Alan Paul Zimmerman, Estate Planning Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
San Francisco, CA
Practicing estate planning in San Francisco since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Alan Paul Zimmerman?
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Quick answer
Alan Paul Zimmerman is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. Alan has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and Probate matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Alan Paul Zimmerman: Alan Paul Zimmerman is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. Alan has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Alan's practice areas in San Francisco
Alan concentrates on estate planning, general, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Alan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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General
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Probate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in San Francisco, California
Alan takes estate planning matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Alan takes general matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in San Francisco, California
Alan takes probate matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in San Francisco, California
Alan takes trusts matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Alan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Alan Paul Zimmerman, estate planning attorney serving San Francisco
Alan Paul Zimmerman is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. Alan has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Alan works from San Francisco, California and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
Alan Paul Zimmerman is a lawyer practicing probate law, wills and trusts law, estate planning and 1 other area of law. Alan received a B.S. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1967, and has been licensed for 54 years. Alan practices in San Francisco, CA.
Alan's approach to estate planning cases
<p>Alan Paul Zimmerman is a lawyer practicing probate law, wills and trusts law, estate planning and 1 other area of law. Alan received a B.S. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1967, and has been licensed for 54 years. Alan practices in San Francisco, CA.</p>
Clients Alan works with
Alan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and probate matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Alan studied and practices
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1971
University of California at Berkeley
B.S. · 1967
Jurisdictions
Alan's state bar admissions
California
1972 · ACTIVE
Alan studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.S. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Alan completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.S. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Alan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Alan's legal honors and published work
Alan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Alan's professional memberships and bar associations
Alameda County Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Office locations for Alan Paul Zimmerman in San Francisco, California
Alan's primary office is at San Francisco, CA, 94147-0068. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Alan Paul Zimmerman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Alan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Alan Paul Zimmerman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Alan Paul Zimmerman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Alan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Alan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Alan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Alan
Alan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Alan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Alan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Alan Paul Zimmerman
How much does it cost to hire Alan for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Alan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Alan offer a free consultation?
Alan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Alan's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Alan's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Alan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Alan take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Alan is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Alan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Alan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Alan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Alan accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Alan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Alan handles estate planning matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in California
If Alan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
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David Payab, Esq.
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Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
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