
Gerald Louis McDonald, Business Attorney in Dayton, Ohio
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Government, and Real Estate · 4.1/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
PrincipalatPickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
Dayton, OH
Practicing business in Dayton since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 10 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Gerald Louis McDonald?
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Quick answer
Gerald Louis McDonald is a principal based in Dayton, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Government, and Real Estate. Gerald has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
- Based in
- Dayton, OH
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Business · Government · Real Estate
- Handles Business, Government, and Real Estate matters from Dayton, OH.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Gerald Louis McDonald: Gerald Louis McDonald is a principal based in Dayton, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Government, and Real Estate. Gerald has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Gerald's practice areas in Dayton
Gerald concentrates on business, government, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gerald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Government
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Business cases in Dayton, Ohio
Gerald takes business matters in Dayton, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Dayton, Ohio
Gerald takes government matters in Dayton, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Dayton, Ohio
Gerald takes real estate matters in Dayton, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Dayton, Ohio
Gerald takes zoning matters in Dayton, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Gerald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Gerald Louis McDonald, business attorney serving Dayton
Gerald Louis McDonald is a principal based in Dayton, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Government, and Real Estate. Gerald has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 10 client reviews. Gerald works from Dayton, Ohio and takes on business matters across the region.
Gerald Louis McDonald is a lawyer practicing business, real estate, municipal law and 1 other area of law. Gerald Louis received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 33 years. Gerald Louis practices at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling in Dayton, OH.
Working with Gerald on a business matter
Gerald Louis McDonald is a lawyer practicing business, real estate, municipal law and 1 other area of law. Gerald Louis received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 33 years. Gerald Louis practices at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling in Dayton, OH.
Who Gerald represents
Gerald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, government, and real estate matters in Dayton and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Gerald studied and practices
Stetson University
J.D. · 1993
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Gerald's state bar admissions
Ohio
2004 · ACTIVE
Florida
1994 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1993 · ACTIVE
Gerald studied at J.D. in Stetson University and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Gerald completed J.D. in Stetson University and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gerald runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Gerald's legal honors and published work
Gerald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Gerald's professional memberships and bar associations
Dayton Bar Association State Bar of Michigan The Florida Bar Ohio State Bar Association
membership
Locations
Gerald Louis McDonald's office in Dayton
Gerald's primary office is at 2700 Stratacache Tower, 40 N. Main Street, Dayton, OH, 45423-2700. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
2700 Stratacache Tower, 40 N. Main Street
Dayton, OH 45423-2700
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Gerald Louis McDonald — 4.1/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Gerald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Dayton.
4.1
10 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Gerald Louis McDonald claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Gerald Louis McDonald — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gerald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gerald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald'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; Gerald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Dayton, Ohio
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 Gerald
Gerald 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. Gerald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gerald'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 Gerald Louis McDonald
How much does it cost to hire Gerald for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gerald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gerald offer a free consultation?
Gerald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gerald's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Gerald's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Ohio 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. Gerald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gerald take my case if I'm outside Dayton?
Gerald is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Gerald 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 Gerald?
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. Gerald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gerald accepting new business clients right now?
Gerald'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 Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio
Gerald handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Ohio
If Gerald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Dayton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





