Donna Dougherty

My experience with the Geller Law Group, and specifically Donna Dougherty, has been nothing short of amazing. Donna is a skilled litigator who has the temperament, experience, and intelligence to navigate the most difficult components of divorce. Like many parents I felt as if my life was on the line when trying to settle a contentious custody dispute. If you are dealing with this type of matter, I highly highly recommend Donna's services. She has the steady hands of a surgeon in dealing with these complicated matters, and she will always be my first call in the future. Separately, she has a particular knack for coaching. Her ability to help put together a plan and coach her clients through it is one of her most outstanding characteristics. I cannot endorse her services more highly!!!!

Donna Dougherty was the steady hand I needed during one of the most stressful periods of my life. She listened carefully from the very first consultation and gave me clear options without ever sugar-coating the possible outcomes. She approached every twist in my case with tenacity and refused to back down when things became difficult. She spoke with directness that helped me understand exactly where I stood, yet she always delivered that honesty with real compassion for what my family and I were going through. She responded quickly to every email and call, explained each step in plain language, and came to every hearing thoroughly prepared. She ultimately resolved my case on terms that were better than I ever expected, and I finally feel like I can move forward. I would recommend Donna without hesitation to anyone looking for a dedicated, compassionate, tenacious, and highly skilled attorney who will tell you the truth and stand by you the entire way.

Donna represented me in a highly contested custody battle. Despite the many challenges presented to her and the difficult fact pattern, she represented my interests zealously. Throughout the litigation process, she was professional — always keeping me apprised of what was happening and my available options — and highly ethical. There were a lot of false allegations made throughout the proceeding by the opposing party yet Donna remained poised. Her cool head and ability to change direction midstream allowed her to always be prepared for the twists and turns the case threw her way. She fiercely protected my interests while keeping my expectations reasonable. I highly recommend Donna to anyone seeking a family law attorney. Her guidance, compassion and legal expertise were exactly what I needed during the tumultuous proceeding and I am pleased she advocated for and not against me. I think Donna is a superb attorney!

Donna Dougherty is an extraordinary woman and was a lifeline to me during a painful season of my life. I will forever be grateful to her for saying the difficult things to me that I needed to hear, acknowledge, and address. She knew exactly what to do and advocated for me like a lion protecting her cub.

Donna is the first lawyer I have met who is tough, has a sense of humor and a huge heart. Donna helped me through a custody dispute over my two daughters. I have had the experience of having to use other family lawyers in the past and Donna is the first one I have felt truly represented myself and my children’s best interests. She is an excellent listener and she truly heard and understood my position. I had a case that on the judicial scale is probably only a “three out of 10” but it was the biggest thing I had ever done in fighting for my daughters and Donna understood and respected that. I needed to feel like my lawyer was invested in my case, and she was. Her approach is professional yet approachable and she is willing to go to court when needed. This is something I have discovered that is not common in family law lawyers and in my case, necessary. I have also realized that it made my position stronger to be prepared to go to court and Donna is excellent at that. She knows how to ask a question that will get to the bottom line. She is always quick to respond to phone calls and was conscious of our budget, but willing to spend time explaining things as needed. Donna was straightforward about what the process would entail and accurate about her cost estimate. Should it be necessary I would also gladly use her services again!

The most critical skill any advocate or counselor can have is the ability to listen, to understand, and to support the client. In a situation as full of emotion as a family separation or divorce, it is even more critical. Donna has this skill in abundance. Her active listening style and calm demeanor provide a comforting setting in which to make the critical decisions required in these situations. In my case, Donna established rapport, and impressed me with her skills and knowledge of the law. She allowed me to vent my frustrations without letting me ramble on — she kept me focused and on topic. She listened and supported my wishes, and brought me back on track when I was tempted to escalate in response to my ex-husband’s actions. She had an uncanny ability to discern my ex’s motivations and provided an extremely creative solution to our dispute. She protected my interests as if they were her own. If you are angry and want to fight, Donna knows how to win. If you want to negotiate and settle, Donna will help you do that by keeping you on track and calming your anger. My spouse wanted to fight dirty, and Donna’s knowledge of law and procedure prevented him from bullying me. Her assistance during this incredibly difficult time in my life was the sole reason I reached a successful settlement, finalized my divorce and am happily getting on with my life.