How much does it cost to hire Charles for a construction case?

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

Does Charles offer a free consultation?

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

How long do construction cases in California typically take?

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

Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Sherman Oaks?

Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?

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

Is Charles accepting new construction clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Charles D. May, Construction Attorney in Sherman Oaks, California

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Environmental, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

PartneratTharpe And Howell Llp

Sherman Oaks, CA

Practicing construction in Sherman Oaks since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 3 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Construction Environmental Litigation Personal Injury Real Estate

Are you Charles D. May?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Charles D. May is a partner based in Sherman Oaks, CA. The practice focuses on Construction, Environmental, and Litigation. Charles has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tharpe And Howell Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Sherman Oaks, CA
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Construction · Environmental · Litigation

Handles Construction, Environmental, and Litigation matters from Sherman Oaks, CA.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Charles takes on

Charles concentrates on construction, environmental, litigation, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Sherman Oaks, California

Charles takes construction matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Sherman Oaks, California

Charles takes environmental matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Sherman Oaks, California

Charles takes litigation matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Sherman Oaks, California

Charles takes personal injury matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Sherman Oaks, California

Charles takes real estate matters in Sherman Oaks, 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 Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Charles D. May — construction lawyer in Sherman Oaks

CHARLES D. MAY is a Partner of the Firm in its Sherman Oaks, California, office. His practice focuses on all phases of civil litigation, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, trial and appellate work. Mr. May represents a broad range of clients, including self-insured entities, on matters related to business and contracts/real estate contracts, civil litigation defense, business litigation, administrative law, and first and third party general liability defense.

Memberships

American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA)

Association of Southern California Defense Counsel

Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)

Working with Charles on a construction matter

CHARLES D. MAY is a Partner of the Firm in its Sherman Oaks, California, office. His practice focuses on all phases of civil litigation, including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, trial and appellate work. Mr. May represents a broad range of clients, including self-insured entities, on matters related to business and contracts/real estate contracts, civil litigation defense,…

Who Charles represents

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, environmental, and litigation matters in Sherman Oaks and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Loyola Marymount University
B.S. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

California All Calif
1987 · ACTIVE
Idaho
1985 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in Loyola Marymount University.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in Loyola Marymount University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
membership

Locations

Charles D. May's office in Sherman Oaks

Charles's primary office is at 15250 Ventura Boulevard, 9th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Tharpe And Howell Llp

15250 Ventura Boulevard, 9th Floor

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles D. May — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Sherman Oaks.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles D. May claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Charles D. May — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a construction attorney in Sherman Oaks, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 Charles

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction 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. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles D. May

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

Areas served

Construction attorneys serving Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Charles handles construction matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Sherman Oaks handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.