Gerald Barry Dorfman

I am responsible for all matters handled by my office. Paralegals, law clerks and associates may be utilized in appropriate situations, but the buck stops with me. Intentionally remaining small has enabled me to continue to provide unparalleled personal attention and confidentiality. My clients are the reason I am here, and I work hard for the best results possible. I am honored by the trust placed in me, and strive to maintain it at the highest level. You are entitled to understand the law applicable to your matter and the options available, as well as my best advice. I have served hundreds of satisfied clients over the years and look forward to continuing to serve with determination, skill and integrity.

Real Estate Law

Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Personal Injury

Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death

Arbitration & Mediation

Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation

Appeals & Appellate

Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals

Elder Law

Landlord Tenant

Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Rent Control, Tenants' Rights

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

• Litigation

• Credit Cards Accepted
  Through PayPal and Venmo.
• Contingent Fees
  Contingency fees range from 15% to 45%. These apply to personal injury cases, and select other matters.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Regular hourly rate is $450.

California

Since 1983

9th Circuit

Since 1984

Columbia University

B.A.

UC Law SF

Law Degree

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2022

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2020

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2018

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2016

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2014

California State Bar  # 107581

Member

1983 - Current

Q. My landlord sits on the property during the weekdays to monitor and harass tenants

September 17, 2023

A: If your landlord is entering the property you rent, he must comply with the requirements of Civil code section 1954. That section specifies the purposes for which a landlord may enter the property and the written notice requirements that must be met. Whether in compliance with that section or not, your landlord has no right to force you to get off a phone call to speak with him. A letter from an attorney will most likely put an end to these practices.

Q. We are the owners of a residential apartment building in San Mateo County and a tenant has told us verbally they have a

September 15, 2023

A: No. You need to follow the "Notice of Entry" procedures found in California Civil Code section 1954. With a matter of this importance, you really should consult with a landlord tenant attorney and have them give you the form of the notice and instructions on how to serve the notice. You can read section 1945 here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1954

Q. Do I have a malpractice case?

September 8, 2023

A: You may indeed have a malpractice case. The time limits to bring such a case are shorter than for regular personal injury cases. Start contacting medical malpractice attorneys now. Almost all offer free case evaluations. It would be helpful for you to have all your related medical records available, but if you don't yet, don't wait.