Paul Tour-Sarkissian - a San Francisco, United States International Private Law Lawyer

San Francisco International Private Law Lawyer

Updated: 03/16/2026

Areas of Practice

International Private Law
Estate Planning
Trust Law
Probate (Including International Estate Planning)
Business Law
Food and Beverage Law

Attorney Information

Overview

Paul Tour-Sarkissian specializes in international private law, estate planning, trust law and probate (including international estate planning), business law, and food and beverage law. He is the co-author of The Essential Guide to California Restaurant Law (Carolina Academic Press 2010) and the 2017 Supplement to The Essential Guide to California Restaurant Law (Carolina Academic Press 2017). He has extensive expertise in forming and advising start-ups on behalf of domestic and foreign clients. Paul is the author of numerous articles on restaurant law and safety, and private international legal issues. Trained as an attorney in both France and the United States, Paul received a diploma in Banking and Law (1978) and a Masters in Law (1979) from Université Jean Moulin in Lyon, France, an MBA in Banking and Finance from Golden Gate University (1982), a J.D. from University of San Francisco School of Law (1985), and a Master of Laws in Taxation (with honors) from Golden Gate University School of Law (2003). Admitted to practice law in California and New York, Paul is a member of the ABA, and the State Bars of California and New York.

Paul has been appointed by the Consulate General of France in San Francisco as one of its two official legal advisors ("avocat conseil"). In this capacity, he represents numerous individuals and companies from France and other European countries. He is the co-author of Trusts Américains et Pratique Notariale Française (American Trusts and French Notary Practice), published in 2013 by Defrénois (France). Paul has been appointed by Honorable Ed Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, to serve on the San Francisco Small Business Commission for a 4-year term.

Education

Legal Education
- Universite Jean Moulin Faculte de Droit, Lyon, France, 1979
  Masters in Law
- University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, California, 1985
  J.D.
- Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, California, 2003
  LL.M.
  Honors: With Honors
  Major: Taxation

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Published Works

Articles

Co-Author, The Essential Guide to California Restaurant Law, Carolina Academic Press, 2010
Co-Author, Trusts Américains et Pratique Notariale Française (American Trusts and French Notary Practice), Defrénois (France), 2013
Co-Author, 2017 Supplement to the Essential Guide to California Restaurant Law, Carolina Academic Press, 2017

Bar Admissions

California, 1986
New York, 1986

Specialties and Certifications

Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, California State Bar

Other Affiliations

ABA (Member)
State Bars of California and New York (Member)
STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

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Contact

San Francisco, CA

211 Gough Street
Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102

Directions

Phone: (415) 626-7744

Fax: (415) 626-8189

Email: Send a message

Websites:

Free Consultations

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Paul Tour-Sarkissian - San Francisco, CA