George Wendell Kennedy, Civil Rights Attorney in Santa Cruz, California
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dist. Atty.
Santa Cruz, CA
Practicing civil rights in Santa Cruz since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you George Wendell Kennedy?
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Quick answer
George Wendell Kennedy is a dist. atty. based in Santa Cruz, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. George has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Santa Cruz, CA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About George Wendell Kennedy: George Wendell Kennedy is a dist. atty. based in Santa Cruz, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. George has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
George's practice areas in Santa Cruz
George concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, general, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case George handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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General
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White Collar
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Civil Rights cases in Santa Cruz, California
George takes civil rights matters in Santa Cruz, 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 George agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Santa Cruz, California
George takes criminal defense matters in Santa Cruz, 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 George agrees to represent you.
General cases in Santa Cruz, California
George takes general matters in Santa Cruz, 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 George agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Santa Cruz, California
George takes white collar matters in Santa Cruz, 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 George agrees to represent you.
Biography
George Wendell Kennedy, civil rights attorney serving Santa Cruz
George Wendell Kennedy is a dist. atty. based in Santa Cruz, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and General. George has over 54 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. George works from Santa Cruz, California and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
George Wendell Kennedy is a lawyer practicing law enforcement, criminal law, children and 2 other areas of law. George received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. George practices in Santa Cruz, CA.
George's approach to civil rights cases
George Wendell Kennedy is a lawyer practicing law enforcement, criminal law, children and 2 other areas of law. George received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. George practices in Santa Cruz, CA.
Clients George works with
George reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and general matters in Santa Cruz and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where George studied and practices
University of Southern California
J.D. · 1971
Claremont McKenna College
B.A. · 1968
Jurisdictions
George's state bar admissions
California
1972 · ACTIVE
George studied at J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College.
Law school and academic background
George completed J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice George runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
George's legal honors and published work
George has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
George Wendell Kennedy's office in Santa Cruz
George's primary office is at 110 Frederick St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of George Wendell Kennedy — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of George. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Santa Cruz.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once George Wendell Kennedy claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire George Wendell Kennedy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with George usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
George charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain George'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; George will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Santa Cruz, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 George
George discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. George confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
George's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about George Wendell Kennedy
How much does it cost to hire George for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. George walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does George offer a free consultation?
George charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain George's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check George's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. George gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can George take my case if I'm outside Santa Cruz?
George 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 — George 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 George?
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. George will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is George accepting new civil rights clients right now?
George's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Santa Cruz, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
George handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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