James Richard Parrinello, Civil Rights Attorney in San Rafael, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Government, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatNielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP
San Rafael, CA
Practicing civil rights in San Rafael since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Richard Parrinello is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Government, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Rafael, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Government · Litigation
- Handles Civil Rights, Government, and Litigation matters from San Rafael, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Richard Parrinello: James Richard Parrinello is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Government, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in San Rafael
James concentrates on civil rights, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Government
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Litigation
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Civil Rights cases in San Rafael, California
James takes civil rights matters in San Rafael, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Government cases in San Rafael, California
James takes government matters in San Rafael, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Rafael, California
James takes litigation matters in San Rafael, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Richard Parrinello, civil rights attorney serving San Rafael
James Richard Parrinello is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Government, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from San Rafael, California and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
James Richard Parrinello is a lawyer practicing constitutional, government law, complex litigation. James received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
How James handles civil rights matters
James Richard Parrinello is a lawyer practicing constitutional, government law, complex litigation. James received a B.A. degree from University of San Francisco in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, government, and litigation matters in San Rafael and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1974
University of San Francisco
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1980 · ACTIVE
California
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of San Francisco.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. in University of San Francisco. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California American Bar Association (Member, Litigation and Government Litigation Sections) California Political Attorneys Association
membership
Locations
James Richard Parrinello's office in San Rafael
James's primary office is at 2350 Kerner Blvd., Ste. 250, San Rafael, CA, 94901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni, LLP
2350 Kerner Blvd., Ste. 250
San Rafael, CA 94901
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Richard Parrinello — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in San Rafael.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Richard Parrinello claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Richard Parrinello — 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 James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in San Rafael, 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 James
James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James'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 James Richard Parrinello
How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside San Rafael?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?
James'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 San Rafael, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
James 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.
- San Rafael1,118 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in San Rafael handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




