Tara Michele Desautels, Formation Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Formation, General, and Litigation
Supr. Ct. J.atPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing formation in San Francisco since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Tara Michele Desautels?
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Quick answer
Tara Michele Desautels is a supr. ct. j. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Formation, General, and Litigation. Tara has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Formation · General · Litigation
- Handles Formation, General, and Litigation matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Tara Michele Desautels: Tara Michele Desautels is a supr. ct. j. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Formation, General, and Litigation. Tara has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Tara takes on
Tara concentrates on formation, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Tara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Formation
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General
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Formation cases in San Francisco, California
Tara takes formation 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 Tara agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Tara 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 Tara agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
Tara takes litigation 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 Tara agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in San Francisco, California
Tara takes white collar 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 Tara agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Tara Michele Desautels — formation lawyer in San Francisco
Tara Michele Desautels is a supr. ct. j. based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Formation, General, and Litigation. Tara has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
Tara Michele Desautels is a lawyer practicing litigation, corporate & incorporation, investigations and 2 other areas of law. Tara received a B.S. degree from Georgetown University in 1993, and has been licensed for 29 years. Tara practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco, CA.
How Tara handles formation matters
Tara Michele Desautels is a lawyer practicing litigation, corporate & incorporation, investigations and 2 other areas of law. Tara received a B.S. degree from Georgetown University in 1993, and has been licensed for 29 years. Tara practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Who Tara represents
Tara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for formation, general, and litigation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. · 1997
Georgetown University
B.S. International · 1993
Jurisdictions
Tara's state bar admissions
California
1997 · ACTIVE
Tara studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.S. International in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
Tara completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.S. International in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Tara runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Office locations for Tara Michele Desautels in San Francisco, California
Tara's primary office is at San Francisco, CA, 94126. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Tara Michele Desautels
Tara 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Tara Michele Desautels — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new formation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Tara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Tara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tara'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; Tara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a formation attorney in San Francisco, 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 Tara
Tara 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. Tara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Tara'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 Tara Michele Desautels
How much does it cost to hire Tara for a formation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Tara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Tara offer a free consultation?
Tara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tara's office. Some formation attorneys offer free consults — check Tara'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. Tara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Tara take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Tara 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 — Tara 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 Tara?
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. Tara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Tara accepting new formation clients right now?
Tara'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 San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Tara handles formation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified formation 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
Other top-rated formation attorneys in California
If Tara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these formation attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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David Payab, Esq.
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Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
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Jonathan P. Brian
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