Donald Gerald Dougherty, Business Attorney in San Jose, California
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatCarter, Dougherty & McGuire
San Jose, CA
Practicing business in San Jose since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Donald Gerald Dougherty?
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Quick answer
Donald Gerald Dougherty is a member based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Donald has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carter, Dougherty & McGuire. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Jose, CA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Employment, and Estate Planning matters from San Jose, CA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Donald Gerald Dougherty: Donald Gerald Dougherty is a member based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Donald has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carter, Dougherty & McGuire. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Donald takes on
Donald concentrates on business, employment, estate planning, formation, and irs. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Estate Planning
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Formation
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IRS
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M&A
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Tax
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Trusts
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Business cases in San Jose, California
Donald takes business matters in San Jose, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in San Jose, California
Donald takes employment matters in San Jose, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in San Jose, California
Donald takes estate planning matters in San Jose, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in San Jose, California
Donald takes formation matters in San Jose, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
IRS cases in San Jose, California
Donald takes irs matters in San Jose, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Donald Gerald Dougherty — business lawyer in San Jose
Donald Gerald Dougherty is a member based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Donald has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carter, Dougherty & McGuire. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Donald Gerald Dougherty is a lawyer practicing mergers and acquisitions, business formation, estate planning and 9 other areas of law. Donald received a B.S.C. degree from Santa Clara University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Donald practices at Carter, Dougherty & McGuire in San Jose, CA.
Donald's approach to business cases
Donald Gerald Dougherty is a lawyer practicing mergers and acquisitions, business formation, estate planning and 9 other areas of law. Donald received a B.S.C. degree from Santa Clara University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Donald practices at Carter, Dougherty & McGuire in San Jose, CA.
Clients Donald works with
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and estate planning matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Santa Clara University
J.D. · 1980
Santa Clara University
B.S.C. University · 1977
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1982 · ACTIVE
California
1981 · ACTIVE
Donald studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University and B.S.C. University in Santa Clara University.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed J.D. in Santa Clara University and B.S.C. University in Santa Clara University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Donald's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Donald Gerald Dougherty's office in San Jose
Donald's primary office is at 2397 Forest Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95128. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Donald Gerald Dougherty — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in San Jose.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald Gerald Dougherty claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donald Gerald Dougherty — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald'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; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in San Jose, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Donald
Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Donald Gerald Dougherty
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside San Jose?
Donald 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 — Donald 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 Donald?
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. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new business clients right now?
Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Donald handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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