How much does it cost to hire Michael for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do contracts cases in California typically take?

Simple contracts 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 contracts clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Gerard Thornton, Contracts Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

San Francisco, CA

Practicing contracts in San Francisco since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Contracts General Health Care Litigation Real Estate Zoning

Are you Michael Gerard Thornton?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Contracts · General · Health Care

Handles Contracts, General, and Health Care matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in San Francisco

Michael concentrates on contracts, general, health care, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Contracts cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes contracts 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.

Health Care cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes health care 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.

Real Estate cases in San Francisco, California

Michael takes real estate 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

Michael Gerard Thornton, contracts attorney serving San Francisco

Michael Gerard Thornton is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Contracts, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from San Francisco, California and takes on contracts matters across the region.

Michael Gerard Thornton is a lawyer practicing litigation, eminent domain, contracts and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Michael practices in San Francisco, CA.

How Michael handles contracts matters

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, general, and health care matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

University of California, Hastings College of the Law
J.D. · 1984
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

California U.S. Cour
1984 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of the Law and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of the Law and B.A. in University of California, Berkeley. 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.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael Gerard Thornton's office in San Francisco

Michael's primary office is at 50 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

50 California St

San Francisco, CA 94111

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Gerard Thornton — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing contracts 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 Michael Gerard Thornton claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Gerard Thornton — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new contracts 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 contracts attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many contracts 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 contracts practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every contracts 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 contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Gerard Thornton

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do contracts cases in California typically take?
Simple contracts 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 contracts 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

Contracts attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Michael handles contracts matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified contracts attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these contracts attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.