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Sahar Maali, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California

focused on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and White Collar

San Francisco, CA

Trusted criminal defense attorney serving San Francisco.

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Quick answer

Sahar Maali is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and White Collar.

Based in
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Criminal Defense · Litigation · White Collar
  • Handles Criminal Defense, Litigation, and White Collar matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).

About Sahar Maali: Sahar Maali is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and White Collar.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Sahar takes on

Sahar concentrates on criminal defense, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sahar handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California

Sahar takes criminal defense 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 Sahar agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Francisco, California

Sahar 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 Sahar agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in San Francisco, California

Sahar takes white collar 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 Sahar agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Sahar Maali — criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco

Sahar Maali is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Litigation, and White Collar.

Sahar Maali’s practice focuses on white collar criminal defense, government and internal investigations, and regulatory compliance. She routinely represents officers, directors and corporations in investigations, including those conducted by the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Foreign Assets Control, state law enforcement agencies and federal banking regulators. Ms. Maali has particular expertise in matters concerning financial fraud, accounting improprieties, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, economic sanctions, money laundering, internal controls and disclosure issues.

Sahar's approach to criminal defense cases

Sahar Maali’s practice focuses on white collar criminal defense, government and internal investigations, and regulatory compliance. She routinely represents officers, directors and corporations in investigations, including those conducted by the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Foreign Assets Control, state law enforcement agencies and federal banking…

Clients Sahar works with

Sahar reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, litigation, and white collar matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of California Berkeley

    J.D. · 2015

  • Columbia University

    — · 2012

  • University of California Berkeley

    BA · 2009

Jurisdictions

Sahar's state bar admissions

  • California, The Stat

    ACTIVE

Sahar studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley, — in Columbia University, and BA in University of California Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Sahar completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley, — in Columbia University, and BA in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sahar runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Sahar has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026).

Locations

Sahar Maali's office in San Francisco

Sahar's primary office is at 50 California Street, Suite 3600, San Francisco, California, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

50 California Street, Suite 3600

San Francisco, California 94111

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Sahar Maali

Sahar has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Sahar Maali — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Sahar

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense 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. Sahar confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sahar Maali

  • How much does it cost to hire Sahar for a criminal defense case?

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

  • Does Sahar offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?

    Simple criminal defense 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. Sahar gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Sahar take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    Sahar 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 — Sahar 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 Sahar?

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

  • Is Sahar accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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