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

How long do legal cases in California typically take?

Simple legal 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 Portola Valley?

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 legal 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 Ghaffary — Attorney in Portola Valley, California

Over 17 years of legal practice

Portola Valley, CA

Practicing law in Portola Valley since 2009.

17+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Are you Michael Ghaffary?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Michael Ghaffary is an attorney based in Portola Valley, CA. Michael has over 17 years of legal experience.

Based in: Portola Valley, CA
Experience: over 17 years
Known for: legal services

Over 17 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Michael Ghaffary, legal attorney serving Portola Valley

Michael Ghaffary is an attorney based in Portola Valley, CA. Michael has over 17 years of legal experience. Michael works from Portola Valley, California and takes on legal matters across the region.

Michael Ghaffary is a lawyer. Michael received a degree from Harvard Univ Law School, Cambridge, MA, and has been licensed for 17 years. Michael practices in Portola Valley, CA.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Portola Valley and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

Harvard Univ Law School, Cambridge, MA Univ of Southern Calif, Los Angeles, CA
—

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

California
2009 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at — in Harvard Univ Law School, Cambridge, MA Univ of Southern Calif, Los Angeles, CA.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed — in Harvard Univ Law School, Cambridge, MA Univ of Southern Calif, Los Angeles, CA. 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 Ghaffary's office in Portola Valley

Michael's primary office is at 3200 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley, CA, 94028-7523. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

3200 Alpine Rd

Portola Valley, CA 94028-7523

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Ghaffary

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

Only verified clients who have consulted with Michael Ghaffary can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Ghaffary — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal 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 legal attorney in Portola Valley, California

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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 legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Ghaffary

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in California typically take?
Simple legal 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 Portola Valley?
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 legal clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.