Donahue Fitzgerald Ranked in Top Tier of 2024 Best Law Firms®

Firms included in the 2024 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 signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

Donahue Fitzgerald’s Tax practice group has a comprehensive, diverse practice in federal, state, and local tax matters which complements the firm’s business and estate planning practices. Our tax attorneys represent clients in all aspects of estate and gift taxation, corporate, partnership, trust, fiduciary and individual federal and state income taxation, as well as sales and use taxation, ERISA and executive compensation, and the taxation of nonprofit entities. Because virtually all transactions have tax implications, our attorneys frequently collaborate with attorneys in other practice areas to evaluate, negotiate, and structure our clients’ transactions.

Donahue Fitzgerald’s Franchise practice is one of the leaders in California. Our attorneys represent franchisors, including traditional and quick service restaurant concepts, children’s programs, retail businesses, and real estate brokerage companies. We provide annual regulatory compliance services like Franchise Disclosure Document maintenance and exemption guidance, and ongoing business advice regarding structuring or restructuring franchise systems, loyalty programs, and major promotions. We also counsel franchisees in connection with the acquisition of a franchise or sale of their franchised businesses. Some of our franchisee clients include restaurant area developers and multi-unit owners, specialty retailers, after-market businesses, and business-to-business service providers.

Donahue Fitzgerald’s Trusts and Estates practice group encompasses the complete range of services touching upon trusts and estates. We assist individual clients and multigenerational families, as well as blended and LGBTQ+ families with all aspects of estate planning. In addition, we design business succession plans and offer innovative solutions to help clients plan for the death, retirement or incapacity of senior family members. We also advise fiduciaries, assist clients with taxable estates, establish charitable planned giving strategies, and represent individual and institutional trustees and beneficiaries in all aspects of litigation.