Articles/News
Featured
In Memoriam John J. Coppinger
It is with great sadness that we announce our long-time partner, colleague, mentor, and friend, John J. Coppinger, passed away on July 15, 2026. John joined legacy firm Donahue, Gallagher, Thomas & Woods, as an associate in 1984 and became a partner in 1990. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than four […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Ranked in Top Tier of 2027 Best Law Firms®
Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be eligible, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognizes the top 5 percent of private practicing attorneys in the U.S. achieving a tiered ranking […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys Contribute to Chambers Franchising 2026 Global Practice Guide
Partners Dawn Newton and Hayley Lenahan contributed to the California chapter of the Franchising Global Practice Guide. Our chapter provides insights on franchising in California, including agreements; disclosure requirements and exemptions; registration of franchises and the consequences of failing to register; past-profitability requirements; duration, renewal and termination and more. For more than 20 years, Chambers […]
Partner Dawn Newton Recognized in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders USA 2027
Lexology is the number one global legal intelligence platform for mitigating risk, staying abreast of change, and finding expert counsel, built on insights, forward-looking analysis, and expert guidance from the world’s leading law firms. About Dawn Newton Dawn is certified as a legal specialist in the area of Franchise and Distribution Law by the Board […]
Partner Lauren I. Boro Joins Donahue Fitzgerald
Lauren is a Partner in our Real Estate practice. She has more than 30 years of experience advising builders, developers, investors, landlords, and tenants. Her background includes serving as general counsel for a multi-family developer, a publicly traded homebuilder, and a real estate investment fund, giving her a practical, business-focused approach to legal matters. She […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys Recognized in the Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition
Dawn Newton, Franchise Law Lawrence K. Rockwell, Litigation – Trusts & Estates Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled based on a comprehensive peer-review survey. About Dawn Newton Dawn is certified as a legal specialist in the area […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys Named to Billboard’s 2026 “Top Music Lawyers” List
Congratulations to Daniel, Andrew, and the teamwork of Donahue Fitzgerald’s Music and Entertainment Group. Megan Cronin, Associate Padmini Cheruvu, Partner Steve Lee, Partner Arun Bose, Senior Counsel Julia Martinez, Associate Jonathan Osder, Of Counsel Nicole Randle, Legal Secretary From Left to Right: Megan Cronin, Steve Lee, Padmini Cheruvu, Daniel Schacht, Andrew MacKay, Nicole Randle, and […]
Donahue Fitzgerald Attorneys Named 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Northern California Super Lawyers: Andrew S. MacKay: Intellectual Property Dawn Newton: Franchise/Dealership Kristin A. Pace: Estate Planning & Probate Mary M. Rudser: Estate Planning & Probate Jessica M. Takano: Civil Litigation: Plaintiff Jonathan Wong: Immigration Business Emily L. Yip: Estate & Trust Litigation Denae H. Budde: Real Estate Daniel B. Newbold: Estate Planning & Probate […]
SB 690 Moves Forward Amid Surge in California CIPA Website Tracking Lawsuits
Background CIPA claims have been on the rise over the last two years with a handful of law firms and serial plaintiffs filing thousands of claims and sending even more demands against businesses, public agencies, and non-profits. CIPA was designed to stop wiretapping telephones in 1967, but these law firms and plaintiffs now claim that […]
CIPA “Wiretapping” Demands Are Surging — Is Your Website a Target?
Why It Should Matter to You $5,000 per violation regardless of harm. CIPA carries statutory damages of $5,000 per violation (or three times actual damages), plus attorney’s fees and injunctive relief, under Penal Code § 637.2. There is no opportunity to cure the violation(s). Violations stack. Plaintiffs argue that each tracker — and each third […]