John Michael Traynor, Civil Rights Attorney in Berkeley, California
Over 65 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Environmental, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatCobalt LLP
Berkeley, CA
Practicing civil rights in Berkeley since 1961.
- 65+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
John Michael Traynor is a senior counsel based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Environmental, and General. John has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cobalt LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Berkeley, CA
- Experience
- over 65 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Environmental · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Environmental, and General matters from Berkeley, CA.
- Over 65 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Michael Traynor: John Michael Traynor is a senior counsel based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Environmental, and General. John has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cobalt LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John Michael Traynor
John concentrates on civil rights, environmental, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Environmental
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Civil Rights cases in Berkeley, California
John takes civil rights matters in Berkeley, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Berkeley, California
John takes environmental matters in Berkeley, 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Berkeley, California
John takes general matters in Berkeley, 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 John agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Berkeley, California
John takes ip matters in Berkeley, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Berkeley, California
John takes litigation matters in Berkeley, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John Michael Traynor — Over 65 years of California civil rights experience
John Michael Traynor is a senior counsel based in Berkeley, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Environmental, and General. John has over 65 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cobalt LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Michael Traynor is a lawyer practicing litigation, intellectual property, first amendment and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1955, and has been licensed for 65 years. John practices at Cobalt LLP in Berkeley, CA.
Working with John on a civil rights matter
John Michael Traynor is a lawyer practicing litigation, intellectual property, first amendment and 2 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1955, and has been licensed for 65 years. John practices at Cobalt LLP in Berkeley, CA.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, environmental, and general matters in Berkeley and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
John Michael Traynor's legal education and bar admissions
Harvard University
J.D. University · 1960
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. · 1955
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1966 · ACTIVE
California
1961 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. University in Harvard University and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. University in Harvard University and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John Michael Traynor
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association
membership
American Academy of Arts and Sciences
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American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
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California Academy of Appellate Lawyers
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American Association for the Advancement of Sciences
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President, 1973, Bar Association of San Francisco
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Member: Board of Overseers, RAND Institute of Civil Justice, 1991-1997
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Member, Board of Directors, Environmental Law Institute, 1991-1997, 2000-2006
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Chair of the Board, Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund (now Earth Justice), 1989-91 (Trustee, 1974-1996)
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Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
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Co-Chair, ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20, 2009, Received 2004 John P. Frank Outstanding Lawyers Award from U.S. Counsel of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
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Locations
John Michael Traynor's office in Berkeley
John's primary office is at Building A21, 918 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA, 94710-2226. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Michael Traynor — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Berkeley.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Michael Traynor claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Michael Traynor — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Berkeley, 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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John Michael Traynor
How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Berkeley?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new civil rights clients right now?
John'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 Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
John 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.
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Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in California
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Berkeley handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
