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
Are you William J Needle?
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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.
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.
Read all reviewsHiring 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.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 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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