How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a discrimination case?

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

Does Ellen offer a free consultation?

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

How long do discrimination cases in California typically take?

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

Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside Palm Desert?

Ellen 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 — Ellen 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 Ellen?

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

Is Ellen accepting new discrimination clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ellen Pinel Barnes, Discrimination Attorney in Palm Desert, California

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Discrimination, Estate Planning, and Family Law

MemberatEllen Pinel Barnes

Palm Desert, CA

Practicing discrimination in Palm Desert since 1977.

49+: Years practicing
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Discrimination Estate Planning Family Law General Litigation Personal Injury

Are you Ellen Pinel Barnes?

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Quick answer

Ellen Pinel Barnes is a member based in Palm Desert, CA. The practice focuses on Discrimination, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Ellen has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellen Pinel Barnes.

Based in: Palm Desert, CA
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Discrimination · Estate Planning · Family Law

Handles Discrimination, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Palm Desert, CA.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Ellen takes on

Ellen concentrates on discrimination, estate planning, family law, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Discrimination cases in Palm Desert, California

Ellen takes discrimination matters in Palm Desert, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Palm Desert, California

Ellen takes estate planning matters in Palm Desert, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Palm Desert, California

Ellen takes family law matters in Palm Desert, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

General cases in Palm Desert, California

Ellen takes general matters in Palm Desert, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Palm Desert, California

Ellen takes litigation matters in Palm Desert, 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 Ellen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Ellen Pinel Barnes — discrimination lawyer in Palm Desert

Ellen Pinel Barnes is a lawyer practicing personal injury litigation, professional malpractice, employment discrimination litigation and 3 other areas of law. Ellen Pinel received a B.A. degree from Albion College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. Ellen Pinel practices at Ellen Pinel Barnes in Palm Desert, CA.

Ellen's approach to discrimination cases

The kind of cases Ellen takes

Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for discrimination, estate planning, and family law matters in Palm Desert and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Chicago-Kent College of Law
J.D. · 1977
Albion College
B.A. · 1974

Jurisdictions

Ellen's state bar admissions

Washington (inactive
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1977 · ACTIVE

Ellen studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.A. in Albion College.

Law school and academic background

Ellen completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law and B.A. in Albion College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Ellen's professional memberships and bar associations

Washington State Bar Association
membership

Locations

Ellen Pinel Barnes's office in Palm Desert

Ellen's primary office is at 66 Laredo Ln., Palm Desert, CA, 92211-3206. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ellen Pinel Barnes

66 Laredo Ln.

Palm Desert, CA 92211-3206

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ellen Pinel Barnes

Ellen 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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Hiring guide

How to hire Ellen Pinel Barnes — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a discrimination attorney in Palm Desert, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many discrimination 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 Ellen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every discrimination 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. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ellen Pinel Barnes

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

Areas served

Discrimination attorneys serving Palm Desert, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

If Ellen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these discrimination attorneys in Palm Desert handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.