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Christopher B Dolan

Personal injury Attorney at San Francisco, CA

5.0   18 reviews

Licensed for 29 years

Virtual consultation available

About Christopher

Learn Christopher’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Personal injury
    50%
    I am proud to be repeatedly rated as one of the top personal injury lawyers in California. We have obtained record recoveries in cases involving personal injury and wrongful death claims. We have a long and successful track record of litigating cases involving bicyclists, motorcycle riders, car drivers, and pedestrians injured or killed by cars, trucks, and other vehicles. We represent MUNI riders and other passengers injured while using public transportation.

    31 years

  2. Car accident
    20%

    31 years

  3. Discrimination
    20%
    I have obtained record recoveries for persons discriminated against or harassed at their workplace based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, weight, height, disability, ethnicity, and age.

    31 years

  4. Motorcycle accident
    10%
    The Dolan Law Firm has been recognized as one of the leading motorcycle accident law firms in California. We have successfully represented over one hundred motorcycle crash victims and obtained over $25 million for our clients injured in motorcycle crashes or for the families of loved ones who died.

RATED SAN FRANCISCO'S BEST INJURY LAWYER & U.S. NEWS BEST LAW FIRM. RELENTLESS & PRINCIPLED ADVOCATE

Recognized as one of California’s premier plaintiffs’ law firms, the Dolan Law Firm represents clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and across California. Since I founded the firm in 1995, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Many of our cases involve car/Uber, bicycle, and motorcycle crashes, and pedestrians injured or killed by cars and trucks.  We also represent employees in harassment, wrongful termination, and whistleblower cases, as well as families whose loved ones were harmed at senior or nursing homes. On behalf of courageous clients, I am spearheading many of the most significant and challenging lawsuits filed in California state and federal courts against insurance companies, Fortune 500 companies, cities and other public agencies, and product manufacturers.  I am proud to have been selected repeatedly as one of the Top 25 Plaintiffs' Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal and to have received honors and awards from numerous other publications including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and U.S. News. 

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2017,2016
Client's Choice
2017 2016

Photos and videos

Dolan Law Firm: The Best Lawyers We Hope You'll Never Need
Chris Dolan supervises all cases litigated by the attorneys at the Dolan Law Firm.  He has obtained more than $1 million in settlements and verdicts in over 20 separate cases including a record verdict of $61 million in a race discrimination lawsuit.
The Oakland office of the Dolan Law Firm is near Lake Merritt and within walking distance of the local Federal and state courthouses.
View more
Licensed for 29 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 1993
Updated 12/01/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Christopher

Dolan Law Firm, PC
1438 Market Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
Dolan Law Firm, PC
1498 Alice Street
Oakland, CA, 94612
Dolan Law Firm, PC
1000 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150
Los Angeles, CA, 90017
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Christopher received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2017
Posted by Kate | February 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Experience! Would recommend to Friends and Family!
My experience with the Dolan Law Firm was smooth and painless from start to finish. I was treated with courtesy, honesty and professionalism throughout the entire process. My team fought for a settlement that was fair, equitable and the best part timely! My team consisted of Chris Dolan and Guillermo Bustillo -- all of whom were professional and knowledgeable and wonderful to deal with. I know I could not have made it without them. I would recommend the Dolan Law Firm to anyone requiring professional legal advice or assistance. Thank You!
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Posted by Mike | May 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An attorney who truly fights for his clients
I highly recommend the Dolan Law firm. Hands down, there is not a better personal injury attorney around. Chris Dolan is an expert in his field. He was truly amazing, honest, compassionate, professional, down to earth and very responsive. My accident involved being hit by a Yellow Cab while walking in a cross walk in San Francisco. Soon after my accident Chris and his assistant, Guillermo came to our home to make sure I was doing ok. They spent more than 2 hours at my home taking down all necessary information and quickly agreed to represent me. Chris Dolan was extremely courteous, sympathetic and empathetic, and he was truly concerned for my well-being. The Dolan Law firm was professional and knowledgeable during the entire case process. He made sure all of my physical therapy costs and medical bills were covered, and I was never once harassed by the Defendants. The process was smooth and seamless. They took care of everything. The legal process was performed with perfection, care and expertise. Deadlines were always met and I never worried how my case was being handled. My case took nearly two years, and as we were approaching the end and close to a settlement, a curve ball was thrown by Yellow Cab – they filed for bankruptcy. Chris immediately called to reassure me that all of my out-of-pocket expenses would be handled and I did not need to worry. This would not be the end of my case. Given the drastic change of course in the settlement proceedings, he quickly developed a new plan of action which resulted in a fair compensation for me. The insurance company wanted to recoup all of their expenses. But, Chris Dolan and Guillermo negotiated with the insurance company. They were able to successfully reduce the amount sought down to almost nothing! He further went above and beyond and personally called me to inform me he was reducing his firm fees. Since no one could have expected Yellow Cab to file bankruptcy, Chris said he wanted to make sure I received as much compensation as possible. This case was not about “making money” but instead about helping me. I highly recommend Chris Dolan to represent your legal matters. Chris Dolan’s drive, intellect and compassion set him apart from any other attorney I know. He truly cares about his clients and their best interests.
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Posted by Kimberly | November 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thankful
Last year, I got attacked by a dog. The dog bit off the top of my ear and chunk out the top of my arm. I was referred to Dolan Law Firm and worked with Megan Irish and Quentin Cutlip. My experience with Dolan Law was excellent. Not only were they sympathetic to what happened to me, I knew they really cared about making sure that I was going to be compensated correctly. Megan was really exceptional with communicating and making sure that I understood everything that was going on during my year long case. They were able to negotiate a settlement that was more than I could have imagined. I am truly grateful and can not express enough gratitude for their hard work. I hope that I don't have any more situations where I need a lawyer.. but if I did, I would call Dolan Law first.
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Posted by Maya | July 27, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you Atty. Mari Bandoma Callado!
I went to seek advice regarding my (previous) contract position and possible breach of contract by my employer. I was assisted by Atty. Mari Bandoma Callado, she discussed my rights thoroughly and I felt very confident after our meeting and was able to set things straight with my employer/agency. I again had to contact her a year later regarding other issues I had with my current job on my upcoming Maternity Leave. I was stressed out because I was getting misleading info from my HR and after meeting with Mari and she helped me understand the current state law/ FMLA policy and I had a better and much clearer understanding that I was given the wrong information from work and I was able to use that to make sure I was able to take the correct amount of leave that I am entitled of. There is nothing worse than a stressed out pregnant lady, and Mari definitely put me at ease and made sure that I should and will get the proper time off I needed to spend time and take care of my children. She is very knowledgable and passionate about her work and I can see that her passion to help people is genuine.
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Posted by Martin | June 3, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
My car accident
Not too long ago I was involved in a car accident in which I was T-boned by another vehicle. I spoke with an attorney at the Dolan Law Firm and was advised of my rights concerning the accident. If I am involved in another accident I will be calling Dolan right away.
Posted by Ernie | March 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top Notch Lawyer
The Dolan Firm is a superb law firm. Chris Dolan took my took on my families case when no other attorney would. I knew the case would be challenging and that going against a medical center would deter a lot of attorneys due to the unfair MICRA caps. Chris Dolan told me in the beginning that my case was going to be one that was tough to win but he would take on because of the horrible mal-practice conducted by a doctor on my relative and he deserved justice. I can't say enough about the Dolan Law Firm. Although our case did not result in a large financial payout, my family felt at ease knowing our family got the justice we deserved.
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Posted by Marta | March 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Employment Lawyer
Chris Dolan and his team are excellent. I first reached out to Dolan Law when I found myself in an unfortunate situation with my previous employer. Mr. Dolan and his associate worked hard on my behalf and were successful at achieving a great resolution on my case in a short period of time.
Posted by Evelin | March 9, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer!!
Chris Dolan and his team did a great job on my case. He was very helpful and made this difficult time as easy as possible for me. I strongly recommend Dolan and his team if you find yourself in need of a good personal injury lawyer.
Posted by Stephanie | December 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST OF THE BEST
The greatest misconception and one I take offense to is hearing a personal injury attorney being called an "ambulance chaser". I suffered a horrible, life changing accident due to the negligence of another and if it weren't for Chris Dolan and the Dolan Law Firm, I'm not certain where I might be now. Chris treated me and my case, from the onset, like something that had happened to him personally and like a matter of life or death. He walked, talked, lived and breathed my case for nearly 4 years. His brilliance and extensive knowledge in both law as well as the medical field was a gross advantage to him winning a nearly 3 month jury trial against the City of San Francisco for me. Through it all, his focus remained clear and obvious. It was all me and what what would deliver the greatest outcome for my situation. I've often heard others complain that lawyers get such a large % of an award but as far as I'm concerned, every penny & more is earned. Prior to this experience, I had no idea how much it takes to win a case or the tremendous expense and time which goes into it. All of which is absorbed on the front end by the attorney, with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Chris believes in justice and righting the wrongs. He was my voice when no one seemed to hear my words. He fearlessly and furiously stood up to an entity that could have easily mowed me over with trickery and outright lies. Chris had enough patience for the both of us when I would loose mine to keep going. I have never met another human being better at what he does than Chris Dolan is at protecting and fighting for his clients. He is one of the most brilliant attorneys of his time with a proven track record of his successful outcomes. He pours 100% into every case and selectively takes on many others shy away from. Never afraid of a challenge and always ready to take on even the largest corporate "bully", Chris Dolan and the Dolan Law Firm is better than the best! I would want nobody else in my corner if I ever find myself in a situation again needing a personal injury attorney. Thank you Chris from the bottom of my heart!!! You helped me to get back so much of what that accident took from me. Now, 18 years later, my gratitude and appreciation is as strong as it was the very lucky day I walked through the doors of the Dolan Law Firm for the very first time!! If you're looking for the best, go no further. You've found the firm around!!
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Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Attorney
I was injured when the Uber car I was riding in got into a traffic collision. I am so glad I signed up with the Dolan Law Firm and didn't take the offer Uber's insurance company first offered me. The difference between what I was offered initially and what I got after going to the Dolan Law Firm and having their attorneys negotiate with Uber was incredible. They handled my case quicker than I thought possible and kept me informed as the case progressed. You need a fighter on your side when dealing with corporations. Don't hesitate to contact the Dolan Law Firm.
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Posted by Ian McBride | September 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dolan Law Firm is good business
I highly recommend the Dolan Law Firm. I was involved in accident several years ago and contacted Chris Dolan. He was very helpful in assisting me in resolving my case. Although my case was not a huge one, he still made sure to make me feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Chris communication is very strong and he is very attentive to all your concerns. I want to say thank you for all of your time and I would recommend the Dolan Law Firm to anyone that is dealing with a traffic case.
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Posted by Quincy | May 17, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great legal Advice
I contacted the Dolan Law Firm for legal assistance related to a work issue I was having. Although the Dolan Law Firm was unable to take on my case, Chris Dolan took the time to meet with me and and give me great legal advice to help resolve the issues I was having.
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Reassuring and effective
Dolan law firm handled my case professionally and with expertise. They made sure my needs were met and that I felt comfortable and reassured the entire time!
Posted by Deborah | May 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
My attorney Quinton Cutlip handled a wrongful death lawsuit last year for my family. He was very courteous, sympathetic and kept me in the loop of everything going on with the case at all time; we settled for the expected amount. I would definitely use the Dolan Firm again.
Posted by Jesse | May 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rear Ended
Last year myself my wife and son we're involved in an accident where we were hit from behind on his 10 birthday. We spent his birthday night in the ER . We contacted Dolan Law Firm and from day I felt we were in good hands. They are very welcoming, professional and knowledgeable of the law that applied to our case. Dolan Law Firm always notified us of any changes and answer any questions that we had about what our future held. Dolans response time is excellent when ever I would call or email they respond right away. They have a team of outstanding people who are very polite and helpful anytime we called. When it came to resolving our case the communication could not have been better above I gave them 5 stars I truly believe they deserve 10. I feel they truly care about the people that they deal with and want to see them with the best possible resolution. I would definitely recommend hiring Dolan Law Firm.
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Posted by Frescia Ramos | April 8, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Free consultation
I called The Dolan Law Firm for my employment situation. Even though I was not able to retrieve them as an attorney based on the type of inquiry I had, I was able to get some important advice on what I should do and how I should go about my matter. Not disappointed at all!
Posted by Shaheem | March 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Don't go anywhere else! I highly recommend this Attorney
Chris Dolan of the Dolan Law Firm is the most competent and successful attorney, bar none, that has ever represented me, and the best attorney to whom I have ever referred business. I was in an automobile accident and I can't say enough as to how I was treated by Chris and his team, and the ultimate results they provided to me for my case far exceeded my expectations. I have since referred many, many people to Mr. Dolan & his law firm and continue to be impressed with their results, their demeanor, and their desire to represent their clients in the best possible manner. I highly recommend Chris Dolan and the Dolan Law Firm for representation in your legal matters, and their is no other lawyer with Mr. Dolan's drive , compassion, intellect, humility and work ethic.
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Posted by Olivia | February 24, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Shark or an Attorney!
We sought legal advice from Chris Dolan when my family and I was in a motor vehicle accident. He provided exceptional service. He was prompt with hisresponses and provided detailed guidance as to what the process would be for our situation. I would highly recommend anyone to contact Chris Dolan if you've ever been in a motor vehicle accident and require representation. - Olivia
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Cost

Rates
  • Contingency 33%-45%

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder/Lead Trial Counsel
  • Dolan Law Firm
  • 1995 - Present

Education

  • Instituto Internacional De Madrid
  • N/A
  • Boston University
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • N/A
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A
  • Boston University
  • Master's of Science
  • N/A
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Williams v. Wyndham Vacation Owernship
  • $20 million verdict
  • Rizkallah and Issa v. FedEx
  • $61 million verdict

Associations

  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • Past President
  • N/A
  • San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • Past President
  • N/A
  • American Association for Justice
  • Member, Board of Governors
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV-Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Top Plaintiffs Verdicts In California By Impact
  • Daily Journal
  • 2017
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plantiff
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plantiff
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Best Injury Lawyer
  • SF Weekly
  • 2016
  • Top 30 Plaintiffs Lawyers in California
  • Daily Journal
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 25 Plaintiffs' Lawyers in California
  • Daily Journal
  • 2015
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plantiff
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Best Injury Lawyer
  • SF Weekly
  • 2015
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plantiff
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Best Injury Lawyer
  • SF Weekly
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Top 100 Lawyers in California
  • Daily Journal
  • 2010
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2007
  • Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America
  • Lawdragon
  • 2007
  • Califonia Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY)
  • California Lawyer Magazine
  • 2007
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2006
  • Trial Lawyer of the Year
  • San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2006
  • Consumer Attorney of the Year
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • 2006
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (0)
Endorse Christopher
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Chris Dolan is one of the best trial lawyers in California."
Personal injury Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is a great attorney and I highly recommend him."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

San Francisco Personal injury Lawyer Christopher B Dolan
Christopher B Dolan
Personal injury Attorney
San Francisco, CA
Licensed for 29 years
Virtual consultation available