Mary Bailey Cranston, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and Formation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Firm Senior PartneratPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Mary Bailey Cranston?
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Quick answer
Mary Bailey Cranston is a firm senior partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Formation. Mary has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Business · Class Action · Formation
- Handles Business, Class Action, and Formation matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mary Bailey Cranston: Mary Bailey Cranston is a firm senior partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Formation. Mary has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mary Bailey Cranston
Mary concentrates on business, class action, formation, general, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Class Action
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Formation
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General
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Securities
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Consumer
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in San Francisco, California
Mary takes class action 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in San Francisco, California
Mary takes formation 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in San Francisco, California
Mary takes securities 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mary Bailey Cranston — Over 51 years of California business experience
Mary Bailey Cranston is a firm senior partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Formation. Mary has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mary Bailey Cranston is a lawyer practicing class actions, complex and multi-district litigation, commercial law and 4 other areas of law. Mary received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. Mary practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Mary's approach to business cases
Mary Bailey Cranston is a lawyer practicing class actions, complex and multi-district litigation, commercial law and 4 other areas of law. Mary received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. Mary practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Mary takes
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and formation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Mary Bailey Cranston's legal education and bar admissions
Stanford Law School
J.D. · 1975
Stanford University
A.B. · 1969
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
California
1975 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in Stanford Law School and A.B. in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in Stanford Law School and A.B. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Bailey Cranston
Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Office locations for Mary Bailey Cranston in San Francisco, California
Mary's primary office is at San Francisco, CA, 94126. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mary Bailey Cranston — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Mary Bailey Cranston claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mary Bailey Cranston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary 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 Mary
Mary 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mary'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 Mary Bailey Cranston
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Mary'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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new business clients right now?
Mary'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
Mary 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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Gregory M. Garrison
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