Colleen Doherty
Law Office of Colleen Doherty
175 Hilldale Drive
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Map
Phone: (415) 482-7799 | Fax: (415) 482-7773
http://www.marinpropertylaw.com
Land Use, Zoning, Easements, Environmental, Real Estate
Legal Topic
Real Estate Law
Preferred New Clients
Individuals and organizations with property matters, including land use, zoning and permits, easement, environmental issues, title, boundary or other neighbor disputes, or general real estate questions.
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1981
Bar Number: 99254
Other Court Admissions
California courts, Federal courts, U.S. Supreme Court
Association Memberships
Marin, State of California
Continuing Education
Seminars on title issues, boundary disputes, easements, construction litigation, mediation, ethics.
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.
Education
University of San Francisco
J.D.
San Francisco
CA
1981
Graduated cum laude
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.
New York
NY
1968
International Education
University of Oregon
B.A.
Eugene
OR
1964
One year at University College, Dublin, Ireland.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
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.
Previous Employment Summary
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.
Activities and Awards
Marin County Bar Association Committees: Client Relations, Judicial Fairness, Justice Center
What is your opinion 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.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Quite willing.
Are you 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.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
Interest in justice.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My experience living in two foreign countries has helped me appreciate all people; my communications with clients and opposing attorneys continually teaches me.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
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 do you like best about your career?
My clients, and helping them to resolve problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. I opened my firm in 1996 after 15 years of working with other attorneys. I take pride in doing a good job for clients with the help of support staff.
What are your strengths and style?
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.
Office Manager/Assistant
None applicable
Fax
(415) 482-7773
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
None
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Regular hourly rate but I often discount the time by approximately 1/3 hour.
Typical Retainer
It depends on the complexity of the matter and how much time needs to be invested immediately.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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