. I would hire him again.

Anthony
April 27, 2017

Bill, not only was great in defending my company and I through legal battles, he also was a power house when it came to letter writing with legal complaints. In addition, he more than knew his facts and details when it came to battling with opposing counsels. I would recommend Bill Buus and his Ferm to anyone for any reason.

Melanie
July 13, 2014

Mr. Buss is not only very professional, but a good listener and describes cases and situations to his clients in an easy to understand, truthful manner. A quick thinking, confident litigator, articulate and well prepared. Respectful of your needs and concerns. He is there to win and fight for you. He is not in it for the money. He was successful in getting a mediation so that our expenses would not be overwhelming - where other attorneys would rather take it to court. He is a winner in our HOA (Homeowners Association) case! And we were winners because we had such an outstanding, knowledgeable attorney - Bill Buus. Thank you!.

anonymous
February 26, 2013

My husband and I plus another couple required an attorney to represent us as plaintiff's in a lawsuit with our homeowners' association. We retained Bill Buus and are very happy for our decision. Bill always presents the risks plainly to us. He's helped guide us through the long and arduous process of suing a group and continues to guide us. He has led us artfully down the legal path of what is possible and what is not. Since this concerns something as personal as home, neighborhood, neighbors and community, Bill has skillfully dealt with our emotions. Bill Buus has made a very difficult process bearable.

Wendy-Ann
September 10, 2009

Bill was our lifesaver in a TM dispute. I honestly do not know what we would have done without him. We would have lost our life's work. In court he was aggressive but not egotistical. At no time was it about him, it was always about us. He helped us get through our depositions and didn’t hold back when he knew I was starting to fold under the pressure. He reassured me and kept me strong while being deposed. With his help, I made it through! Bill is an honorable man and for two people who trusted no one, we knew that Bill Buus was indeed someone we could always trust. We still retain him as our Atty. and really thank God for Bill saving our livelihood! We are so ever indebted to him.

Nik
September 9, 2009

Bill has handled many legal issues for me over the many years I have known him. In most cases, he has figured out a way to AVOID a lawsuit and figuring out my best options. He takes a very practical approach in applying the law to any situation. Although he is a fabulous litigator (as evidenced by his experience and successes), he has been best at giving me good advise when needed, and knowing when to pick a fight or when to exit gracefully.

Angelina
September 9, 2009

Mr. Buus is an amazing attorney. He's representing a group of us in a "mass-action" lawsuit. Over the last 12 months in working with him, Mr. Buus has been very accomodating to all our needs, communicative (explaining step-by-step the progression of the case), and has a way about him that makes us all have a sense that he's taking good care of us. Even though he is extremely busy, he has always returned my phone call the same day. That to me is very important, which is why I will continue to use him as my attorney. I have also found Mr. Buus to be knowledgeable in many areas of law, which, again, gives me the comfort in knowing that I have an excellent attorney representing me.