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William Harold Hinman, Business Attorney in Palo Alto, California

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Securities · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratSimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Palo Alto, CA

Practicing business in Palo Alto since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

William Harold Hinman is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Securities. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Palo Alto, CA
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Business · General · Securities
  • Handles Business, General, and Securities matters from Palo Alto, CA.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About William Harold Hinman: William Harold Hinman is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Securities. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by William Harold Hinman

William concentrates on business, general, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes business matters in Palo Alto, 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 William agrees to represent you.

General cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes general matters in Palo Alto, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes securities matters in Palo Alto, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Biography

About William Harold Hinman — Over 45 years of California business experience

William Harold Hinman is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Securities. William has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

William Harold Hinman is a lawyer practicing capital markets and securities, corporate, corporate governance and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. William practices at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

Working with William on a business matter

William Harold Hinman is a lawyer practicing capital markets and securities, corporate, corporate governance and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. William practices at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in Palo Alto, CA.

Who William represents

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and securities matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

William Harold Hinman's legal education and bar admissions

  • Cornell University Law School

    J.D. · 1980

  • Michigan State University

    B.A. · 1977

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • California

    1982 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1981 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in Cornell University Law School and B.A. in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of William Harold Hinman

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

William's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Association of the Bar of the City of New York State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

William Harold Hinman's office in Palo Alto

William's primary office is at 2475 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA, 94304-1155. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

2475 Hanover St.

Palo Alto, CA 94304-1155

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William Harold Hinman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Palo Alto.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Harold Hinman claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire William Harold Hinman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Palo Alto, 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 William

William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

William'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 William Harold Hinman

  • How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?

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

  • Does William offer a free consultation?

    William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can William take my case if I'm outside Palo Alto?

    William 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 — William 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 William?

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

  • Is William accepting new business clients right now?

    William'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 Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Palo Alto handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.