Van Allyn Goodwin, Civil Rights Attorney in San Diego, California

Van concentrates on civil rights, class action, employment, general, and wage & hour. Each area below outlines the kind of case Van handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Civil Rights

  View other Civil Rights attorneys

• Class Action

  View other Class Action attorneys

• Employment

  View other Employment attorneys

• General

  View other General attorneys

• Wage & Hour

  View other Wage & Hour attorneys

Van's primary office is at 501 W. Broadway, Ste. 900, San Diego, CA, 92101-3577. 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 Van usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Van 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 Van for a civil rights case?

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

• Does Van offer a free consultation?

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

• Can Van take my case if I'm outside San Diego?

  Van 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 — Van 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 Van?

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

• Is Van accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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