Gerald Barry Dorfman

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.

• Litigation

• Credit Cards Accepted
  Through PayPal and Venmo.
• Contingent Fees
  Contingency fees range from 15% to 45%. These apply to personal injury cases, and select other matters.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Regular hourly rate is $500.

California

Since 1983

9th Circuit

Since 1984

Columbia University

B.A.

UC Law SF

Law Degree

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2023

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2022

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2020

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2018

Lead Counsel Rated

Lead Counsel

2016

California State Bar  # 107581

Member

1983 - Current

Q. Trouble settling inheritance with attorney in San Francisco.

July 1, 2025

A: It really depends on the legal relationship of your son to the attorney. If your son is the Executor/Administrator of the estate, and the attorney is the attorney for the estate, then the attorney should be responding in a timely manner and keeping your son apprised of all significant developments. If your son is one of a number of beneficiaries of the estate, and the attorney is the attorney for the Executor/Administrator, then the attorney would normally not be obliged to respond to a beneficiary's inquiries; it would be the Executor/administrator who would deal with beneficiaries, if necessary. Your son would probably benefit from a consultation with a probate attorney, and may want to file a demand for special notice. ... Read More

Q. Would personal injury lawyers prefer upfront payment via a platform over traditional contingency work?

June 5, 2025

A: 23% of what? Upfront, as in the beginning of the case? How would you know before the case conclusion what the final settlement would be? Payment risks are mitigated by checking payment sources, such as validating insurance. Contingency fees are typically scaled to what stage of the case they are earned. There is a great deal of difference between settling at the demand stage and litigating through trial. Generally, contingency fees are a great way for people to get access to legal services, who otherwise could not afford to pay hourly. Many personal injury attorneys would take on hourly work if their clients could afford it.

Q. Can I be evicted for alleged drug activity without proof?

May 9, 2025

A: If there is absolutely no evidence, then you can not be evicted for violating your rental agreement. However, there is no requirement that the evidence includes a criminal conviction. If you contest the eviction in court, the landlord will have to prove that it is more likely than not that you violated the covenant.