Mary Celeste Costa, Environmental Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Formation, and General
AttorneyatLatham & Watkins LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing environmental in Los Angeles since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Mary Celeste Costa is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Mary has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Formation · General
- Handles Environmental, Formation, and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Mary Celeste Costa: Mary Celeste Costa is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Mary has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Mary takes on
Mary concentrates on environmental, formation, general, litigation, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Formation
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General
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Litigation
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Tax
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Environmental cases in Los Angeles, California
Mary takes environmental matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California
Mary takes formation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California
Mary takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Mary takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Tax cases in Los Angeles, California
Mary takes tax matters in Los Angeles, 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
Meet Mary Celeste Costa — environmental lawyer in Los Angeles
Mary Celeste Costa is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Mary has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Mary Celeste Costa is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, environmental and natural resources, financial markets and services and 2 other areas of law. Mary received a B.S. degree from Duquesne University in 1985, and has been licensed for 28 years. Mary practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Mary's approach to environmental cases
Mary Celeste Costa is a lawyer practicing corporate & incorporation, environmental and natural resources, financial markets and services and 2 other areas of law. Mary received a B.S. degree from Duquesne University in 1985, and has been licensed for 28 years. Mary practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Mary takes
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, formation, and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
J.D. · 1998
Duquesne University
B.S. University · 1985
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
California
1998 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and B.S. University in Duquesne University.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and B.S. University in Duquesne 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.
Locations
Mary Celeste Costa's office in Los Angeles
Mary's primary office is at 355 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mary Celeste Costa
Mary has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Mary Celeste Costa — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mary Celeste Costa
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Los Angeles?
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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Mary handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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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