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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

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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 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.

Main office

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

San Francisco, CA 94126

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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.

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Hiring 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.

More counsel

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.