How much does it cost to hire Gary for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Gary'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. 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 San Francisco?

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 civil rights clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Gary S. Fergus, Civil Rights Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Copyright · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatFergus, A Law Office

San Francisco, CA

Practicing civil rights in San Francisco since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Contracts Copyright Entertainment General IP +4 more →

Are you Gary S. Fergus?

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

Gary S. Fergus is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Contracts, and Copyright. Gary has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fergus, A Law Office. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Contracts · Copyright

Handles Civil Rights, Contracts, and Copyright matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Gary's practice areas in San Francisco

Gary concentrates on civil rights, contracts, copyright, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in San Francisco, California

Gary takes civil rights 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in San Francisco, California

Gary takes contracts 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Copyright cases in San Francisco, California

Gary takes copyright 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California

Gary takes entertainment 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Francisco, California

Gary 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 Gary agrees to represent you.

Biography

Gary S. Fergus, civil rights attorney serving San Francisco

My experience includes more than 125 weeks of trial in complex high-value cases in federal and state courts and regulatory administrative trials throughout the United States. In 2001, I opened my own practice to help clients resolve complex disputes and to address fundamental civil wrongs. Based near Silicon Valley, I have handled intellectual property matters in different high-tech sectors including telecommunications, wireless technology, security systems industry, and computer software.

Big Firm Experience

Before founding Fergus, A Law Office, at the end of 2001, I practiced for 22 years as a trial lawyer in one of the top 30 national law firms, Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, LLP. I was one of that firm's senior trial partners and managed their largest litigation group while maintaining an active trial practice in bet-the-company cases.

Small Firm Attention

Because I am a sole practitioner, all my clients get the benefit of my 29 years of experience, my attention to their problem and prompt responsive communications. Since opening my San Francisco office, I have represented plaintiffs and defendants at trial or in settlements that resolved complex litigation including intellectual property matters.

Working with Gary on a civil rights matter

Clients Gary works with

Gary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, contracts, and copyright matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Gary studied and practices

University of Wisconsin-Madison
J.D. · 1979
Stanford University
A.B. Economics · 1976

Jurisdictions

Gary's state bar admissions

California District
1981 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1979 · ACTIVE

Gary studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and A.B. Economics in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

Gary completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and A.B. Economics in Stanford University. 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

Gary's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Gary's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California State Bar of Wisconsin American Bar Association American Intellectual Property Law Association
membership

Locations

Gary S. Fergus's office in San Francisco

Gary's primary office is at 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fergus, A Law Office

535 Mission Street, 14th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Gary S. Fergus — 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 civil rights 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 Gary S. Fergus claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Gary S. Fergus — 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 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 civil rights attorney in San Francisco, 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 Gary

Gary 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. 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Gary S. Fergus

How much does it cost to hire Gary for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Gary'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. 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 San Francisco?
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 civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys like Gary S. Fergus. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if a police officer used excessive force in California?
In Los Angeles, CA, I was recently arrested, and the police officer used excessive force during the encounter. I have visible bruises and witnesses who saw everything. I believe my
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · California
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Gary 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

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