How much does it cost to hire Gary for a environmental case?

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

Does Gary offer a free consultation?

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

How long do environmental cases in California typically take?

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

Can Gary take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?

Gary 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 — Gary 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 Gary?

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

Is Gary accepting new environmental clients right now?

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

Gary A. Praglin, Environmental Attorney in Santa Monica

Quick answer

Gary A. Praglin is a partner based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Gary has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Santa Monica, CA
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Environmental · Litigation · Personal Injury

Handles Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Santa Monica, CA.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Gary takes on

Gary concentrates on environmental, litigation, personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Environmental cases in Santa Monica, California

Gary takes environmental matters in Santa Monica, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Santa Monica, California

Gary takes litigation matters in Santa Monica, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Santa Monica, California

Gary takes personal injury matters in Santa Monica, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Santa Monica, California

Gary takes product liability matters in Santa Monica, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Wrongful Death cases in Santa Monica, California

Gary takes wrongful death matters in Santa Monica, 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Gary A. Praglin — environmental lawyer in Santa Monica

Gary A. Praglin is a partner based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Gary has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Gary A. Praglin is a partner at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, where he handles complex personal injury cases, including mass tort actions involving environmental contamination of air, water and soil. These cases often involve thousands of injured victims at a time, like Gary’s PG&E case, which became the subject of the hit movie Erin Brockovich.

Over his career, Gary has helped recover for his clients nearly one billion dollars in jury verdicts and settlements.

Gary has also served in leadership on Steering Committees, past and present. Notable Plaintiffs’ Steering Committees have been the Yamaha Rhino Litigation and the SoCalGas Aliso Canyon Litigation, which arises out of the largest release of methane into the environment in history.

Gary also handles pro bono litigation to improve the lives of others. Notable pro bono cases have been: an adoption; re-admission of a med student into med school, allowing him to become a doctor; and helping a young couple prevail against a slumlord on a mold issue. Gary is currently representing multiple parties against online puppy traffickers who have harmed defenseless animals and devastated innocent families.

Gary received his Bachelor of Arts from UCLA. He received his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.

Gary is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles and American Board of Trial Advocates.

He is an active supporter and fund raiser for the following worldwide charities: Wildlife NOW--dedicated to preserving endangered species in Africa www.wildlifeNOW.com; and Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind--dedicated to breeding, training and placing guide dogs around the world www.israelguidedog.org.

Gary's approach to environmental cases

Gary A. Praglin is a partner at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, where he handles complex personal injury cases, including mass tort actions involving environmental contamination of air, water and soil. These cases often involve thousands of injured victims at a time, like Gary’s PG&E case, which became the subject of the hit movie Erin Brockovich . Over his career, Gary has helped recover for…

Clients Gary works with

Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, litigation, and personal injury matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Southwestern University J.D.
—
University of California - Los Angeles B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

Gary's state bar admissions

California
1981 · ACTIVE

Gary studied at — in Southwestern University J.D. and — in University of California - Los Angeles B.A..

Law school and academic background

Gary completed — in Southwestern University J.D. and — in University of California - Los Angeles B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gary runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Gary A. Praglin's office in Santa Monica

Gary's primary office is at 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 3088, Santa Monica, CA, 90405. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP

2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 3088

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Gary A. Praglin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Gary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Santa Monica.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Gary A. Praglin claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Gary A. Praglin — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Santa Monica, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 Gary

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every environmental 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. Gary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Gary A. Praglin

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

How To Report Illegal Dumping In California?
Living in Los Angeles, CA, I’ve seen a lot of illegal dumping happening behind my apartment complex. I want to report it, but I’m unsure if I can do it anonymously or what the proc
1 verified answer · Environmental · California
Can I Report A Company For Violating Waste Disposal Laws In Nevada?
I live in Las Vegas, NV, and suspect a local company is improperly disposing of hazardous waste. I want to report this but am unsure where to go or how to file a complaint. Who can
1 verified answer · Environmental · Nevada
What Are The Laws Regarding Fracking Near My Property In Colorado?
I reside in Boulder, CO, and have heard that there are plans for fracking near my neighborhood. I’m concerned about the environmental impact. What laws protect homeowners like me f
1 verified answer · Environmental · Colorado
What Are The Legal Implications Of Oil Drilling In Michigan?
I’m concerned about a new oil drilling project near my home in Lansing, MI. What are the legal implications for residents in Michigan regarding oil drilling, and what can I do if I
1 verified answer · Environmental · Michigan
What Are The Environmental Regulations For Construction In Alaska?
I’m planning a construction project in Anchorage, AK, and want to ensure I comply with all environmental regulations. What specific laws should I be aware of regarding construction
1 verified answer · Environmental · Alaska
What Should I Do If My Drinking Water Is Contaminated In Ohio?
In Cleveland, OH, I just found out that my drinking water may be contaminated with lead and other chemicals. I’ve contacted my water company but haven’t received any clear answers.
1 verified answer · Environmental · Ohio

Areas served

Environmental attorneys serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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