John Podesta, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Insurance · 4.9/5 rating from 26 verified client reviews
PartneratWilson Elser
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 26 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Podesta?
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Quick answer
John Podesta is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. John has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 26 client reviews.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Insurance
- Handles Business, General, and Insurance matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Podesta: John Podesta is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. John has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 26 client reviews.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in San Francisco
John concentrates on business, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
John takes business 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in San Francisco, California
John takes insurance 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
John takes litigation 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John Podesta, business attorney serving San Francisco
John Podesta is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. John has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilson Elser. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 26 client reviews. John works from San Francisco, California and takes on business matters across the region.
John Podesta is a lawyer practicing insurance & reinsurance coverage, commercial litigation, general liability & casualty. John received a degree from University of San Frasncisco, and has been licensed for 35 years. John practices at Wilson Elser in San Francisco, CA and 1 other location.
How John handles business matters
John Podesta is a lawyer practicing insurance & reinsurance coverage, commercial litigation, general liability & casualty. John received a degree from University of San Frasncisco, and has been licensed for 35 years. John practices at Wilson Elser in San Francisco, CA and 1 other location.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and insurance matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of San Francisco School of Law law
—
University of San Frasncisco
—
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Nevada
2000 · ACTIVE
California U.S. Dist
1991 · ACTIVE
John studied at — in University of San Francisco School of Law law and — in University of San Frasncisco.
Law school and academic background
John completed — in University of San Francisco School of Law law and — in University of San Frasncisco. 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
John's legal honors and published work
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
Memberships & Affiliations Co-committee chair for Construction Insurance Sub-committee of the American Bar Association Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Member, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance San Mateo County Bar Association
membership
Locations
John Podesta's office in San Francisco
John's primary office is at 525 Market Street, 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105-2725. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Podesta — 4.9/5 rating from 26 verified client reviews
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 business attorneys in San Francisco.
4.9
26 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Podesta claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Podesta — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Podesta
How much does it cost to hire John for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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 San Francisco?
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 business 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
Business attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
John handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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