WJ

William J Needle, Tax Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 35 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

CounselatSidley Austin LLP

San Francisco, CA

Practicing tax in San Francisco since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
2 client reviews
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

William J Needle is a counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Tax. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Tax
  • Handles Tax matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About William J Needle: William J Needle is a counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Tax. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters William takes on

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

Tax cases in San Francisco, California

William takes tax 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 William agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet William J Needle — tax lawyer in San Francisco

William J Needle is a counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Tax. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

William J Needle is a lawyer practicing taxation. William received a B.A. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. William practices at Sidley Austin LLP in San Francisco, CA.

William's approach to tax cases

William J Needle is a lawyer practicing taxation. William received a B.A. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. William practices at Sidley Austin LLP in San Francisco, CA.

The kind of cases William takes

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Stanford Law School

    J.D. · 1991

  • University of Pennsylvania

    B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • California

    1991 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in Stanford Law School and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in Stanford Law School and B.A. in University of Pennsylvania. 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

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

William J Needle's office in San Francisco

William's primary office is at 555 California St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA, 94104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sidley Austin LLP

555 California St., Ste. 2000

San Francisco, CA 94104

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William J Needle — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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 tax attorneys in San Francisco.

5.0

2 client reviews

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire William J Needle — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new tax 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 tax attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax 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 tax practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every tax 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 tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William J Needle

  • How much does it cost to hire William for a tax 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 tax attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.

  • How long do tax cases in California typically take?

    Simple tax 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 San Francisco?

    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 tax 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

Tax attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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