Kenneth Gates Downs, Litigation Attorney in San Rafael, California
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Litigation and Real Estate
MemberatPhillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP
San Rafael, CA
Practicing litigation in San Rafael since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Kenneth Gates Downs is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Litigation and Real Estate. Kenneth has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP.
- Based in
- San Rafael, CA
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Litigation · Real Estate
- Handles Litigation and Real Estate matters from San Rafael, CA.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Kenneth Gates Downs: Kenneth Gates Downs is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Litigation and Real Estate. Kenneth has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Kenneth Gates Downs
Kenneth concentrates on litigation and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kenneth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Litigation cases in San Rafael, California
Kenneth takes litigation matters in San Rafael, 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 Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Rafael, California
Kenneth takes real estate matters in San Rafael, 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 Kenneth agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Kenneth Gates Downs — Over 38 years of California litigation experience
Kenneth Gates Downs is a member based in San Rafael, CA. The practice focuses on Litigation and Real Estate. Kenneth has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP.
Kenneth Gates Downs is a lawyer practicing litigation, real property law. Kenneth received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1973, and has been licensed for 38 years. Kenneth practices at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
Working with Kenneth on a litigation matter
Kenneth Gates Downs is a lawyer practicing litigation, real property law. Kenneth received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1973, and has been licensed for 38 years. Kenneth practices at Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP in San Rafael, CA.
Who Kenneth represents
Kenneth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation and real estate matters in San Rafael and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Kenneth Gates Downs's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Francisco
J.D. · 1988
Stanford University
B.A. German · 1973
Jurisdictions
Kenneth's state bar admissions
California
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
Kenneth studied at J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. German in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Kenneth completed J.D. in University of San Francisco and B.A. German in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kenneth runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Kenneth's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Kenneth Gates Downs's office in San Rafael
Kenneth's primary office is at 55 Shaver St., Ste. 330, San Rafael, CA, 94903. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Phillips, Downs & Simontacchi, LLP
55 Shaver St., Ste. 330
San Rafael, CA 94903
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Kenneth Gates Downs — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kenneth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kenneth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kenneth'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; Kenneth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a litigation attorney in San Rafael, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation 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 Kenneth
Kenneth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation 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. Kenneth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kenneth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kenneth Gates Downs
How much does it cost to hire Kenneth for a litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kenneth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kenneth offer a free consultation?
Kenneth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kenneth's office. Some litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Kenneth's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in California typically take?
Simple litigation 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. Kenneth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kenneth take my case if I'm outside San Rafael?
Kenneth 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 — Kenneth 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 Kenneth?
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. Kenneth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kenneth accepting new litigation clients right now?
Kenneth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving San Rafael, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Kenneth handles litigation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
- San Rafael1,118 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
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