$ 500-500 per hour
About Gerald
Biography
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.
In accordance with standards adopted by the State Bar pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1-400(E), please note that the skills and endorsements below do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Business
15%
43 years
Lawsuits and Disputes
15%
43 years
Litigation
15%
43 years
Real Estate
15%
43 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
15%-45%
Pro bono
20 %
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 43 years
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Dorfman Law Office
P.O. Box 1056, Mill Valley, CA, 94942
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Gerald Barry Dorfman's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (3)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2024 | Real Estate
Wonderful Attorney
Attorney Dorfman returned my call right and away and he provided me with excellent advice on how to handle my issue with a neighbor encroaching on my property. He took the time to listen to my concerns and was able to give me advice on how to move forward. I would recommend him to anyone who is loo...
Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2019 | Landlord & Tenant
Great consultation with very experienced attorney
I had a phone consultation with Mr. Dorfman on a landlord & tenant notice to vacate issue. I had called him after hours and left a voicemail. I was honestly not expecting a call back until the next business day. However he called me back within a half hour. He was very informative, clearly listened t...
Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant
Outstanding attorney
Mr. Dorfman is an outstanding attorney. I was his client in a complex landlord-tenant dispute. His superb legal expertise, along with his communication skills, attention to detail, and compassion, were instrumental in us resolving the matter with a successful outcome.
Gerald Barry Dorfman's Lawyer Endorsements
"I don't know Mr. Dorfman but have seen his answers to questions and he seems more than qualified to provide competent legal advice."
"I have reviewed a number of Mr. Dorfman's answers to probate questions on Avvo. I have found his advice to be sound and practical. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dorfman is an excellent attorney. He is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"Gerald Dorfman provides exceptionally direct and practical answers in the Avvo forum across many fields of law. He demonstrates the wisdom of a generalist with deep experience in practice, while showing acute compassion for clients and their needs. He also is remarkably accessible - see the first line under About Gerald: "Reach me at 415-389-9590." Gerald's practice practice reflects the ancient idea of lawyer as healer, and I am grateful for his contributions to the community and the legal profession."
"Among those of us who regularly respond to questions on Avvo, Mr. Dorfman stands out with his insightful and legally sound advise. This is an attorney who knows the law and who is able to communicate in a way that everyone understands. His clients are very fortunate to have him in their corner."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dorfman has extensive experience in a wide range of legal matters. As a solo practitioner, he maintains a direct, hands on approach to his clients and cases."
"Gerald Dorfman demonstrates extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of legal matters. His responses on Avvo are remarkably thoughtful, articulate and accurate. I have tremendous respect for his sound legal knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge. He is a true asset to our legal community. It is my pleasure to endorse him."
"Mr. Dorfman has made a substantial number of contributions on AVVO. I have read several of his contributions and have found them to be thoughtful, informative and practical."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"The answers of Mr. Dorfman are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dorfman is very smart and hard working. A good choice as a litigator and general problem solver."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a smart and tenacious litigator."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an experienced litigator."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Top Contributor, Avvo
2024
Top Contributor, Avvo
2023
Top Contributor, Avvo
2023
Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel
2021
Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel
2021
Top Contributor, Avvo
2020
Lead Counsel Verification, Lead Counsel
2020
Top Contributor, Avvo
2020
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2019
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
2019
Top Contributor, Avvo
2018
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
2018
Best Answers, Avvo
2018
Top Contributor, Avvo
2017
Best Answers, Avvo
2017
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
2014
100 Trust Rating, LawGives
2014
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel
Work Experience
1983 - Present
Owner, Dorfman Law Office
Associations
2010 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2008 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2005 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1984 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1984 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
1983 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1983 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Cross v. Cooper
confidential settlement
Confidential v. Confidential
$320,000
Confidential v. Confidential
$1.2 Million
Grimani v. Green
$100,000
Education
1983
UC Law SF
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
Columbia University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1991
Adjunct Professor
Legal Writing
1990
Adjunct Professor - Legal Writing
Legal Writing & Research
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What lawyer do I need for an electric bike accident
08 Apr 2026
Q&A
How can i see my mom's will
08 Apr 2026
Q&A
A fraud trust bank acct my name & $$ my niece listed trustee denied me access to my $ & statements
07 Apr 2026