Barbara Lawless

Barbara Lawless, Discrimination Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratLawless, Lawless & McGrath

San Francisco, CA

Practicing discrimination in San Francisco since 1972.

54+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you Barbara Lawless?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Barbara Lawless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination. Barbara has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawless, Lawless & McGrath. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 54 years
Known for
Discrimination · Sexual Harassment · Wrongful Termination
  • Handles Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Barbara Lawless: Barbara Lawless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination. Barbara has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawless, Lawless & McGrath. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Barbara takes on

Barbara concentrates on discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. Each area below outlines the kind of case Barbara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Discrimination cases in San Francisco, California

Barbara takes discrimination 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 Barbara agrees to represent you.

Sexual Harassment cases in San Francisco, California

Barbara takes sexual harassment 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 Barbara agrees to represent you.

Wrongful Termination cases in San Francisco, California

Barbara takes wrongful termination 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 Barbara agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Barbara Lawless — discrimination lawyer in San Francisco

Barbara Lawless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination. Barbara has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawless, Lawless & McGrath. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Author: "Wrongful Termination From Employment," CTLA Forum, April, 1982; Wrongful Discharge, The Employee's Duty of Good Faith," TRIAL, December, 1982. Lecturer: Continuing Education of the Bar, 1982, 1988-1986, 1998; San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Wrongful Termination Seminar (Chair), 1982, 1991-1996. Moderator and Lecturer, CTLA Wrongful Termination Program, 1990-2000; Labor or Employment Law Section of State Bar "Effective Jury Trial Techniques for Wrongful Discharge and Discrimination Cases, 1985. Top Ten Finalist, 2002 California Consumer Attorney of The Year Award. Named As, One of the San Francisco Bay Area's Top Employment Lawyers By The San Francisco Recorder, 2004. Northern California Super Lawyer, 2004-present. Top 50 Women Northern California Super Lawyers, 2011-present.

Barbara's approach to discrimination cases

Author: "Wrongful Termination From Employment," CTLA Forum, April, 1982; Wrongful Discharge, The Employee's Duty of Good Faith," TRIAL, December, 1982. Lecturer: Continuing Education of the Bar, 1982, 1988-1986, 1998; San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association Wrongful Termination Seminar (Chair), 1982, 1991-1996. Moderator and Lecturer, CTLA Wrongful Termination Program, 1990-2000; Labor or…

Clients Barbara works with

Barbara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California

    J.D. · 1972

  • Marymount College

    B.A. London · 1968

Jurisdictions

Barbara's state bar admissions

  • California

    1972 · ACTIVE

Barbara studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. London in Marymount College.

Law school and academic background

Barbara completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. London in Marymount College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Barbara runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Barbara has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Barbara's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California Consumer Attorneys of California

    Board, 1992-) California Employment Lawyers Association (Board, 1990-1998) National Employment Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (President, 1993 · membership

Locations

Barbara Lawless's office in San Francisco

Barbara's primary office is at 354 Pine Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lawless, Lawless & McGrath

354 Pine Street, 4th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94104

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Barbara Lawless — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Barbara. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing discrimination 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 Barbara Lawless claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Barbara Lawless — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new discrimination attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Barbara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Barbara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Barbara'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; Barbara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a discrimination attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many discrimination 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 Barbara

Barbara discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in discrimination practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every discrimination 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. Barbara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Barbara's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many discrimination practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Barbara Lawless

  • How much does it cost to hire Barbara for a discrimination case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Barbara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Barbara offer a free consultation?

    Barbara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Barbara's office. Some discrimination attorneys offer free consults — check Barbara's current terms during booking.

  • How long do discrimination cases in California typically take?

    Simple discrimination 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. Barbara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Barbara take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    Barbara 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 — Barbara 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 Barbara?

    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. Barbara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Barbara accepting new discrimination clients right now?

    Barbara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Discrimination attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Barbara handles discrimination matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified discrimination attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Barbara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these discrimination attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.