William Simson Freeman

William Simson Freeman, General Attorney in Palo Alto, California

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on General, M&A, and Securities · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatJones Day

Palo Alto, CA

Practicing general in Palo Alto since 1978.

48+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

William Simson Freeman is an of counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Securities. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Palo Alto, CA
Experience
over 48 years
Known for
General · M&A · Securities
  • Handles General, M&A, and Securities matters from Palo Alto, CA.
  • Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About William Simson Freeman: William Simson Freeman is an of counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Securities. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters William takes on

William concentrates on general, m&a, securities, white collar, and class action. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

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.

M&A cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes m&a 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.

White Collar cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes white collar 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.

Class Action cases in Palo Alto, California

William takes class action 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

Meet William Simson Freeman — general lawyer in Palo Alto

William Simson Freeman is an of counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Securities. William has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

William Simson Freeman is a lawyer practicing securities litigation & sec enforcement, merger & acquisition litigation, sec investigations & proceedings and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1974, and has been licensed for 48 years. William practices at Jones Day in Palo Alto, CA.

William's approach to general cases

William Simson Freeman is a lawyer practicing securities litigation & sec enforcement, merger & acquisition litigation, sec investigations & proceedings and 2 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1974, and has been licensed for 48 years. William practices at Jones Day in Palo Alto, CA.

The kind of cases William takes

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

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard University

    J.D. · 1978

  • Harvard University

    A.B. · 1974

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • All California state

    1978 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1978 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in Harvard University and A.B. in Harvard University.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in Harvard University and A.B. in Harvard 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

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

William Simson Freeman's office in Palo Alto

William's primary office is at 1755 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94303. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jones Day

1755 Embarcadero Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William Simson Freeman — 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 general 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 Simson Freeman claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire William Simson Freeman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Palo Alto, California

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William Simson Freeman

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

  • How long do general cases in California typically take?

    Simple general 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 general 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

General attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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