Christopher B. Dolan

Practice areas

Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff, Personal Injury – Products: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Animal Bites, Assault, Brain Injury, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law – Employer, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Defects, Personal Injury – Plaintiff, Premises Liability – Plaintiff, Retaliation, Slip and Fall, Toxic Mold, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination

An Advocate for Justice

Chris Dolan, renowned as one of California’s preeminent plaintiff attorneys, holds the distinction of being a Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer for an impressive streak of 11 years. Over this period, he has been at the forefront of leading some of California’s most notable and intricate legal battles against insurance corporations, Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, educational institutions, public agencies, and product manufacturers. Under his guidance, the Dolan Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution for its clientele.

At the helm of one of California’s foremost plaintiffs’ firms, Chris Dolan and his team champion the rights of those who have suffered injuries or faced harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. Their representation spans across California, encompassing a wide spectrum of cases such as:

• Personal Injury
• Automobile Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Product Liability
• Premises Liability
• Uber/Lyft Car Accidents
• Employment Law
• Sexual Harassment
• Discrimination
• Wrongful Termination
• Wage & Hour Disputes

Remarkable Outcomes and Record-Breaking Verdicts

Holding a remarkable track record of securing “multi-million judgments for his clients,” as acknowledged by the San Francisco Business Times, Chris Dolan has not only successfully litigated over 45 cases but has also settled hundreds of lawsuits on favorable terms for his clients.

Chris meticulously oversees all litigation undertaken by the Dolan Law Firm. He has achieved jury verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million in an additional 20 cases. His achievements in civil litigation include a monumental $61 million verdict, the largest in U.S. history, in favor of individuals who suffered racial and ethnic discrimination and harassment that violated their civil rights.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and a disregard for societal biases, Chris took on a case that had been declined by 10 other law firms, as well as organizations like the NAACP and ACLU. His exceptional success in this case earned him the esteemed California Lawyer of the Year Award from California Lawyer magazine.

In 2016, in collaboration with co-counsel, Chris secured a groundbreaking $20 million verdict in an individual employment case in California.

A Pioneer Among Trial Attorneys

Chris Dolan’s expertise has earned him recognition from multiple California and national publications, solidifying his standing as a premier trial attorney and adept negotiator in the state. The highly regarded legal newspaper, the Daily Journal, has consistently listed Chris among California’s Top Plaintiffs’ Lawyers.

Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers have consistently ranked Chris as a leading personal injury and product liability attorney in Northern California. He has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell for his exceptional ethical standards and professional excellence, as evaluated by his peers within the legal community.

In 2010, Chris held the presidency of the Consumer Attorneys of California (“CAOC”), the largest statewide association of trial lawyers in the U.S. His dedication to advancing the rights of the injured and consumers earned him an award from the CAOC in 2013. Chris also served as President of the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (“SFTLA”) in 2016, receiving trial lawyer of the year accolades from both the CAOC and SFTLA in various years.

A Respected Voice and Authority

Chris is a sought-after speaker at numerous legal conferences in California and nationwide, where he imparts insights on optimal courtroom practices and emerging legal trends. His expertise has led him to become a legal expert on prominent television and radio programs such as CNN, Fox News, Dateline NBC, and NPR. Additionally, he contributes a weekly column to the San Francisco Examiner, addressing reader queries about new legislation and prevailing legal matters.

Championing Safety, Equity, and Constitutional Rights

While securing maximum financial redress for his clients remains a pivotal aspect of Chris’ practice, he recognizes that justice extends beyond monetary compensation. Collaborating closely with his clients, Chris has compelled local jurisdictions to rectify hazardous roads and intersections, as well as driven manufacturers to develop safer products.

For over two decades, Chris has fervently advocated for his clients, endeavoring to dismantle discriminatory workplace policies that cause emotional distress and hinder career advancement. His efforts extend to championing transgender rights, as evidenced by his recognition as one of the top 25 Attorneys Fighting For Trans Rights by The Advocate in 2016.

In the words of the CAOC, Chris invests his “heart and soul” into preserving equitable access to the legal system for all Californians, tirelessly striving to reform unjust laws. He frequently offers testimony before California legislative committees in support of legislation that advances consumer rights.

In 2014, Chris played a pivotal role in persuading the Legislature to enact a statute mandating ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to provide $1 million in insurance coverage, ensuring just compensation for individuals injured due to the negligence of ride-share drivers.