Michelle Leighton Schwartz, Civil Rights Attorney in San Francisco, California

Michelle concentrates on civil rights, environmental, general, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Civil Rights

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• Environmental

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• General

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• International

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Michelle's primary office is at 114 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Michelle 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.

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

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

• Does Michelle offer a free consultation?

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

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

  Michelle 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 — Michelle 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 Michelle?

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

• Is Michelle accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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