How much does it cost to hire Ralph for a civil rights case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ralph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Ralph offer a free consultation?

Ralph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Ralph's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?

Simple civil rights 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. Ralph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ralph take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

Ralph 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 — Ralph 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 Ralph?

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. Ralph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ralph accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ralph Dewitt Kirwan, Civil Rights Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratBarnes & Thornburg LLP

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing civil rights in Los Angeles since 1970.

56+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review

Practices in

Civil Rights Class Action Employment Employment Contracts Environmental General +7 more →

Are you Ralph Dewitt Kirwan?

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

Ralph Dewitt Kirwan is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment. Ralph has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Los Angeles, CA
Experience: over 56 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Class Action · Employment

Handles Civil Rights, Class Action, and Employment matters from Los Angeles, CA.
Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Ralph's practice areas in Los Angeles

Ralph concentrates on civil rights, class action, employment, employment contracts, and environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ralph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Los Angeles, California

Ralph takes civil rights matters in Los Angeles, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in Los Angeles, California

Ralph takes class action matters in Los Angeles, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Los Angeles, California

Ralph takes employment matters in Los Angeles, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in Los Angeles, California

Ralph takes employment contracts matters in Los Angeles, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Los Angeles, California

Ralph takes environmental matters in Los Angeles, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.

Biography

Ralph Dewitt Kirwan, civil rights attorney serving Los Angeles

Ralph Dewitt Kirwan is a lawyer practicing antitrust and competition law, class and collective actions, discrimination defense and 13 other areas of law. Ralph received a B.A. degree from University of California-Berkeley in 1966, and has been licensed for 56 years. Ralph practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

How Ralph handles civil rights matters

Who Ralph represents

Ralph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, class action, and employment matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Ralph studied and practices

University of San Francisco School of Law
J.D. · 1969
University of California-Berkeley
B.A. · 1966

Ralph studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in University of California-Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Ralph completed J.D. in University of San Francisco School of Law and B.A. in University of California-Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ralph runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Ralph's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ralph Dewitt Kirwan's office in Los Angeles

Ralph's primary office is at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3550, Los Angeles, CA, 90067. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

2049 Century Park East, Suite 3550

Los Angeles, CA 90067

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ralph Dewitt Kirwan — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Ralph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Los Angeles.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ralph Dewitt Kirwan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ralph Dewitt Kirwan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ralph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Ralph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph'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; Ralph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Ralph

Ralph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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. Ralph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ralph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ralph Dewitt Kirwan

How much does it cost to hire Ralph for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ralph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ralph offer a free consultation?
Ralph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Ralph's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Ralph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ralph take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Ralph 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 — Ralph 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 Ralph?
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. Ralph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ralph accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Ralph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like Ralph Dewitt Kirwan. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if a police officer used excessive force in California?
In Los Angeles, CA, I was recently arrested, and the police officer used excessive force during the encounter. I have visible bruises and witnesses who saw everything. I believe my
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · California
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

If Ralph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.