Dean Makoto Kato, Environmental Attorney in Berkeley, California

Dean concentrates on environmental, government, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dean handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Environmental

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• Government

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• Health Care

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Dean's primary office is at 1438 Grant St, Berkeley, CA, 94703-1110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

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

• How much does it cost to hire Dean for a environmental case?

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

• Does Dean offer a free consultation?

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

• How long do environmental cases in California typically take?

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

• Can Dean take my case if I'm outside Berkeley?

  Dean 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 — Dean 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 Dean?

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

• Is Dean accepting new environmental clients right now?

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