Joseph Richard Wetzel, Entertainment Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, IP, and Litigation · 4.7/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
PartneratLatham And Watkins Llp
San Francisco, CA
Practicing entertainment in San Francisco since 2005.
- 21+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 6 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joseph Richard Wetzel?
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Quick answer
Joseph Richard Wetzel is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Litigation. Joseph has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham And Watkins Llp. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 21 years
- Known for
- Entertainment · IP · Litigation
- Handles Entertainment, IP, and Litigation matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Joseph Richard Wetzel: Joseph Richard Wetzel is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Litigation. Joseph has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham And Watkins Llp. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joseph Richard Wetzel
Joseph concentrates on entertainment, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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IP
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Litigation
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Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California
Joseph takes entertainment 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
IP cases in San Francisco, California
Joseph takes ip 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
Joseph takes litigation 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joseph Richard Wetzel — Over 21 years of California entertainment experience
Joseph Richard Wetzel is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Entertainment, IP, and Litigation. Joseph has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham And Watkins Llp. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Joseph Richard Wetzel is a lawyer practicing intellectual property litigation, media & entertainment litigation, litigation. Joseph received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 2000, and has been licensed for 21 years. Joseph practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Joseph's approach to entertainment cases
Joseph Richard Wetzel is a lawyer practicing intellectual property litigation, media & entertainment litigation, litigation. Joseph received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 2000, and has been licensed for 21 years. Joseph practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Joseph takes
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, ip, and litigation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Joseph Richard Wetzel's legal education and bar admissions
Fordham University School of Law
J.D. · 2004
Brown University
A.B. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
New York
2005 · ACTIVE
California Supreme C
2005 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and A.B. in Brown University.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in Fordham University School of Law and A.B. in Brown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph Richard Wetzel
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association
Litigation Section) State Bar of California (Litigation Section · membership
Locations
Joseph Richard Wetzel's office in San Francisco
Joseph's primary office is at 505 Montgomery St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA, 94111-6538. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Latham And Watkins Llp
505 Montgomery St., Ste. 2000
San Francisco, CA 94111-6538
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Richard Wetzel — 4.7/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing entertainment attorneys in San Francisco.
4.7
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Richard Wetzel claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Richard Wetzel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a entertainment attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment 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 Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in entertainment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every entertainment 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph Richard Wetzel
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a entertainment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in California typically take?
Simple entertainment 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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new entertainment clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Entertainment attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Joseph handles entertainment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment 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
More counsel
Other top-rated entertainment attorneys in California
If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these entertainment attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




