Nicholas Aaron Carlin, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Entertainment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPhillips, Erlewine & Given LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Nicholas Aaron Carlin?
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.
Quick answer
Nicholas Aaron Carlin is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Entertainment. Nicholas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Entertainment
- Handles Business, Employment, and Entertainment matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Nicholas Aaron Carlin: Nicholas Aaron Carlin is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Entertainment. Nicholas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Nicholas Aaron Carlin
Nicholas concentrates on business, employment, entertainment, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Nicholas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Employment
View other Employment attorneys
Entertainment
View other Entertainment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
IP
View other IP attorneys
Business cases in San Francisco, California
Nicholas 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 Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in San Francisco, California
Nicholas takes employment 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 Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California
Nicholas takes entertainment 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 Nicholas agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Nicholas 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 Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in San Francisco, California
Nicholas takes insurance 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 Nicholas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Nicholas Aaron Carlin — Over 42 years of California business experience
Nicholas Aaron Carlin is a partner based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Entertainment. Nicholas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Nicholas Aaron Carlin is a lawyer practicing entertainment law, civil litigation, multimedia law and 6 other areas of law. Nicholas received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1978, and has been licensed for 42 years. Nicholas practices at Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP in San Francisco, CA.
How Nicholas handles business matters
Nicholas Aaron Carlin is a lawyer practicing entertainment law, civil litigation, multimedia law and 6 other areas of law. Nicholas received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1978, and has been licensed for 42 years. Nicholas practices at Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP in San Francisco, CA.
The kind of cases Nicholas takes
Nicholas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and entertainment matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Nicholas Aaron Carlin's legal education and bar admissions
Hastings College of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1983
Harvard University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Nicholas's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE
Nicholas studied at J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Nicholas completed J.D. in Hastings College of Law, University of California and B.A. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Nicholas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Nicholas Aaron Carlin
Nicholas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Nicholas's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Nicholas Aaron Carlin's office in San Francisco
Nicholas's primary office is at 50 California St., Ste. 3240, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Phillips, Erlewine & Given LLP
50 California St., Ste. 3240
San Francisco, CA 94111
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Nicholas Aaron Carlin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Nicholas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Nicholas Aaron Carlin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Nicholas Aaron Carlin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Nicholas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Nicholas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nicholas'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; Nicholas 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 Nicholas
Nicholas 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. Nicholas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Nicholas'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 Nicholas Aaron Carlin
How much does it cost to hire Nicholas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Nicholas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Nicholas offer a free consultation?
Nicholas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Nicholas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Nicholas'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. Nicholas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Nicholas take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Nicholas 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 — Nicholas 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 Nicholas?
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. Nicholas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Nicholas accepting new business clients right now?
Nicholas'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
Nicholas 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
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Nicholas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74

Bobby B. Saadian, Esq.
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 52

Steven A. Kronenberg
San Francisco, California
5.0· 43

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39