Dan Kelleher
Dan Kelleher focuses on real property transfers, title issues, boundary disputes, easements, condominium conversions, zoning, variances, permitting and associated aspects of real estate law and contracts. He regularly appears in- and out-of-court on behalf of clients with disputes involving government agencies. He has testified by invitation as an expert in front of government bodies on land use and redevelopment issues.
A former and present business owner, Dan understands the practical needs and fiscal realities facing the California businessperson. He advises clients on corporate forms and the particulars of contract language, drawing on his knowledge of finance as if their “bottom line” were his own.
Dan has many repeat clients who appreciate his expertise in and advanced understanding of real property transactions, and his informal, pragmatic approach to problems, as well as his easy-going negotiation style.
As a retired military officer, Dan has an intuitive understanding of problems involving the government. His varied experience makes him adept at anticipating and resolving bureaucratic snags, and he possesses a peerless knack for identifying and tapping into non-traditional sources of information.
As a military attorney he prosecuted courts-martial, represented the government on contract and real property issues, and negotiated and settled over twelve hundred claims against the United States. He acted as the Chief of the Claims and Litigation Branch for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Pacific Area, handling all government claims and litigation cases in Alaska, Guam, Washington, Oregon, California and the South Pacific.
In recognition of his contribution as a JAG officer, Dan was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, a prestigious award reserved for members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Post-military, Dan draws on his vast experience as an enlisted sailor, a commissioned officer, a government trial counsel and an advisor to Staff Judge Advocates to fight for the rights of his service member clients. He uses his intricate knowledge of the military system to craft individualized and creative solutions to the problems presented by each case.
He is a popular adjunct lecturer at St. Mary’s College in Moraga on subjects ranging from Real Property Law to Legal Technology.
Dan is a 1996 graduate of the University of California, Davis, School of Law. He has a B.S. in Computer Science from California State University, Chico, and years of experience as a systems and database programmer and project manager. His knowledge base in the computer arena helps our firm develop databases for use in complex litigation as well as effective and winning trial exhibits. He is a member of the California State bar and the Contra Costa County and Los Angeles County bars.
He lives in Vacaville with his wife, Sherri and their dogs, Davis and Shasta. He has two adult children, Sean and Jennifer.