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Samuel Martin Zaif, Appellate Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Insurance

San Francisco, CA

Practicing appellate in San Francisco since 1984.

42+
Years practicing
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Samuel Martin Zaif is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Samuel has over 42 years of legal experience.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 42 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · Insurance
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Insurance matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Samuel Martin Zaif: Samuel Martin Zaif is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Samuel has over 42 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Samuel takes on

Samuel concentrates on appellate, business, insurance, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Samuel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in San Francisco, California

Samuel takes appellate 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Business cases in San Francisco, California

Samuel 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in San Francisco, California

Samuel takes insurance 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in San Francisco, California

Samuel takes product liability 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Samuel Martin Zaif — appellate lawyer in San Francisco

Samuel Martin Zaif is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Samuel has over 42 years of legal experience.

Samuel Martin Zaif is a lawyer practicing insurance, insurance fraud, defective and dangerous products and 2 other areas of law. Samuel received a A.B. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1969, and has been licensed for 42 years. Samuel practices in San Francisco, CA.

Samuel's approach to appellate cases

Samuel Martin Zaif is a lawyer practicing insurance, insurance fraud, defective and dangerous products and 2 other areas of law. Samuel received a A.B. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1969, and has been licensed for 42 years. Samuel practices in San Francisco, CA.

The kind of cases Samuel takes

Samuel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and insurance matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of California School of Law, Davis

    J.D. · 1984

  • University of California at Los Angeles

    A.B. University · 1969

Jurisdictions

Samuel's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1986 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

Samuel studied at J.D. in University of California School of Law, Davis and A.B. University in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Samuel completed J.D. in University of California School of Law, Davis and A.B. University in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Samuel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Samuel Martin Zaif's office in San Francisco

Samuel's primary office is at 101 California Street Suite 2050, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

101 California Street Suite 2050

San Francisco, CA 94111

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Samuel Martin Zaif

Samuel has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Samuel Martin Zaif — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Samuel

Samuel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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. Samuel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Samuel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Samuel Martin Zaif

  • How much does it cost to hire Samuel for a appellate case?

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

  • Does Samuel offer a free consultation?

    Samuel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Samuel's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Samuel's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in California typically take?

    Simple appellate 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. Samuel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Samuel 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 — Samuel 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 Samuel?

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

  • Is Samuel accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Samuel handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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