How much does it cost to hire Michael for a civil rights case?

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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

Is Michael accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Christian Hallerud, Civil Rights Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratNixon Peabody LLP

San Francisco, CA

Practicing civil rights in San Francisco since 1973.

53+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Employment Employment Contracts Entertainment General Litigation +2 more →

Are you Michael Christian Hallerud?

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

Michael Christian Hallerud is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts. Michael has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nixon Peabody LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Employment · Employment Contracts

Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Employment Contracts matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Christian Hallerud

Michael concentrates on civil rights, employment, employment contracts, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes civil rights 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes employment 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes employment contracts 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes general 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Christian Hallerud — Over 53 years of California civil rights experience

Michael Christian Hallerud is a lawyer practicing affirmative action & diversity, california labor & employment law, discrimination & harassment and 10 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. Michael practices at Nixon Peabody LLP in San Francisco, CA.

How Michael handles civil rights matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and employment contracts matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Michael Christian Hallerud's legal education and bar admissions

University of Iowa
J.D. · 1973
University of Iowa
B.A. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Illinois
2010 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1987 · ACTIVE
Washington
1981 · ACTIVE
California
1976 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1973 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Christian Hallerud

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Bar Association of San Francisco Washington State and American Bar Associations State Bar of California
membership

Locations

Michael Christian Hallerud's office in San Francisco

Michael's primary office is at One Embarcadero Center, 18th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94111-3628. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Nixon Peabody LLP

One Embarcadero Center, 18th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111-3628

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Christian Hallerud — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights 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 Michael Christian Hallerud claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Christian Hallerud — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in San Francisco, 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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael Christian Hallerud

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Michael'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 civil rights attorneys like Michael Christian Hallerud. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if a police officer used excessive force in California?
In Los Angeles, CA, I was recently arrested, and the police officer used excessive force during the encounter. I have visible bruises and witnesses who saw everything. I believe my
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · California
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Michael 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

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