Sarah Emlen Swain, Environmental Attorney in San Francisco, California

Sarah concentrates on environmental, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Environmental

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• Real Estate

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• Zoning

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Sarah's primary office is at 2 Embarcadero Center, Ste. 1100, San Francisco, CA, 94111-3802. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Sarah 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.

• How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a environmental case?

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

• Does Sarah offer a free consultation?

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

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

  Sarah 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 — Sarah 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 Sarah?

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

• Is Sarah accepting new environmental clients right now?

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