
Michael Christian, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and IP
AttorneyatZelle LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Christian?
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Quick answer
Michael Christian is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zelle LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Business · General · IP
- Handles Business, General, and IP matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael Christian: Michael Christian is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zelle LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Christian
Michael concentrates on business, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
IP cases in San Francisco, California
Michael takes ip 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Francisco, California
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Christian — Over 29 years of California business experience
Michael Christian is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zelle LLP.
Michael Christian is a lawyer practicing antitrust and unfair competition, business disputes and commercial litigation, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Southern Oregon University in 1990, and has been licensed for 29 years. Michael practices at Zelle LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Michael's approach to business cases
Michael Christian is a lawyer practicing antitrust and unfair competition, business disputes and commercial litigation, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Southern Oregon University in 1990, and has been licensed for 29 years. Michael practices at Zelle LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and ip matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michael Christian's legal education and bar admissions
University of Arizona College of Law J.D. magna cum laude University of Arizona College of Law J.D. Order of the Coif
—
Southern Oregon University
B.S. · 1990
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
2001 · ACTIVE
Arizona
1997 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at — in University of Arizona College of Law J.D. magna cum laude University of Arizona College of Law J.D. Order of the Coif and B.S. in Southern Oregon University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed — in University of Arizona College of Law J.D. magna cum laude University of Arizona College of Law J.D. Order of the Coif and B.S. in Southern Oregon University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michael Christian's office in San Francisco
Michael's primary office is at 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 3400, San Francisco, CA, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Christian
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Christian — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael 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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael Christian
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?
Michael'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
Michael 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
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