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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

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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 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.

Main office

Bustamante And Gagliasso Apc

333 W. San Carlos St., 6th Fl.

San Jose, CA 95110

Open in Google Maps

Client 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 reviews

Hiring 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.

More counsel

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