
Deborah Frances Schweizer, Civil Rights Attorney in Novato, California
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, General, and Insurance
PartneratClapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason
Novato, CA
Practicing civil rights in Novato since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Deborah Frances Schweizer?
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Quick answer
Deborah Frances Schweizer is a partner based in Novato, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Insurance. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason.
- Based in
- Novato, CA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · General · Insurance
- Handles Civil Rights, General, and Insurance matters from Novato, CA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Deborah Frances Schweizer: Deborah Frances Schweizer is a partner based in Novato, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Insurance. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Deborah takes on
Deborah concentrates on civil rights, general, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Deborah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Wrongful Death
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Civil Rights cases in Novato, California
Deborah takes civil rights matters in Novato, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.
General cases in Novato, California
Deborah takes general matters in Novato, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Novato, California
Deborah takes insurance matters in Novato, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Novato, California
Deborah takes litigation matters in Novato, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Novato, California
Deborah takes personal injury matters in Novato, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Deborah Frances Schweizer — civil rights lawyer in Novato
Deborah Frances Schweizer is a partner based in Novato, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Insurance. Deborah has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason.
Deborah Frances Schweizer is a lawyer practicing personal injury, toxic torts, complex litigation and 7 other areas of law. Deborah received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1978, and has been licensed for 40 years. Deborah practices at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason in Novato, CA.
How Deborah handles civil rights matters
Deborah Frances Schweizer is a lawyer practicing personal injury, toxic torts, complex litigation and 7 other areas of law. Deborah received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1978, and has been licensed for 40 years. Deborah practices at Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason in Novato, CA.
The kind of cases Deborah takes
Deborah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, general, and insurance matters in Novato and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
New York Law School
J.D. · 1986
University of California at Berkeley
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Deborah's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
California
1986 · ACTIVE
Deborah studied at J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Deborah completed J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Deborah runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Deborah's professional memberships and bar associations
The Association of Trial Lawyers of America Consumer Attorneys of California Queen's Bench State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Deborah Frances Schweizer's office in Novato
Deborah's primary office is at 1127 Grant Avenue, Suite 6, Novato, CA, 94945. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason
1127 Grant Avenue, Suite 6
Novato, CA 94945
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Deborah Frances Schweizer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Deborah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Deborah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deborah'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; Deborah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Novato, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Deborah
Deborah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. Deborah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Deborah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Deborah Frances Schweizer
How much does it cost to hire Deborah for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Deborah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Deborah offer a free consultation?
Deborah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deborah's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Deborah's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Deborah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Deborah take my case if I'm outside Novato?
Deborah 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 — Deborah 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 Deborah?
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. Deborah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Deborah accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Deborah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Novato, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Deborah handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Deborah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Novato handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





