How much does it cost to hire Charles for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.

How long do employment cases in California typically take?

Simple employment 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 employment 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 S. Birenbaum, Employment Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, Litigation, and Trade Secrets · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Shareholder; Chair, Northern CaliforniaatGreenberg Traurig, LLP

San Francisco, CA

Practicing employment in San Francisco since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Employment Litigation Trade Secrets

Are you Charles S. Birenbaum?

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 S. Birenbaum is a shareholder; chair, northern california based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, Litigation, and Trade Secrets. Charles has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Employment · Litigation · Trade Secrets

Handles Employment, Litigation, and Trade Secrets matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Charles S. Birenbaum

Charles concentrates on employment, litigation, and trade secrets. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Employment cases in San Francisco, California

Charles takes employment 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.

Trade Secrets cases in San Francisco, California

Charles takes trade secrets 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

About Charles S. Birenbaum — Over 44 years of California employment experience

Charles S. Birenbaum serves as the firm’s Chair of Northern California. Chuck is an experienced labor and employment attorney who focuses his practice on traditional labor and employment law matters, and has wide-ranging experience litigating in state and federal courts as well as various administrative agencies. He has testified on proposed legislation impacting entire industries before state legislative committees, and has interfaced and negotiated with labor organizations, politicians, regulators, and industry leaders to resolve complex issues for his clients in the health care, energy, construction and other industries.

Chuck is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried race harassment class actions, noncompetition trials, unfair labor practice hearings before the National Labor Relations Board, and multiple arbitrations. His appellate work includes decisions from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit under the National Labor Relations Act, Labor Management Relations Act, and the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act.

In the area of traditional labor law, Chuck has a broad array of experience in collective bargaining, union organizing and trust fund litigation for employers in the construction, energy, health care, manufacturing, and service industries. He has first chaired collective bargaining for all bargaining units at a health care system; first chaired collective bargaining over a bargaining unit of registered nurses at a dialysis provider; first chaired collective bargaining for construction agreements covering billions of dollars of heavy infrastructure development; and first chaired collective bargaining for a steel manufacturer and fabricator.

Chuck has been honored by numerous organizations for his labor and employment practice. Since 2013, he has continuously been listed with Chambers USA Guide for his work in labor and employment law, as well as being listed as one of the nation’s top 100 most powerful employment lawyers with Human Resources Executive magazine each year. Chuck is also recognized by The Legal 500 United States for both Labor-Management Relations and Labor and Employment Disputes - Defense.

Concentrations

•Labor and employment class actions
•Traditional labor law
•Appellate advocacy
•Employment law advice, counseling and training
•Unfair competition, restrictive covenants and trade secrets

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Labor & Employment Law - Management, 2007-2026
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Labor & Employment Law, 2013-2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States
•Labor and Employment - Labor-Management Relations, 2016-2017, 2019-2025
•'Leading Partners,' 2025
•'Leading Lawyer,' 2023-2024
•Labor and Employment - Labor and Employment Disputes (Including Collective Actions) - Defense, 2019
•Listed, Benchmark Litigation, 'Labor & Employment Star,' 2020-2024
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Northern California Super Lawyers, 2004-2025
•Listed, Lawdragon, '500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers,' 2020-2026
•Listed, Lawdragon and Human Resources Executive magazine, 'The Nation's Most Powerful Employment Lawyers - Top 100,' 2013-2019
•Listed, The Daily Journal, 'Top Labor and Employment Attorneys in California,' 2016
•Listed, The Daily Journal, 'Top 75 Labor Attorneys in California,' 2013-2016
•Team Member, Law360, 'Employment Practice Group of the Year,' 2013

Charles's approach to employment cases

The kind of cases Charles takes

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, litigation, and trade secrets matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Charles S. Birenbaum's legal education and bar admissions

Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 1982
Oberlin College
B.A. Government · 1979

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

California
1982 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. Government in Oberlin College.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. Government in Oberlin College. 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of Charles S. Birenbaum

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Charles S. Birenbaum's office in San Francisco

Charles's primary office is at 101 Second Street, Suite 2200, San Francisco, CA, 94105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

101 Second Street, Suite 2200

San Francisco, CA 94105

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles S. Birenbaum — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 employment attorneys in San Francisco.

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Charles S. Birenbaum — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new employment 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 employment attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 employment practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every employment 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 employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles S. Birenbaum

How much does it cost to hire Charles for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in California typically take?
Simple employment 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 employment clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by employment attorneys like Charles S. Birenbaum. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Sue For Emotional Distress After Being Harassed At Work In California?
I’ve been experiencing severe harassment from my supervisor over the past six months at my job in Los Angeles. It’s affecting my mental health, and I finally decided to quit. I wan
1 verified answer · Employment · California
Is It Legal To Fire Someone For Taking Family Leave In Texas?
I recently took a family leave to care for my sick father in Houston, Texas. After returning, I was informed that I was terminated due to 'job abandonment.' I feel like I was let g
1 verified answer · Employment · Texas
Is It Legal To Pay Employees Differently Based On Gender In South Carolina?
I've recently found out that my male coworker in Charleston, South Carolina, is earning more than me for the same job. I’m shocked and feel it’s unfair. Is it legal for companies t
1 verified answer · Employment · South Carolina
Can I Be Fired For Taking FMLA Leave In Minnesota?
I took FMLA leave to care for my mother in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and now my employer has informed me that my job is no longer available. I feel like this is retaliation for my le
1 verified answer · Employment · Minnesota
Can I Sue For Wrongful Termination If I Signed An Employment Contract In Arizona?
I signed an employment contract with my employer in Phoenix, Arizona, but I was terminated without cause. The contract didn't clarify the termination process. Can I sue for wrongfu
1 verified answer · Employment · Arizona
What Are My Rights If I'm Wrongfully Listed As Ineligible For Rehire In Georgia?
I was terminated from my job in Atlanta, Georgia, and I just found out they listed me as ineligible for rehire. I suspect it’s because I filed a complaint against my supervisor. Wh
1 verified answer · Employment · Georgia

Areas served

Employment attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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