
Charles Griffith Towle, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and General
Partner
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Charles Griffith Towle?
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Quick answer
Charles Griffith Towle is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. Charles has over 36 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Business · Class Action · General
- Handles Business, Class Action, and General matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Charles Griffith Towle: Charles Griffith Towle is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. Charles has over 36 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on business, class action, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Class Action
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Charles takes business 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in San Francisco, California
Charles takes class action 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
IP cases in San Francisco, California
Charles takes ip 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
Charles 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 Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles Griffith Towle — business lawyer in San Francisco
Charles Griffith Towle is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. Charles has over 36 years of legal experience.
Charles Griffith Towle is a lawyer practicing business litigation, class actions litigation, franchise and distribution and 1 other area of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986, and has been licensed for 36 years. Charles practices at Bartko Pavia LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Charles's approach to business cases
Charles Griffith Towle is a lawyer practicing business litigation, class actions litigation, franchise and distribution and 1 other area of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1986, and has been licensed for 36 years. Charles practices at Bartko Pavia LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Charles takes
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and general matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California, Hastings College of Law
J.D. · 1989
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. English · 1986
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
California
1990 · ACTIVE
California U.S. Dist
1990 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of Law and B.A. English in University of California, Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of Law and B.A. English in University of California, Santa Barbara. 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.
Affiliations
Charles's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association
Member, Forum on Franchising Former Member, Steering Committee, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Section) State Bar of California (Forum Chair, Franchise Law Committee · membership
Locations
Charles Griffith Towle's office in San Francisco
Charles's primary office is at 1100 Sansome Street, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles Griffith Towle
Charles 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 Charles Griffith Towle — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles Griffith Towle
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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 San Francisco?
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 business 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
Business attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Charles handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business 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
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