
David Brown Bayless, General Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Securities · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratCovington & Burling LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing general in San Francisco since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you David Brown Bayless?
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.
Quick answer
David Brown Bayless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Securities. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington & Burling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- General · Litigation · Securities
- Handles General, Litigation, and Securities matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David Brown Bayless: David Brown Bayless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Securities. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington & Burling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
David's practice areas in San Francisco
David concentrates on general, litigation, securities, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Securities
View other Securities attorneys
White Collar
View other White Collar attorneys
General cases in San Francisco, California
David 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 David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
David 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 David agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in San Francisco, California
David takes securities 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 David agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in San Francisco, California
David takes white collar 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 David agrees to represent you.
Biography
David Brown Bayless, general attorney serving San Francisco
David Brown Bayless is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Securities. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington & Burling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from San Francisco, California and takes on general matters across the region.
David Brown Bayless is a lawyer practicing investigations, white collar defense & investigations, anti-corruption and 7 other areas of law. David received a Ph.D. degree from Cambridge University, and has been licensed for 45 years. David practices at Covington & Burling LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Working with David on a general matter
David Brown Bayless is a lawyer practicing investigations, white collar defense & investigations, anti-corruption and 7 other areas of law. David received a Ph.D. degree from Cambridge University, and has been licensed for 45 years. David practices at Covington & Burling LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and securities matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where David studied and practices
The University of Chicago Law School
J.D. · 1981
Cambridge University Ph.D. Oberlin College B.A. with high honors
—
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
California
1997 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1996 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1981 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in The University of Chicago Law School and — in Cambridge University Ph.D. Oberlin College B.A. with high honors.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in The University of Chicago Law School and — in Cambridge University Ph.D. Oberlin College B.A. with high honors. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
David's legal honors and published work
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
David Brown Bayless's office in San Francisco
David's primary office is at One Front Street, San Francisco, CA, 94111-5356. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David Brown Bayless — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general 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 David Brown Bayless claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David Brown Bayless — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Brown Bayless
How much does it cost to hire David for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new general clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
David handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general 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
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in California
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74