Farley S. Tolpen is one of those rare 
individuals
who knew from childhood what he wanted to be when he grew up: a
lawyer. His role models? Characters on the ‘60s TV show,
“The
Bold Ones.” Hal Holbrook, who played a senator and former
lawyer; and Burl Ives who played a lawyer, both impressed the young
Farley.
His career choice was also
influenced by his mom, who,
when
he told her he wanted to be
president, said, “You have
to
be a lawyer first.”
On to law school
After graduating from the University
of Wisconsin with a BA in History and Political Science, Farley
headed to the Bay Area where he earned his JD from the San Francisco
Law School. For four years he attended classes at night while working
full time as a law clerk and legal secretary by day. You might
say the man was motivated.
Hanging out his shingle
The Law Offices of Farley
S. Tolpen opened its doors in 1985. As a sole proprietor, he specializes
in everything from personal injury automobile accidents to dog
bites and:
• Trips and falls
• Construction accidents
• Estate planning and probate
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Corporate and business set up
• Business advice and litigation
• Representation of small & medium companies
• Arbitration and mediation
• Representation & advice to nonprofit agencies
• Family law
• General advice
An active listener
“Lawyers don’t like to listen,” says Farley. “We’re
always thinking about the solution before we even get to the problem.” But
Farley takes a different approach. He listens to what the client
has to say, repeats what he’s heard, and then gives his recommendation.
Most of his first time consultations take place on the phone. “Seven
times out of 10 people don’t need any further help. I can
advise them and they don’t need a lawyer,” he says.
If it’s something as simple as having a problem with a neighbor,
he refers them to free mediations with Marin Community Services.
Community involvement
Farley likes to help people.
That’s why he became a lawyer
and why he likes to give back to the community. He volunteers as
a mediation judge on behalf of the court in San Francisco and has
volunteered as a small claims judge. Farley is also a member or
participant in the following organizations:
• Board of Directors, Ritter Center, a nonprofit
serving homeless and low income clients
• San Francisco County Bar Association
• Board of Directors, Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Consumer Attorneys Group
• San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
• Sierra Club
• Planned Parenthood
• ACLU
And, he is a San Francisco Giants season ticket holder!
