Mary Katherine Acquesta, ADR Attorney in San Jose, California
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Construction, and Litigation · 4.9/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews
DirectoratBustamante And Gagliasso Apc
San Jose, CA
Practicing adr in San Jose since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 19 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Mary Katherine Acquesta?
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Quick answer
Mary Katherine Acquesta is a director based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Construction, and Litigation. Mary has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bustamante And Gagliasso Apc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
- Based in
- San Jose, CA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- ADR · Construction · Litigation
- Handles ADR, Construction, and Litigation matters from San Jose, CA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mary Katherine Acquesta: Mary Katherine Acquesta is a director based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Construction, and Litigation. Mary has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bustamante And Gagliasso Apc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mary Katherine Acquesta
Mary concentrates on adr, construction, litigation, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Construction
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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ADR cases in San Jose, California
Mary takes adr matters in San Jose, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in San Jose, California
Mary takes construction matters in San Jose, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Jose, California
Mary takes litigation matters in San Jose, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in San Jose, California
Mary takes personal injury matters in San Jose, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in San Jose, California
Mary takes product liability matters in San Jose, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mary Katherine Acquesta — Over 43 years of California adr experience
Mary Katherine Acquesta is a director based in San Jose, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Construction, and Litigation. Mary has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bustamante And Gagliasso Apc. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.
Mary Katherine Acquesta is a lawyer practicing complex civil litigation, construction law and defect litigation, personal injury and product liability and 2 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Mary practices at Bustamante & Gagliasso, APC in San Jose, CA.
Working with Mary on a adr matter
Mary Katherine Acquesta is a lawyer practicing complex civil litigation, construction law and defect litigation, personal injury and product liability and 2 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Mary practices at Bustamante & Gagliasso, APC in San Jose, CA.
Clients Mary works with
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, construction, and litigation matters in San Jose and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Mary Katherine Acquesta's legal education and bar admissions
University of Santa Clara School of Law
J.D. · 1983
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. History · 1980
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
1983 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in University of Santa Clara School of Law and B.A. History in University of California at Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in University of Santa Clara School of Law and B.A. History in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Katherine Acquesta
Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Mary's professional memberships and bar associations
Santa Clara County Bar Association State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Mary Katherine Acquesta's office in San Jose
Mary's primary office is at 333 W. San Carlos St., 6th Fl., San Jose, CA, 95110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bustamante And Gagliasso Apc
333 W. San Carlos St., 6th Fl.
San Jose, CA 95110
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Mary Katherine Acquesta — 4.9/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in San Jose.
4.9
19 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Katherine Acquesta claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mary Katherine Acquesta — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Jose, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Mary
Mary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mary Katherine Acquesta
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside San Jose?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new adr clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Mary handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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