How much does it cost to hire Helena for a employment case?

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

Does Helena offer a free consultation?

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

How long do employment cases in California typically take?

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

Can Helena take my case if I'm outside South San Francisco?

Helena 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 — Helena 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 Helena?

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

Is Helena accepting new employment clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Helena Younossi, Employment Attorney in South San Francisco, California

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, General, and Immigration · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Founder & Principal AttorneyatYounossi Law

South San Francisco, CA

Practicing employment in South San Francisco since 1992.

34+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Employment General Immigration M&A

Are you Helena Younossi?

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.

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Quick answer

Helena Younossi is a founder & principal attorney based in South San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Immigration. Helena has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Younossi Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: South San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Employment · General · Immigration

Handles Employment, General, and Immigration matters from South San Francisco, CA.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Helena Younossi

Helena concentrates on employment, general, immigration, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Helena handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Employment cases in South San Francisco, California

Helena takes employment matters in South 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 Helena agrees to represent you.

General cases in South San Francisco, California

Helena takes general matters in South 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 Helena agrees to represent you.

Immigration cases in South San Francisco, California

Helena takes immigration matters in South 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 Helena agrees to represent you.

M&A cases in South San Francisco, California

Helena takes m&a matters in South 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 Helena agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Helena Younossi — Over 34 years of California employment experience

Helena S. Younossi has extensive experience helping companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 multinationals with their U.S. business immigration matters, including employee work authorizations, I-9 IRCA Compliance, M&A, LCA Compliance, Immigration Program and Policy development, as well as Consular and Global work visa coordination. She also represents individuals and families in their immigration related needs. Ms. Younossi has been invited to speak on immigration and legal ethics by organizations such the American Bar Association (ABA), the Public Law Institute (PLI), the California State Bar, the Sixth Annual Statewide Ethics Symposium, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, to name a few. Her work has included membership in the State Bar Executive Committee of the International Law Section, the AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) National Ethics and Practice Management Committee, service as the AILA NorCal Ethics Liaison and as Vice Chair of the BASF Ethics Committee. She serves on the Board of Advisors for the AILA National Ethics Compendium, which will result in the first comprehensive publication of the ABA Model rules’ application to the practice of immigration law. Helena has also been peer-selected for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” each year since 2010, “Northern California Super Lawyers” each year since 2010 and “San Francisco’s Best Lawyer” each year since 2012. She was selected as a ‘2013 Top Rated Lawyer’ by Martindale-Hubbell and listed among “Women Leaders in the Law” in The American Lawyer Magazine, January 2013 issue. She is a three-time recipient of the Wiley W. Manuel Award for her pro-bono work and a triathlete who has completed Ironman Canada.

On weekends you will likely find Helena outdoors on a bike or by a pool whenever possible. In her home, she has two boys as well as 2 dogs, 1 Sphynx cat, and a loud Sun Connor Bird. She has great memories of growing up in Afghanistan and in Germany and speaks German, Farsi, English, and conversational French. Her utmost desire is to learn the language she considers most beautiful: Spanish!

RECENT SELECT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PUBLICATIONS

• Ethical Considerations in Online Marketing and Messaging, Presenter, California AILA Conference, January 2014

• Practicing Immigration Law Across State Lines, Presenter, AILA National Webinar, December 2013

• Smooth Operator: Tips & Tricks to Efficient Productive Practice; Discussion Leader, AILA National, June 2013, Washington, DC

• Ethical Considerations in Drafting Client Retainers & Electronic Communications, Presenter, Northern California AILA Chapter, June 2013

• Immigration and Export Control, Renewed Focus of DHL, CA State Bar Annual Meeting, 2011.

• From I-9 Employment Verification Liability, Completion and Compliance Training Seminar, MyOHR (HR Consulting Services), November 18th, 2010, Campbell, California.

• Ethical Issues of Outsourcing Legal Support Services Overseas, 83rd Annual Meeting of The State Bar of California, September 23, 2010, Monterey, California.

• Ethics, Practice Management, and Marketing, AILA Spring 2010, Austin, Texas, 2010.

• Immigration and Export Control Considerations in Employing Foreign Nationals, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP, Palo Alto, March 20, 2009.

• Immigration Practice in a High Tech World, AILA NorCal, San Francisco, CA, 2008.

HONORS

• Selected as a ‘2013 Top Rated Lawyer’ by Martindale-Hubbell and listed among Women Leaders in the Law in The American Lawyer Magazine January 2013 issue

• Peer recognized among San Francisco’s Best Lawyers each year since 2012

• Helena has been peer recognized for inclusion in Super Lawyers, Northern California, each year consecutively since 2010

• Selected by peers for inclusion in the ‘The Best Lawyers in America’ every year as of 2010

• The 2007 edition of “Who’s Who Legal, ” calls Ms. Younossi a “very sharp” attorney who is among the “leading lights” in California

• Three-time recipient of the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services

• Competed in and completed Ironman Canada in 2004

How Helena handles employment matters

The kind of cases Helena takes

Helena reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, general, and immigration matters in South San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Helena Younossi's legal education and bar admissions

University of San Francisco School of Law
J.D. · 1992
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Helena's state bar admissions

California
1992 · ACTIVE

Helena studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Helena completed J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Helena runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Helena Younossi

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Helena's professional memberships and bar associations

California Bar Association American Bar Association American Immigration Lawyer’s Association San Francisco Bar Association San Mateo Bar Association
membership

Locations

Helena Younossi's office in South San Francisco

Helena's primary office is at 601 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 210, South San Francisco, CA, 94080. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Younossi Law

601 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 210

South San Francisco, CA 94080

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Helena Younossi — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Helena. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in South 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 Helena Younossi claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Helena Younossi — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a employment attorney in South San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Helena

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every employment 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. Helena confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Helena Younossi

How much does it cost to hire Helena for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Helena walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Helena offer a free consultation?
Helena charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Helena's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Helena's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in California typically take?
Simple employment 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. Helena gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Helena take my case if I'm outside South San Francisco?
Helena 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 — Helena 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 Helena?
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. Helena will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Helena accepting new employment clients right now?
Helena's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by employment attorneys like Helena Younossi. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Sue For Emotional Distress After Being Harassed At Work In California?
I’ve been experiencing severe harassment from my supervisor over the past six months at my job in Los Angeles. It’s affecting my mental health, and I finally decided to quit. I wan
1 verified answer · Employment · California
Is It Legal To Fire Someone For Taking Family Leave In Texas?
I recently took a family leave to care for my sick father in Houston, Texas. After returning, I was informed that I was terminated due to 'job abandonment.' I feel like I was let g
1 verified answer · Employment · Texas
Is It Legal To Pay Employees Differently Based On Gender In South Carolina?
I've recently found out that my male coworker in Charleston, South Carolina, is earning more than me for the same job. I’m shocked and feel it’s unfair. Is it legal for companies t
1 verified answer · Employment · South Carolina
Can I Be Fired For Taking FMLA Leave In Minnesota?
I took FMLA leave to care for my mother in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and now my employer has informed me that my job is no longer available. I feel like this is retaliation for my le
1 verified answer · Employment · Minnesota
Can I Sue For Wrongful Termination If I Signed An Employment Contract In Arizona?
I signed an employment contract with my employer in Phoenix, Arizona, but I was terminated without cause. The contract didn't clarify the termination process. Can I sue for wrongfu
1 verified answer · Employment · Arizona
What Are My Rights If I'm Wrongfully Listed As Ineligible For Rehire In Georgia?
I was terminated from my job in Atlanta, Georgia, and I just found out they listed me as ineligible for rehire. I suspect it’s because I filed a complaint against my supervisor. Wh
1 verified answer · Employment · Georgia

Areas served

Employment attorneys serving South San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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