Law Firms in San Francisco

San Francisco sits at the heart of the Bay Area technology and venture capital economy, and much of its legal work follows startups, financing rounds, IP, privacy and employment. Lawyers in San Francisco also handle banking, real estate, environmental and land use issues, and a steady flow of tenant, family and injury cases for residents.

Attorneys must be licensed by the State Bar of California, whose online attorney search shows whether a lawyer is active and lists any public discipline. The Bar Association of San Francisco is the local voluntary bar. The California Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in fields such as family law, criminal law and immigration. State cases are heard at the San Francisco Superior Court, and federal cases at the Northern District of California. The city is also home to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears federal appeals from the western states, and to the California Supreme Court.

Residents most often need help with tenant rights under the city's rent ordinance, eviction defense, employment disputes, divorce and custody, estate planning and injury claims. Startups and established companies seek advice on formation, equity, venture financing, IP licensing, privacy compliance and M&A. International founders and engineers frequently consult San Francisco law firms about work visas, green cards and setting up a US entity.

Corporate and startup work is usually billed hourly or on a fixed fee basis, and some firms defer fees for early-stage companies. Contingency fees are common in injury and some employment cases, and California requires these agreements to be in writing. Many firms offer Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog or Russian. Narrow down by practice area below to find lawyers in San Francisco for your matter.