Law Office of Colleen Doherty

Land Use, Zoning, Easements, Environmental, Real Estate

This lawyer is licensed to practice in California and has no record of discipline from the California bar association.*

Firm Overview

I opened my firm in 1996, and focus on all aspects of land use and real property: zoning, permits, easements, neighbor issues, purchase or sale problems, and environmental concerns.

Example cases

I have represented groups and individuals before Planning Commissions, Boards of Supervisors, and City Councils, both for and against projects; I have represented Russian Orthodox, Buddhist and non-denominational retreat centers to obtain planning approval for facilities.

Main Office

Main
175 Hilldale Drive
San Anselmo CA 94960

Phone

(415) 482-7799

Fax

(415) 482-7773

Websites

http://www.marinpropertylaw.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

Regular hourly rate but I often discount the time by approximately 1/3 hour.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

None

Hourly Rates

$300 per hour.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Office Manager

None applicable

Emergency After Hours

Languages Spoken

None

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I like to help people resolve real life problems, and I am interested in land use from the point of view of how we as a society choose to regulate and to balance people's needs about property.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I often recommend Nolo Press books to clients; I enjoy working with clients who want to be educated on the issues before us.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Quite willing.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to coach clients who are able or must represent themselves but I have found that an experienced attorney is often necessary to adequately protect clients' interests.

Colleen Doherty

Peace Corps in Turkey, teacher, Justice Department Intern in law school, Research Assistant for judges in San Mateo County, Assistant City Attorney for several cities, represented architects and engineers in complex construction litigation.

My experience living in two foreign countries has helped me appreciate all people; my communications with clients and opposing attorneys continually teaches me.

Trying to find a solution which best meets clients' needs: sometimes litigation, sometimes mediation, sometimes providing advice. Land use is a unique specialty, and I am very experienced in resolving difficult issues.

I work well with public officials to accomplish client goals and have also been successful in opposing cities and counties when necessary. I often find negotiation useful but don't hesitate to strongly represent a client's position when this is not fruitful.

Personal interests:

Gardening and hiking.

License

Bar Number: 99254
California , 1981

Education

University of San Francisco
J.D. , 1981
San Francisco, CA
Judge Harold J Haley Faculty; Graduate Award; McAuliffe Honor Society; Summer Intern, Department of Justice; Agnes O'Brien Smith Scholarship; Served in clinic for indigent; organized tutorial program for "disadvantaged" students.
Columbia University
M.A. , 1968
New York, NY
International Education
University of Oregon
B.A. , 1964
Eugene, OR
One year at University College, Dublin, Ireland.

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.