Atty. Charles Stephen Donovan

Atty. Charles Stephen Donovan

Charles Stephen Donovan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy and restructuring, commercial lending and financial transactions, asset based lending and 8 other areas of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years.

San Francisco San Francisco 49 yrs experience 49 year
Call (628) 786-5132 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Charles Stephen Donovan at a glance

Charles Stephen Donovan is an Of Counsel based in San Francisco, California, practicing at Sheppard Mullin. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Their practice focuses on business, bankruptcy, litigation, adr, and international. Admitted to practice in Louisiana (1977), Massachusetts (1977), and California U.S. Supreme Court (1982). Educated at Cornell University (J.D., 1977) and Haverford College (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Memberships • Early Neutral Evaluator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Program of the U, S, and District Court in San Francisco • Held several positions of leadership in the ABA and the Maritime Law Association of the United States • Chair, Marine Finance Subcommittee of the ABA's Business Law Section. Serands clients in San Francisco, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Charles Stephen Donovan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy and restructuring, commercial lending and financial transactions, asset based lending and 8 other areas of law
  • Charles received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years
  • Charles practices at Sheppard Mullin in San Francisco, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Charles Stephen Donovan's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Charles Stephen Donovan handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Charles Stephen Donovan is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Charles Stephen Donovan is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Charles Stephen Donovan is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

Charles Stephen Donovan is one of 73,906 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in California →

International Law

International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.

Charles Stephen Donovan is one of 40,133 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Francisco are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Francisco or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Charles Stephen Donovan

Where is Charles Stephen Donovan's law office located?
Charles Stephen Donovan's law practice is located in San Francisco, California. The firm is Sheppard Mullin. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Charles Stephen Donovan handle?
Charles Stephen Donovan focuses on business, bankruptcy, litigation, adr, international. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Charles Stephen Donovan practiced law?
Charles Stephen Donovan has 49+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1977.
Where did Charles Stephen Donovan go to law school?
Charles Stephen Donovan earned their education at (J.D., 1977); (B.A., 1974).
How can I contact Charles Stephen Donovan for a consultation?
You can contact Charles Stephen Donovan directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Charles Stephen Donovan received?
Charles Stephen Donovan's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Cornell University
- 1977
B.A.
Haverford College
- 1974

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Louisiana
Admitted: 1977
Massachusetts
Admitted: 1977
California U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1982

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