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.

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

California

Since 1983

9th Circuit

Since 1984

• 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.

• Litigation

Q. My cmpny as the ownr and 28 other ownrs are being sued by a sectn 8 tenant for denying him housng.I've not bn serv'd yet

February 12, 2025

A: Your statement, "Sorry we do not accept section 8" is an apparent violation of the law. No one can become a millionaire by suing you for that violation, but you need to get off the Internet and hire defense counsel.

Q. I just need an attorney to respond for me and review a case in which I was never served. How much should this cost?

February 11, 2025

A: Your problem is not limited to a letter: even if the other side agrees to vacate the Judgment, you will still have to deal with the underlying lawsuit. The lawyers don't want $25-$50K to respond to a letter, except in the sense that "respond" involves representing you in a civil action, to try to get the apparent Judgment against you set aside. You can look for attorneys who provide "limited scope" legal services (such as can be found at LimitedScopeCounsel.com), or you can check the State Bar of California for a referral source near you.

Q. Are sliding screen doors not sliding smoothly qualify as wear and tear or tenants financial responsibility to resolve?

January 30, 2025

A: It depends on the reason they are not operating as smoothly as when you moved in. If you did something to damage them, such as jamming them into something you left on the track, that would be on you, the tenant. Similarly, if the frame is bent, it would be presumably from misuse. If the wheels have simply worn out from regular use, that would be the landlord's responsibility. The distinction is ordinary wear and tear versus damage.