
William Lewis Gates, Business Attorney in San Jose, California
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratGates Eisenhart Dawson
San Jose, CA
Practicing business in San Jose since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you William Lewis Gates?
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Quick answer
William Lewis Gates is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gates Eisenhart Dawson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Jose, CA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Business · Entertainment · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning matters from San Jose, CA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William Lewis Gates: William Lewis Gates is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gates Eisenhart Dawson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William Lewis Gates
William concentrates on business, entertainment, estate planning, general, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Entertainment
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Estate Planning
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General
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Real Estate
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Business cases in San Jose, California
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in San Jose, California
William takes entertainment 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 William agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in San Jose, California
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Jose, California
William takes general 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 William agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Jose, California
William takes real estate 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William Lewis Gates — Over 53 years of California business experience
William Lewis Gates is a partner based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and Estate Planning. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gates Eisenhart Dawson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William Lewis Gates is a lawyer practicing business, entertainment, real estate law and 3 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of Santa Clara in 1964, and has been licensed for 53 years. William practices at Gates Eisenhart Dawson in San Jose, CA.
Working with William on a business matter
William Lewis Gates is a lawyer practicing business, entertainment, real estate law and 3 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of Santa Clara in 1964, and has been licensed for 53 years. William practices at Gates Eisenhart Dawson in San Jose, CA.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and estate planning matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
William Lewis Gates's legal education and bar admissions
Santa Clara University School of Law
J.D. · 1971
University of Santa Clara
B.A. · 1964
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
California United St
1973 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. in University of Santa Clara.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Santa Clara University School of Law and B.A. in University of Santa Clara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William Lewis Gates
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
William Lewis Gates's office in San Jose
William's primary office is at 111 W St John Street, Suite 1200, San Jose, CA, 95113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gates Eisenhart Dawson
111 W St John Street, Suite 1200
San Jose, CA 95113
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Lewis Gates — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in San Jose.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Lewis Gates claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Lewis Gates — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William Lewis Gates
How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside San Jose?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William'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
William 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
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in San Jose handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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