How much does it cost to hire James for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in California typically take?

Simple general 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?

James 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 — James 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 James?

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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new general clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Richard Donahue, General Attorney in Sacramento, California

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews

Managing PartneratDonahue Davies LLP

Sacramento, CA

Practicing general in Sacramento since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 9 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

General Insurance Litigation Personal Injury Real Estate Business

Are you James Richard Donahue?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James Richard Donahue is a managing partner based in Sacramento, CA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Donahue Davies LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Based in: Sacramento, CA
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: General · Insurance · Litigation

Handles General, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Sacramento, CA.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James Richard Donahue

James concentrates on general, insurance, litigation, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Sacramento, California

James takes general matters in Sacramento, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Sacramento, California

James takes insurance matters in Sacramento, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Sacramento, California

James takes litigation matters in Sacramento, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Sacramento, California

James takes personal injury matters in Sacramento, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Sacramento, California

James takes real estate matters in Sacramento, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Biography

About James Richard Donahue — Over 44 years of California general experience

James Richard Donahue is a lawyer practicing trials, personal injury, property damage and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from St. Mary's College of California in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. James practices at Donahue Davies LLP in Sacramento, CA.

James's approach to general cases

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and litigation matters in Sacramento and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

James Richard Donahue's legal education and bar admissions

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. LL.M. · 1984
St. Mary's College of California
B.S. McGeorge · 1979

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Nevada
2018 · ACTIVE
California U.S. Dist
1982 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. LL.M. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. McGeorge in St. Mary's College of California.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. LL.M. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.S. McGeorge in St. Mary's College of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James Richard Donahue

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of California American Bar Association Sacramento County Bar Association Northern California Association of Defense Counsel Defense Research Institute American Board of Trial Advocates
membership

Locations

Office locations for James Richard Donahue in Sacramento, California

James's primary office is at Sacramento, CA, 95827-2900. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Donahue Davies LLP

Sacramento, CA 95827-2900

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Richard Donahue — 4.9/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Sacramento.

4.9

9 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Richard Donahue claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Richard Donahue — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Sacramento, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Richard Donahue

How much does it cost to hire James for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Sacramento?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new general clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

James handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Sacramento handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.