Susan Morton Derian, Formation Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Formation and General
Senior AttorneyatGibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing formation in Los Angeles since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Susan Morton Derian?
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Quick answer
Susan Morton Derian is a senior attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Formation and General. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Formation · General
- Handles Formation and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Susan Morton Derian: Susan Morton Derian is a senior attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Formation and General. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp.
Areas of practice
Susan's practice areas in Los Angeles
Susan concentrates on formation and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Formation cases in Los Angeles, California
Susan takes formation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Susan takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Susan Morton Derian, formation attorney serving Los Angeles
Susan Morton Derian is a senior attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Formation and General. Susan has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gibson Dunn And Crutcher Llp. Susan works from Los Angeles, California and takes on formation matters across the region.
Susan Morton Derian is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, general practice, strategic sourcing and technology transactions. Susan received a degree from University of California, San Francisco - Hastings College of the Law in 1983, and has been licensed for 43 years. Susan practices at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Susan's approach to formation cases
Susan Morton Derian is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, general practice, strategic sourcing and technology transactions. Susan received a degree from University of California, San Francisco - Hastings College of the Law in 1983, and has been licensed for 43 years. Susan practices at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients Susan works with
Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for formation and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Susan studied and practices
University of California, San Francisco - Hastings College of the Law
Juris Doctor · 1983
Jurisdictions
Susan's state bar admissions
California
1983 · ACTIVE
Susan studied at Juris Doctor in University of California, San Francisco - Hastings College of the Law.
Law school and academic background
Susan completed Juris Doctor in University of California, San Francisco - Hastings College of the Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Susan Morton Derian's office in Los Angeles
Susan's primary office is at 333 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Susan Morton Derian
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Susan Morton Derian — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new formation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan'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; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a formation attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many formation 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 Susan
Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in formation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every formation 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. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many formation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Susan Morton Derian
How much does it cost to hire Susan for a formation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some formation attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.
How long do formation cases in California typically take?
Simple formation 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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?
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. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new formation clients right now?
Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Formation attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Susan handles formation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified formation attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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 Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these formation attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





