Dustin C. Calkins, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A
Managing AssociateatOrrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Dustin C. Calkins?
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Quick answer
Dustin C. Calkins is a managing associate based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Dustin has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Business · General · M&A
- Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Dustin C. Calkins: Dustin C. Calkins is a managing associate based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Dustin has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Dustin takes on
Dustin concentrates on business, general, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dustin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Dustin takes business 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 Dustin agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Dustin 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 Dustin agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in San Francisco, California
Dustin takes m&a 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 Dustin agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Francisco, California
Dustin takes real estate 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 Dustin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Dustin C. Calkins — business lawyer in San Francisco
Dustin C. Calkins is a managing associate based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Dustin has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.
Dustin C. Calkins is a lawyer practicing real estate, real property law, mergers & acquisitions and 3 other areas of law. Dustin received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 2004, and has been licensed for 19 years. Dustin practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Dustin's approach to business cases
Dustin C. Calkins is a lawyer practicing real estate, real property law, mergers & acquisitions and 3 other areas of law. Dustin received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 2004, and has been licensed for 19 years. Dustin practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Dustin takes
Dustin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 2007
University of Michigan
B.A. · 2004
Jurisdictions
Dustin's state bar admissions
California
2012 · ACTIVE
Illinois
2007 · ACTIVE
Dustin studied at J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
Dustin completed J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dustin runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Dustin's professional memberships and bar associations
Chicago Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Dustin C. Calkins's office in San Francisco
Dustin's primary office is at The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105-2625. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2625
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Client reviews of Dustin C. Calkins
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Dustin C. Calkins — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dustin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dustin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dustin'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; Dustin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Dustin
Dustin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Dustin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dustin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Dustin C. Calkins
How much does it cost to hire Dustin for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dustin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dustin offer a free consultation?
Dustin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dustin's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Dustin's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Dustin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dustin take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Dustin 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 — Dustin 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 Dustin?
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. Dustin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dustin accepting new business clients right now?
Dustin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Dustin handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business 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
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