
Sandra Smith Thayer, ADR Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Entertainment
PartneratDickstein Shapiro LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing adr in Los Angeles since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Sandra Smith Thayer is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Entertainment. Sandra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickstein Shapiro LLP.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Entertainment
- Handles ADR, Business, and Entertainment matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Sandra Smith Thayer: Sandra Smith Thayer is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Entertainment. Sandra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickstein Shapiro LLP.
Areas of practice
Sandra's practice areas in Los Angeles
Sandra concentrates on adr, business, entertainment, insurance, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sandra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Entertainment
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Insurance
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IP
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Litigation
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ADR cases in Los Angeles, California
Sandra takes adr 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 Sandra agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Los Angeles, California
Sandra takes business 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 Sandra agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Los Angeles, California
Sandra takes entertainment 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 Sandra agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Los Angeles, California
Sandra takes insurance 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 Sandra agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Los Angeles, California
Sandra takes ip 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 Sandra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sandra Smith Thayer, adr attorney serving Los Angeles
Sandra Smith Thayer is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Entertainment. Sandra has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickstein Shapiro LLP. Sandra works from Los Angeles, California and takes on adr matters across the region.
Sandra Smith Thayer is a lawyer practicing insurance coverage, business litigation, entertainment and sports and 2 other areas of law. Sandra received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1994, and has been licensed for 27 years. Sandra practices at Dickstein Shapiro LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
How Sandra handles adr matters
Sandra Smith Thayer is a lawyer practicing insurance coverage, business litigation, entertainment and sports and 2 other areas of law. Sandra received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1994, and has been licensed for 27 years. Sandra practices at Dickstein Shapiro LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases Sandra takes
Sandra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and entertainment matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sandra studied and practices
Tulane University Law School
J.D. · 1998
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. Political · 1994
Jurisdictions
Sandra's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1999 · ACTIVE
Sandra studied at J.D. in Tulane University Law School and B.A. Political in University of California at Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Sandra completed J.D. in Tulane University Law School and B.A. Political in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sandra runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Sandra's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Sandra Smith Thayer's office in Los Angeles
Sandra's primary office is at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90067-3109. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
2049 Century Park East, Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3109
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Client reviews of Sandra Smith Thayer
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sandra Smith Thayer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sandra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sandra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sandra'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; Sandra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Sandra
Sandra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Sandra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sandra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sandra Smith Thayer
How much does it cost to hire Sandra for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sandra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sandra offer a free consultation?
Sandra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sandra's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Sandra's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. Sandra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sandra take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Sandra 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 — Sandra 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 Sandra?
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. Sandra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sandra accepting new adr clients right now?
Sandra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Sandra handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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
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