Atty. John Michael Phelps
John Michael Phelps is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, litigation practice, real property and 9 other areas of law. John received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years.
Civil Litigation & More Attorney · Serving San Francisco, CA · 51+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About John Michael Phelps at a Glance
John Michael Phelps is a Member based in San Francisco, California, practicing at J. Michael Phelps. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Their practice focuses on contracts, discrimination, criminal defense, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in California (1975), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1975), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California (1977), and U.S. District Court, Central District of California, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1977). Educated at Hastings College of Law, University of California (J.D., 1975) and Princeton University (A.B., 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of California. Serves clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About John Michael Phelps
- John Michael Phelps is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, litigation practice, real property and 9 other areas of law
- John received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years
- John practices at J. Michael Phelps in San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas Explained
John Michael Phelps's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Michael Phelps handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in San Francisco.
Contracts in San Francisco
John Michael Phelps is one of 76,101 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in California →
Workplace Discrimination in San Francisco
John Michael Phelps is one of 7,049 discrimination attorneys indexed nationally. Browse discrimination attorneys in California →
Criminal Defense in San Francisco
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
John Michael Phelps is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →
Business & Corporate Law in San Francisco
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John Michael Phelps is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Real Estate Law in San Francisco
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
John Michael Phelps is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in San Francisco
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
San Francisco Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a San Francisco-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.
Frequently Asked
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in San Francisco Choose John Michael Phelps
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish John Michael Phelps's practice in the field of contracts, discrimination, criminal defense, business, and real estate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
John Michael Phelps brings 51+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in California, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, John Michael Phelps can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering contracts, discrimination, and criminal defense, John Michael Phelps can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in San Francisco
A San Francisco-based practice means John Michael Phelps attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues John Michael Phelps Handles in San Francisco
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John Michael Phelps has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John Michael Phelps directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find John Michael Phelps Online
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John Michael Phelps's Practice Areas & Specializations
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