How much does it cost to hire Wilson for a legal case?

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

Does Wilson offer a free consultation?

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

How long do legal cases in California typically take?

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

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

Wilson 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 — Wilson 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 Wilson?

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

Is Wilson accepting new legal clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D. — Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 11 years of legal practice

PartneratLieff Cabraser Heimann And Bernstein Llp

San Francisco, CA

Practicing law in San Francisco since 2015.

11+: Years practicing
8: Bar admissions

Are you Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D.?

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Quick answer

Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D. is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. Wilson has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lieff Cabraser Heimann And Bernstein Llp.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 11 years
Known for: legal services

Over 11 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D., legal attorney serving San Francisco

Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D. is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. Wilson has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lieff Cabraser Heimann And Bernstein Llp. Wilson works from San Francisco, California and takes on legal matters across the region.

Wilson M. Dunlavey represents consumers, government entities, small businesses, workers, fishers, members of the armed services, and residents in complex litigation in federal and state courts. Mr. Dunlavey has focused on environmental torts, consumer fraud, breach of contract, and product liability cases. His is regularly appointed to leadership positions by federal district court judges and recognized by fellow members of the Plaintiffs’ bar for his creativity and tenacity. In just eleven years of practice, Mr. Dunlavey has changed company practices and recovered over $16 billion for his clients.

Among his many active cases, Mr. Dunlavey is member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in a proposed nationwide class action against Kalshi in the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs allege that Kalshi operates an unlicensed and illegal sports book that masquerades as a prediction market. Mr. Dunlavey is also part of the leadership team in a similar proposed nationwide class action pending in the Southern District of New York against Underdog Fantasy. Plaintiffs allege Underdog operates an unlicensed, illegal sportsbook that masquerades as a fantasy sports platform.

Mr. Dunlavey currently represents the State of California against Big Oil in arguably the most significant environmental litigation ever. They seek to hold Exxon, Shell, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BP, and the American Petroleum Institute accountable for the decades of deception regarding the impact of climate change.

Mr. Dunlavey is part of the leadership team representing marines and their families seeking accountability for the poisonous water they consumed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Mr. Dunlavey is co-lead counsel in a class action in federal court in the Western District of Michigan, where he represents residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan, who allegedly drank poisonous water for years as a result of systemic failures by the City of Benton Harbor and other entities.

Mr. Dunlavey’s past successes include, in rough reverse order, a $237.5 million dollar settlement reached in 2024 on behalf of U.S. vehicle owners with Hino Motor Company for misrepresenting their emissions and exceeding regulatory limits; a $70 million dollar settlement reached in 2024 on behalf of property owners with a pipeline company arising out of an oil spill in Santa Barbara; a $95 million dollar settlement reached in 2023 on behalf of fishers, property owners, and local businesses with a pipeline company and shipping companies arising out of the 2021 Oil Spill in Huntington Beach, California; a $230 million dollar settlement reached in 2022 on behalf of property owners and fishers with Plains Pipeline Company arising out of the 2015 Santa Barbara Oil Spill; a $1.8 billion dollar settlement reached in 2021 on behalf of Los Angeles area residents with Sempra Energy Corporation arising out of the largest methane leak in U.S. history in Porter Ranch, California in 2016; and a series of settlements on behalf of vehicle owners against Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi in 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2017 arising out of the 2015 “Clean Diesel” Scandal.

Mr. Dunlavey’s pro bono practice includes successfully representing unaccompanied Central American minors in obtaining immigration relief and successfully representing individuals who have been unlawfully detained by ICE.

His hobbies include backpacking, urban gardening, and singing nursery rhymes with his children on the streets of New York City.

Honors & Awards

•“Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America,” Lawdragon, 2023-2026
•“Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation,” Lawdragon, 2023-2025
•“Rising Star for Northern California,” Super Lawyers, 2019-2025
•“California Lawyer of the Year,” California Daily Journal, 2018
•“Consumer Attorney of the Year Finalist,” Consumer Attorneys of California, 2017
•“Outstanding Private Practice Antitrust Achievement,” American Antitrust Institute, 2017

Publications & Presentations

•Panelist, “Prediction Markets,” HarrisMartin MDL Conference: Dupixent, Spinal Cord Stimulator and MDL Updates, May 2026
•Panelist, “Safe Water for All: The Key Challenges and Successes in Addressing Water Justice Issues in North America,” ABA SEER Flow Forward: North American Water Quality Forum, May 2025

In the News

•May 26, 2026
Wilson Dunlavey to Speak at Upcoming HarrisMartin MDL Conference in Milwaukee, WI
•April 13, 2026
Wilson Dunlavey and Jessica Moldovan Selected for Law360’s 2026 Editorial Advisory Boards
•February 17, 2026
30 Lieff Cabraser Attorneys Recognized as Lawdragon “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2026
•October 30, 2025
21 Lieff Cabraser Attorneys Selected as 2025 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
•July 14, 2025
Lieff Cabraser Attorneys Named to Lawdragon’s 2025 “Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation” List

Clients Wilson works with

Wilson reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Wilson studied and practices

Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, California J.D. 2015 Law Journal: Berkeley Technology Law Journal Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, C
—
St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland
B.A. Humboldt · 2003

Jurisdictions

Wilson's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2026 · ACTIVE
New York
2023 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2023 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2021 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2019 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2016 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2016 · ACTIVE
California
2015 · ACTIVE

Wilson studied at — in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, California J.D. 2015 Law Journal: Berkeley Technology Law Journal Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, C and B.A. Humboldt in St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland.

Law school and academic background

Wilson completed — in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, California J.D. 2015 Law Journal: Berkeley Technology Law Journal Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, C and B.A. Humboldt in St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Wilson runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Wilson's professional memberships and bar associations

Professional Associations •American Association for Justice, Class Action Litigation Section: Secretary (present) Content Curator (2024-2025) •Law360 Editorial Advisory Board, Environmental, 2026
membership

Locations

Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D.'s office in San Francisco

Wilson's primary office is at Embarcadero Center West, 275 Battery Street, 29th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lieff Cabraser Heimann And Bernstein Llp

Embarcadero Center West, 275 Battery Street, 29th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D. — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a legal attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 Wilson

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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. Wilson confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Wilson M. Dunlavey, Ph. D.

How much does it cost to hire Wilson for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Wilson walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Wilson offer a free consultation?
Wilson charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Wilson's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Wilson's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in California typically take?
Simple legal 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. Wilson gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Wilson take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Wilson 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 — Wilson 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 Wilson?
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. Wilson will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Wilson accepting new legal clients right now?
Wilson's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.