DOUGLAS R. DONNELLY
Adoption Law Firm was formerly known as Donnelly & Evans, LLP. During the tenure of Donnelly & Evans, Michelle Evans and Douglas Donnelly worked as partners whose practice was solely focused on adoption.
Throughout Doug’s career, he handled adoption cases at all levels up to and including the California Supreme Court and was a frequent public speaker on adoption related topics at gatherings throughout the United States. He testified numerous times before committees of the California legislature and helped to write numerous legislative bills that have become law.
He is the author of several adoption-related publications including A Guide to Adoption, published by Focus on the Family Publications in 1987, and the co-author of The Complete Adoption Handbook, published by Zondervan Publications in 1992. He also authored the chapter on adoption law in West Publishing’s California Transaction Forms, a how-to set of books for attorneys.
Doug’s longtime experience and expertise were an integral part of Donnelly & Evans and helped lay the foundation for the evolution into Adoption Law Firm.
Admitted:
1977, California;
1978, U.S. District Court, Central District of California;
1987, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Law School:
Loyola University of Los Angeles, J.D., 1977
College:
Westmont College, B.A., cum laude, 1974.
Member:
Academy of California Adoption Attorneys (President, 1993; Chairman, Ethics Committee 1998-2014);
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (Chairman, Ethics Committee, 1990-1992);
Santa Barbara County Bar Association;
State Bar of California (Member, Adoptions Committee, Family Law Section);
Christian Legal Society;
Better Business Bureau
Biography:
Author: Adoption Chapter, “California Transaction Forms: Family Law,” West Group, 1998;
“A Guide To Adoption,” Focus on the Family Press, 1987.
Co-Author: “Complete Adoption Handbook,” Zondervan, 1992.
Fellow and Charter Member, Academy of California Adoption Lawyers (President, 1993).
Fellow and Charter Member, American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (Ethics Committee Chairman, 1991-1993)
Ratings and Honors:
Throughout his career, Doug received the coveted Martindale-Hubbell (operator of Lawyers.com) “AV” ranking and “Client Distinction Award.” Mr. Donnelly was also recognized as one of Southern California’s “SuperLawyers”®, an honor bestowed on only the top 3 to 5 % of all practicing attorneys. The Better Business Bureau has also awarded Mr. Donnelly a ranking of “A+,” which is its highest possible rating.
Reported Cases:
Adoption of T.K. (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 1412;
Adoption of K.C. (2015) 240 Cal.App.4th 1392
In Re Charlotte D. (2009) 45 Cal.4th 1140;
Adoption of Michael H. (1995) 10 Cal.4th 1043;
In re Kyle F. (2003) 112 Cal.App.4th 538;
Applegate v. Ota (1983) 146 Cal. App. 3d 702.
References Available Upon Request.
ISLN: 907801977