Michael O Sela, Immigration Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 22 years of legal practice
AttorneyatBerry Appleman & Leiden LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing immigration in San Francisco since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael O Sela?
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Quick answer
Michael O Sela is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Immigration
- Handles Immigration matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael O Sela: Michael O Sela is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Immigration cases in San Francisco, California
Michael takes immigration 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
Meet Michael O Sela — immigration lawyer in San Francisco
Michael O Sela is an attorney based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP.
Michael O Sela is a lawyer practicing immigration. Michael has been licensed for 22 years. Michael practices at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Michael on a immigration matter
Michael O Sela is a lawyer practicing immigration. Michael has been licensed for 22 years. Michael practices at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for immigration matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cornell Law School
Doctor · 2004
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York
2005 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
2004 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at Doctor in Cornell Law School.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed Doctor in Cornell Law School. 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 O Sela's office in San Francisco
Michael's primary office is at 353 Sacramento Street, Suite 1300, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
353 Sacramento Street, Suite 1300
San Francisco, CA 94111
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Client reviews of Michael O Sela
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael O Sela — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new immigration 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 immigration attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many immigration 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 immigration practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every immigration 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 immigration practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael O Sela
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a immigration 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 immigration attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do immigration cases in California typically take?
Simple immigration 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 immigration 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
Immigration attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Michael handles immigration matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified immigration 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
More counsel
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