
Donald James Fitzgerald, Business Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment Contracts, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Counsel, Tax, Employee Benefits & Global; Compensation; Capital MarketsatManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing business in San Francisco since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Donald James Fitzgerald?
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Quick answer
Donald James Fitzgerald is a counsel, tax, employee benefits & global; compensation; capital markets based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and Environmental. Donald has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment Contracts · Environmental
- Handles Business, Employment Contracts, and Environmental matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Donald James Fitzgerald: Donald James Fitzgerald is a counsel, tax, employee benefits & global; compensation; capital markets based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and Environmental. Donald has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Donald James Fitzgerald
Donald concentrates on business, employment contracts, environmental, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment Contracts
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Environmental
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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M&A
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Tax
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Business cases in San Francisco, California
Donald takes business matters in San Francisco, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Employment Contracts cases in San Francisco, California
Donald takes employment contracts matters in San Francisco, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in San Francisco, California
Donald takes environmental matters in San Francisco, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in San Francisco, California
Donald takes federal crimes matters in San Francisco, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Donald takes general matters in San Francisco, 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 Donald agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Donald James Fitzgerald — Over 53 years of California business experience
Donald James Fitzgerald is a counsel, tax, employee benefits & global; compensation; capital markets based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and Environmental. Donald has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Donald James Fitzgerald is a lawyer practicing distressed asset, energy & natural resources, financial services and banking and 11 other areas of law. Donald received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1967, and has been licensed for 53 years. Donald practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Donald's approach to business cases
Mr. Donald James Fitzgerald is a lawyer practicing distressed asset, energy & natural resources, financial services and banking and 11 other areas of law. Donald received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1967, and has been licensed for 53 years. Donald practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Clients Donald works with
Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment contracts, and environmental matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Donald James Fitzgerald's legal education and bar admissions
Duke Law School
J.D. Georgetown · 1973
University of North Carolina
A.B. Phi · 1967
Jurisdictions
Donald's state bar admissions
California U.S. Tax
1979 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1973 · ACTIVE
Donald studied at J.D. Georgetown in Duke Law School and A.B. Phi in University of North Carolina.
Law school and academic background
Donald completed J.D. Georgetown in Duke Law School and A.B. Phi in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Donald James Fitzgerald
Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Donald's professional memberships and bar associations
Membership Activities Admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Tax Court
membership
Former adjunct professor, University of San Diego School of Law
membership
Locations
Donald James Fitzgerald's office in San Francisco
Donald's primary office is at 30th Floor, One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
30th Floor, One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Donald James Fitzgerald — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald James Fitzgerald claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Donald James Fitzgerald — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald'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; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in San Francisco, 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 Donald
Donald 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. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Donald'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 Donald James Fitzgerald
How much does it cost to hire Donald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Donald offer a free consultation?
Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Donald'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. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Donald take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Donald 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 — Donald 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 Donald?
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. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Donald accepting new business clients right now?
Donald'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 Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Donald handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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