Top 10 Law Firms In San Francisco
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-03-29 | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In San Francisco
Law firms provide legal advice and representation to individuals and businesses across various practice areas. Services range from litigation and corporate transactions to personal matters like immigration and estate planning.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on reputation, client reviews, areas of specialization, and prominence within the San Francisco legal community. Scores reflect a synthesis of publicly available data and perceived strengths.
Rating Criteria
- → Reputation
- → Client Satisfaction
- → Specialization
- → Breadth of Services
The Best Law Firms In San Francisco
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Visit Website →Respected San Francisco-based firm offering a blend of litigation, business, and environmental law services.
Target Audience
Businesses (various sizes), Individuals (High Net Worth), Non-profits, Real Estate Developers
Service Offerings
Business Litigation
Complex commercial disputes, intellectual property, employment litigation.
Business Transactions
Corporate, real estate, tax, non-profit advising.
Environmental Law
Regulatory compliance, land use, environmental litigation.
Private Client Services
Estate planning, trust administration.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Standard practice.
Retainer Fee
May be used for ongoing advisory roles or litigation.
Pros
- + Strong local reputation and history in San Francisco
- + Diverse practice areas serving businesses and individuals
- + Recognized expertise in environmental and land use law
Cons
- - Primarily focused on California
- - May not have the global reach of larger international firms
Verdict
"Well-regarded full-service firm with deep SF roots, strong in litigation, business transactions, and environmental law."
#9
Location: One Bush Plaza, Suite 1200, 1 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States Get Directions
Gunderson Dettmer
Visit Website →Highly focused law firm exclusively serving the venture capital and emerging technology company ecosystem.
Target Audience
Startups, Emerging Growth Companies, Venture Capital Funds, Growth Equity Funds
Service Offerings
Company Formation & Governance
Structuring and advising new ventures.
Venture Financings
Representing companies and investors in funding rounds.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Handling M&A transactions for tech companies.
Technology Transactions
Licensing and commercial agreements.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Common billing method.
Deferred Fees/Equity
Sometimes offered to early-stage startups.
Pros
- + Unparalleled focus and expertise in the VC/startup world
- + Deep understanding of the startup lifecycle
- + Extensive network within the venture community
Cons
- - Very narrow focus, not a full-service firm
- - Premium pricing for specialized services
Verdict
"Elite firm hyper-focused on startups and venture capital, ideal for clients within that specific ecosystem."
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Visit Website →Global law firm with strong San Francisco presence, known for expertise in technology, energy, infrastructure, and finance.
Target Audience
Technology Companies, Energy & Infrastructure Companies, Financial Institutions, Public Sector Entities, Large Corporations
Service Offerings
Technology & Innovation
Corporate, IP, litigation, and regulatory advice for tech companies.
Energy & Infrastructure
Project finance, development, regulatory matters.
Finance
Structured finance, public finance, restructuring.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Complex commercial, IP, employment, and white-collar litigation.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.7 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Standard billing practice for large firms.
Blended Rates/AFAs
Offers various alternative fee arrangements.
Pros
- + Broad service offerings across key industries
- + Strong global platform
- + Recognized leader in specific sectors like energy and public finance
Cons
- - High cost
- - Focus on large institutional clients
Verdict
"Top-tier firm for complex transactions and litigation, particularly strong in tech, energy, and finance sectors."
Cooley LLP
Visit Website →Leading global firm renowned for its work with technology, life sciences, and venture capital clients.
Target Audience
Technology Companies, Life Sciences Companies, Venture Capital Funds, Emerging Companies, Public Companies
Service Offerings
Venture Capital
Represents startups and investors in financing rounds.
Corporate & Securities
M&A, IPOs, public company representation.
Intellectual Property
Patent prosecution, IP litigation, tech transactions.
Litigation
Complex commercial, securities, and IP litigation.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Primary billing method, with premium rates.
Alternative Fee Arrangements
May offer tailored fee structures for certain clients/matters.
Pros
- + Market leader for tech, life sciences, and VC law
- + Deep industry expertise and network
- + Global reach with strong SF presence
Cons
- - Premium pricing
- - Primarily focused on corporate and institutional clients
Verdict
"Go-to firm for venture-backed companies, tech giants, and life sciences innovators."
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Visit Website →Global law firm with strong roots in San Francisco, offering a wide range of services, particularly in tech, finance, and litigation.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Technology Companies, Financial Institutions, Government Entities
Service Offerings
Corporate Law
M&A, private equity, capital markets, corporate governance.
Litigation
Complex commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, regulatory investigations.
Intellectual Property
Patents, trademarks, copyrights, IP litigation.
Technology Transactions
Licensing, outsourcing, strategic alliances.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.7 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rate
Standard for large corporate firms, rates vary by attorney seniority.
Project-Based Fee
May be negotiated for specific transactions or projects.
Pros
- + Prestigious international firm with extensive resources
- + Top-tier expertise across many complex practice areas
- + Strong reputation in technology and finance sectors
Cons
- - Very high cost structure, primarily serving large institutional clients
- - Less suitable for individuals or small businesses
Verdict
"A powerhouse firm for major corporations needing sophisticated legal counsel, particularly in tech and finance."
Dolan Law Firm, PC Personal Injury Lawyers
Visit Website →Prominent personal injury firm representing plaintiffs in accident, employment, and civil rights cases.
Target Audience
Individuals (Plaintiffs), Accident Victims, Employees facing discrimination or wrongful termination
Service Offerings
Personal Injury
Car accidents, slip and falls, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death.
Employment Law
Represents employees in cases of discrimination, harassment, wage theft, wrongful termination.
Civil Rights
Handles cases involving violations of civil rights.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.4 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Standard for personal injury and often used in employment cases.
Pros
- + Well-established firm with a strong reputation
- + Handles a broader range of plaintiff-side cases (injury, employment)
- + Significant resources and experience
Cons
- - Mixed reviews regarding communication or case handling in some instances
- - Larger firm structure may feel less personal to some clients
Verdict
"A major player in Bay Area personal injury and employment law, offering experienced representation for plaintiffs."
Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation
Visit Website →Criminal defense firm providing representation for various criminal charges in the Bay Area.
Target Audience
Individuals facing criminal charges
Service Offerings
DUI Defense
Represents clients charged with driving under the influence.
Criminal Defense
Handles various misdemeanor and felony cases.
Traffic Violations
Assists clients with serious traffic offenses.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.4 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Flat Fee
Often used for specific types of cases or appearances.
Retainer Fee
May require an upfront retainer for ongoing representation.
Pros
- + Strong client reviews praising communication and results
- + Experienced in criminal defense matters
- + Reportedly reasonable fees and clear communication
Cons
- - Primarily focused on criminal and traffic defense
Verdict
"Highly regarded criminal defense practice known for effective representation and client service."
Altair Law LLP
Visit Website →Boutique litigation firm specializing in high-stakes personal injury cases.
Target Audience
Individuals (Plaintiffs), Accident Victims
Service Offerings
Serious Personal Injury
Represents clients with severe injuries from accidents (vehicle, premises, etc.).
Wrongful Death
Handles claims on behalf of families who lost loved ones due to negligence.
Catastrophic Injury Litigation
Focuses on cases involving life-altering injuries.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or award obtained.
Pros
- + Outstanding client testimonials for complex injury cases
- + Specialized expertise in plaintiff-side personal injury litigation
- + Track record of handling significant cases
Cons
- - Highly specialized, limited practice areas
- - Focuses exclusively on plaintiffs
Verdict
"Premier choice for individuals seeking representation in complex and catastrophic personal injury lawsuits."
KPB Immigration Law Firm
Visit Website →Dedicated immigration law firm handling a wide range of visa, green card, and citizenship matters.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Employees, Employers
Service Offerings
Employment-Based Visas
Assists with H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visas.
Family-Based Immigration
Handles spouse visas, fiancé visas, and other family petitions.
Asylum & Deportation Defense
Represents clients in asylum applications and removal proceedings.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Guides clients through the naturalization process.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Flat Fee
Common for standard application processes.
Hourly Rate
Used for complex cases or ongoing representation.
Pros
- + Highly rated with a large volume of positive reviews
- + Specialized focus on complex immigration law
- + Experienced with various visa categories and applications
Cons
- - Some reviews mention communication challenges
- - Focus limited to immigration law
Verdict
"Leading firm for diverse immigration needs, known for expertise and high client volume."
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Trevor Caudle Law Practice
Visit Website →Highly specialized intellectual property firm focusing on trademark law for individuals and businesses.
Target Audience
Individuals, Small Businesses, Startups, Artists, Musicians
Service Offerings
Trademark Registration
Assists clients with securing federal and state trademark registrations.
Trademark Enforcement
Handles trademark disputes, including cease and desist letters and litigation support.
Trademark Maintenance
Manages trademark renewals and required filings.
Scorecard (Overall: 4.5 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Flat Fee
Often utilizes flat fees for specific services like trademark applications.
Hourly Rate
May apply for complex or contested matters.
Pros
- + Exceptional client reviews and satisfaction
- + Deep expertise in trademark law
- + Reportedly reasonable rates for specialized services
Cons
- - Very narrow practice area focus
Verdict
"Top choice for affordable and expert trademark legal services, especially for smaller entities."
Final Recommendation
San Francisco hosts a diverse legal market, from global giants serving multinational corporations to specialized boutiques excelling in niche areas like immigration, personal injury, and trademark law. Large firms like Morrison & Foerster and Cooley dominate the high-end corporate and tech sectors, while firms like Trevor Caudle and KPB Immigration offer highly focused expertise for specific individual and small business needs. Mid-size and specialized plaintiff firms like Altair Law and Dolan Law Firm provide strong representation in litigation.