Martin I. Zankel, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Formation, and M&A · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Retired Emeritus Counsel
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Martin I. Zankel?
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Quick answer
Martin I. Zankel is a retired emeritus counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and M&A. Martin has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Business · Formation · M&A
- Handles Business, Formation, and M&A matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Martin I. Zankel: Martin I. Zankel is a retired emeritus counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and M&A. Martin has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Martin takes on
Martin concentrates on business, formation, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Martin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Formation
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Martin 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 Martin agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in San Francisco, California
Martin takes formation 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 Martin agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in San Francisco, California
Martin 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 Martin agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Francisco, California
Martin 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 Martin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Martin I. Zankel — business lawyer in San Francisco
Martin I. Zankel is a retired emeritus counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Formation, and M&A. Martin has over 52 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Martin I. Zankel is a lawyer practicing transactional real estate, commercial, corporate & incorporation and 1 other area of law. Martin received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce in 1955, and has been licensed for 52 years. Martin practices in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Martin on a business matter
Martin I. Zankel is a lawyer practicing transactional real estate, commercial, corporate & incorporation and 1 other area of law. Martin received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce in 1955, and has been licensed for 52 years. Martin practices in San Francisco, CA.
Who Martin represents
Martin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, formation, and m&a matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1974
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce
B.S. · 1955
Jurisdictions
Martin's state bar admissions
California
1974 · ACTIVE
Martin studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce.
Law school and academic background
Martin completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance and Commerce. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Martin runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Martin has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Martin's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California
Member, Real Property Law Section: Executive Committee, 1986-1990, Vice Chairman, 1989-1990 · membership
Locations
Martin I. Zankel's office in San Francisco
Martin's primary office is at 900 Front Street Suite 300, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Martin I. Zankel — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Martin. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in 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 Martin I. Zankel claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Martin I. Zankel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Martin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Martin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Martin'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; Martin 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 Martin
Martin 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. Martin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Martin'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 Martin I. Zankel
How much does it cost to hire Martin for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Martin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Martin offer a free consultation?
Martin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Martin's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Martin'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. Martin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Martin take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Martin 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 — Martin 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 Martin?
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. Martin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Martin accepting new business clients right now?
Martin'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
Martin 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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