Michael Herman Zischke, Environmental Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratCox, Castle & Nicholson LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing environmental in San Francisco since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Herman Zischke?
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Quick answer
Michael Herman Zischke is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Government
- Handles Environmental, General, and Government matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Herman Zischke: Michael Herman Zischke is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on environmental, general, government, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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General
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Government
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in San Francisco, California
Michael takes environmental 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.
Government cases in San Francisco, California
Michael takes government 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.
Real Estate cases in San Francisco, California
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in San Francisco, California
Michael takes tax 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
Meet Michael Herman Zischke — environmental lawyer in San Francisco
Michael Herman Zischke is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Herman Zischke is a lawyer practicing land use, environmental law, california environmental quality act-ceqa and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Michael's approach to environmental cases
<p>Michael Herman Zischke is a lawyer practicing land use, environmental law, california environmental quality act-ceqa and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP in San Francisco, CA.</p>
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and government matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1982
Dartmouth College
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in Dartmouth College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in Dartmouth College. 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
Recognition and thought leadership
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
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Michael Herman Zischke's office in San Francisco
Michael's primary office is at 555 California Street, 10th Fl., San Francisco, CA, 94104-1513. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP
555 California Street, 10th Fl.
San Francisco, CA 94104-1513
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Herman Zischke — 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 environmental 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 Herman Zischke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Herman Zischke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Herman Zischke
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental 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 environmental clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Michael handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental 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
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If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





